Ancient curse.
Ours, or yours? 
First one, then t’other.
I’m a professor; lecture mode comes naturally to me.I do have a propensity to have my say and then amplify it with what are really hijacks (yes, I am aware of it).
In addition I have posted “how to” questions, usually computer related on GQ and invariably get a helpful answer.
Oh I never know when to use them properly but I couldn’t be arsed to find out for the sake of a quick joke.
It was either this place or the soapbox on the street corner.
I started off being very interested in listening to posters share insights into their area of expertise – like Stranger on a Train comes immediately to mind, but others as well.
Now it’s just a bunch of arguing about stuff, and that really turns me on.
My last time-killer job had a lot of down-time and high-speed internet and I already lurked for a fair bit so -------- it seemed like something to do. I’ve met a few Dopers and I generally enjoy the company. And even with the few who piss me off on a regular basis, its almost in a good way - challenging me to think my views through.
And force of habit; this place can be addictive.
I wish to be among those first to be devoured.
I like to argue. I like to test my assumptions and worldview to see what flaws are in it. I enjoy discussion and like to see other view points as it broadens my own thought on various subjects that interest me. I think it’s worthwhile to tackle even tedious CTs and those that advocate them and hopefully help those on the fence or who just don’t know that much about the subject to see some of the facts and make a more informed decision on which way they will lean wrt the CT in question.
The human drama of intellectual competition (as Jim McKay might have said).
The place is also a fount of arcane and occasionally useful knowledge.
Me too.
It has the best debate culture of any board I’ve been to. Lots of informed people who you can have discussions with.
I don’t post often but I read daily.
I always tell you guys when I post that I come here as you’re not only fabulous 
but mainly because you’re the most intelligent people I know on the internet.
I usually post as I’m pissed off at a certain poster and I’m unable to hold it in!
In my “real” life there are very few people that share my political views, watch the movies and series I like, are interested in the hobbies I enjoy…etc. At the Dope I can find all of that and much more. I can read posts by people that hold opposing political views, hate the movies and shows I like and have hobbies that I have no interest in. But, they can make the case for their views and opinions better than most people I encounter in the real world.
Judging by your low post count, you must have beaucoup self-control. People have only pissed you off 91 times (not counting this post) in five and a half years?
We need to step up our game, people!
So people will have something to snark at.
Most of the people in my everyday life are not inquisitive about the world around them. They simply “bebop” through life; they preoccupy themselves with entertainment and busywork, and don’t seem to care “why things are they way they are,” or how things work. The lack of intellectual stimulation when I interact with these folks bores me. Which is why I love the Dope… I get to read thoughts, ideas, and comments from (very intelligent) people who seem to have a genuine curiosity about a subject matter. Furthermore, grammar and punctuation on the Dope are an order of magnitude better than any other forum on the Internet. Put another way, the signal-to-noise ratio on the Dope is at least 10 dB higher than any other forum.
I also enjoy teaching, so I will post if I believe I can contribute something positive to a thread.
Less inane than other boards. More irritating but less inane. I go back and forth.