Why Are You Still Here? A Curious Question

[Frigus]

Hello everyone,

I recently revisited Physics Forums after a long hiatus (about 4-5 years) and started catching up on the recent discussions.

What immediately struck me—and what inspired this thread—is seeing so many of the exact same user names in the "Latest Posts" section who were just as active when I was last here!

To the dedicated, long-term, and continuously active members of this community:

• What keeps you coming back and contributing regularly after all this time?
• Is it the joy of teaching/helping others with their physics questions?
• Is it the intellectual stimulation of specific sub-forums or topics?
• Do you view it as a form of continuing education or a hobby?
• Or is it simply the community and the friendships you've built here?

 

[JT Smith]

I enjoy pedantically correcting minor errors of virtual strangers I will never meet in person.

For example, your first bullet item should really be the header for the subsequent bullet items.

 

[Borek]

I am asking myself the same question.

 

[Borg]

For me, resistance would be futile.

 

[DaveC426913]

What keeps you coming back and contributing regularly after all this time?

• Is it the joy of teaching/helping others with their physics questions?
• Is it the intellectual stimulation of specific sub-forums or topics?
• Do you view it as a form of continuing education or a hobby?
• Or is it simply the community and the friendships you've built here?

Yes.

 

[256bits]

Doctor's orders.
He recommended 3 Likes a day, giving or receiving,

PS Kinda Like that Did You Hug a Random Stranger thing that comes around every so often.

 

[Hornbein]

Politics, spam, and silly beliefs are banned and rudeness is discouraged. These rules are diligently enforced. Such service is rare on a free site.

Mostly the same topics come up over and over but every now and then I learn something.

 

[weirdoguy]

I like seeing crackpots banned. Especially when stupidity is triumphing in real life.

 

[Astronuc]

• Is it the joy of teaching/helping others with their physics questions?
• Is it the intellectual stimulation of specific sub-forums or topics?
• Do you view it as a form of continuing education or a hobby?
• Or is it simply the community and the friendships you've built here?

As Greg has mentioned in the past, caring and sharing with the community, as well as the intellectual stimulation, and learning (continuous education). I believe that the members of the community are likewise curious, are interested in learning and are committed to sharing accurate information.

 

[pinball1970]

• Is it the joy of teaching/helping others with their physics questions?
• Is it the intellectual stimulation of specific sub-forums or topics?
• Do you view it as a form of continuing education or a hobby?
• Or is it simply the community and the friendships you've built here?

For me, mostly reading posts, threads then following up where I can on references given by the experts.

All your above points also to different degrees.

The system Greg has set up and the way it has developed with the mentors over the years is what sets it apart for me.
The site has also attracted top notch posters who have stayed around luckily.

Even music threads will get the treatment, evidence, citations, links please or claims are empty, hammering home critical thinking and evidence- based arguments.

 

[SredniVashtar]

"Use it or lose it"

 

[gleem]

I remain here because it is one of the few places where I can engage with others whose knowledge, opinions, and insights I respect.