Also there are several types of people who write on the forums, so they are not a homogeneous group. Some people only read these writings, some only talk about music, some like to talk seriously, some are trolling, some are more lounge-focused etc.

It takes a bit of intelligence to comprehend the scope of a forum, and there are quite a few people I know personally that wouldn't be able to comprehend the concept. On the other side of the coin, I see a bit of loneliness in people who are forum goers. Possibly, seeing the interactions as a way of self assertion. So for what I've seen, people who frequent forums are lonely intellectuals mostly.

People on drugs.

Stop watching me!

*moves away from window*

Haha. And you.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Obviously the trolls don't count.

It really depends on the forum and I can take a guess that members will lurk here because of all the music sharing. As a stalker myself well... I always imagine how your bedrooms would look like because the pictures in our head are strong while socializing on the internet. ;) I've been on forums for 10 years now. People put a lot more effort posting on forums. It creates a certain depth that makes it attractive. Liiterary, it's more educational.

You find a forum with subjects you like then relatively it's easier to become involved in some sort of community. It's a public arena, you'll get to know people you've never met or have been introduced to just from posting, and you get to talk about so many things. It's exciting in a way.

I don't necessarily agree with the lonely part though. It might be true for some people but not everyone that attends forums regularly. They have lives outside of the forums and some people only visit while at work or while at school to fill up boredom time. Some people only visit for an hour or so while at home then go on with their social lives. It definitely varies.