Well, let’s see…most of my significant relationships (engaged now, FTR) have been with dopers. Most of my close friends (save maybe 3 or 4, really) are dopers. Most of what I know that I bring up in daily/weekly conversation is because of this place. And then there’s that whole validation thing I’ve been getting in bits and pieces for the past … almost 4 years now. That’s helped a touch;)
I wrote a novel because of this site. Seriously.
Back in October, I came upon a thread about outlining - should you, shouldn’t you, etc. elfkin477 posted a sample outline with the evocative phrase “Something about a duck” in it. A few clicks later, this phrase still banging about my head, I was introduced to the concept of National Novel Writing Month. I thought it sounded like something fun to do. “Something about a duck” mutated into “There was something about that duck,” and I was off. A month later, I had a finished novel in my hands. When I went back to reread it, I was shocked to find that I didn’t hate it. So it’s still around, now in a revised form, and if I can get it up to speed, I might even try to publish it. I only hope elfkin won’t sue me for stealing that phrase.
Gives me the chance to bounce stories and essays off an appreciative but critical audience without having to wander around begging my friends and acquaintances to look at them.
I’m also working on a 1920s style death ray. 
Made some good friends.
Have had some good dinners.
Read some good books based on Doper recs.
Expanded my worldview.
Made me a far better debator.
It seems like we’ve got a pretty good variety here, just about everyone who’s commented has at least met some friends. I guess I can’t really say any of it is surprisingly unexpected, but interesting none the less, I wonder if just staying here long enough will work it’s way into affecting me in some other way.
Well this site has definetly affected me a lot, mostly for the good. About a year and a half ago, I went through a huge crisis in my life, and reading the SDMB was a good way to keep my mind off of things…Eventually I went to a local Dopefest, and most everyone I met that first time has become a good friend to me. I met more and more people and three of the people who I consider my closest friends right now are Dopers. I even dated two different Dopers (and am still friends with them). Dopefest are some of the most fun parties I have been to! I even hosted a Dope cookout a couple of weeks ago! Basically I am greatful for all the friends I have made. They are such a diverse bunch of people and all very awesome. I don’t think I would have been able to get through the past year and a half without the support of people on the board and Dopers in real life! 
Thank you SDMB!
Are the clowns after you?
::::::::must resist::::::::urge::::::::::where::::is:::my:::Sarcasm::::patch?::::farkit.
So, Crank, how long have you been a Master debator?
I use to be the Last To Know What Was Going On.
Because of this place, I am the First To Know and Know The Facts.
Some times, when the planets align, I can actually get the facts from the rusty hard drive of my brain to do a hook up with the verbal communication skills ( a variety of hand gestures - some that would be deemed indelicate - are usually needed.) to make me somewhat comprehensible.
So, this place has made me smarter, yet has taken away my ability to communicate like Koko the Gorilla.
:::flings poo:::::
[QUOTE]
So, this place has made me smarter, yet has rendered my ability to communicate like Koko the Gorilla.
[QUOTE]
:::flings poo on myself::::
Oook oook.
For the record, Koko has much better coding skills than me ---------------> :wally
I left Canada and married a Doper.
If I had to choose just one thing from here that’s affected my life, it’d be the hookers and blow.
I hav e learned a lot of factual information from what I read in GQ. I finally understood what the whole Theory of Relativity thing was all about after reading all the posts about it. Perhaps in a more practical sense, I’ve learned that many people have the same feelings and opinions as I do on things I used to feel I was alone on. The SDMB also gives me something to do when I am bored at work. Nothing really life-changing, though I am sure the eventual outcome of my life would be different if I hadn’t spent time here.