I’ve learned a whole lot more on this board than I’ll ever be able to contribute. In the few fields in which I’m considered a quasi-expert by my real life acquaintances, I’m kind of a noob here, but from time to time I’m able to share and help with some stuff in music or computer-related threads. The greatest pluses for me in reading/posting on the SDMB are:
Getting an insight into the American/international perspective on things (I’m from Germany).
(related) Improving my English skills, especially in conversation, since I’m rarely able to use them in real life. I’d really like to know exactly by how much my vocabulary has increased since I joined the board two years ago, but I can tell by the fact that I virtually stopped using a dictionary when reading English books that it’s significant.
The only answer I can have here is ‘yes.’ I mean, fine, great philosophical issues and all, but I’m learning as much about music here as I am anywhere else.
I’m here to amuse myself and get laid, thank you very much. Which is, really, why I do pretty much everything.
Though I have learned a thing or two along the way. Mostly by accident.
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The latter has not worked out as well as one might have hoped. Fortunately, as when you’re not getting laid, you can always fall back on amusing yourself.
I do more learning than teaching. Partly because people know so much more than I do, but also because usually by the time there is something I can share, somebody has beaten me to it.
Not to get sappy or anything, but you guys have made some real changes in my thinking, and I appreciate it. I’m not sure I’ve actually changed any opinions totally, but I do understand a lot more of what other people see.
I lurk more than post; I’ve lurked here for…who knows how long, and only just registered a few months back. I love lurking here and just reading whatever threads look interesting. I’ve asked for advice a few times. Occassionally I post in threads that seem fun to me too.
