I frequent 3 other forums related to computing. I go there to learn and if I can to help others.

When I came across this forum and saw some of the threads, I thought great. A chance to have a rant about Tony Blair; a scoff at people who believe global warming is caused by man; a chance to have a sly dig at religious people, all under the guise of intellectual debate.

Well, I've had my rant, scoff and dig and can tell, after only one day, that my motivation for taking part in these forums will change.

I was wondering, what motivates other members to reply to a thread. What is it that drives you to bother taking the time and expending the effort to write down your thoughts? What do you get out of debating the issues presented in these forums?

Why do I ask? Because I questioned myself and my motivations and wondered what the rest of you thought.