Every decision we make is predicated on our past experiences.  Your past experiences have created a "proceed with caution" approach which is understandable.  It is appreciated.

Having said that, here are a few thoughts that occur to me...

Good communication starts with good planning. 
1) Set goals... SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time bound). 
2) Tell people what the goals are for the next month and quarter.  If you think it's relevant, explain how the short term goals relate to some BIGGER, long term goal... (ie, why the quarterly goal is important to achieving the larger goal of colonizing Mars... etc.).
3) Pour all effort into achieving the monthly and quarterly goals ON TIME. 
4) Communicate on a set schedule... (every other Tuesday at 7p.m. PDT??) and don't deviate from it... don't give in to the urge to toss a bone simply because someone wants it.  Consistency in communicating will become a valued attribute of this project.
5) Openly own the wins and losses.  If we fail, tell it and why.  If we succeed, tell it and why.
6) Pick 2 or 3 modes of communications and limit it to that.  Have members of the community share to other venues if wanted, but keep YOUR communications laser focused...

just my 2 cents.