AND the point jj makes about 'sense of community' is a really good one - extremely valid and important.
It's the fact we do also engage in talking about other stuff that means we get to know each other more as people, so you feel much more inclined to know who to trust (and go the extra mile to help out) AND to go to meets with them. And then when you do go to those meets, you're able to meet up and chat much more easily with people you've never met before.
Heck, I drove 200 miles to a meet in Bristol for someone that was leaving the country that I'd never met before, because I 'knew' quite a few of the people through the forum so I knew it wouldn't be a problem getting on with them.
Can't say I've had that feeling on plenty of other forums I've been on over my lifetime.
I love cars, but I sure as heck don't want to just talk about them ALL day - there is more to life!

