Here at perlmonks from most I know what or who they are in real life... Mostly by reading what they post and somethimes visiting their homenode/site.

I don't meet random people online because I only spend time online to gather more knowledge and a occasional game. I don't really like to chat realtime. Sometimes I do but not enough to establish good contacts!

Am I anti-social? No I'm not in real life. I go out sporting four times a week, three times a week I go to the pub and I often visit (where I don't tell what my job is 'cos they would laugh at me) a techno-dico where I go dancing. I don't have problems to talk to unknown girls and I'm rather succesfull at picking them up :)

But online I can't put in the effort and commitment to join in on a regular base...

For online Communties same rules will apply as in real life. There are people who like you and dislike you. There are social statuses and people will envy them or don't bother about them... There will be social types and less social types. Idiots and smart guys. Bullies and altruistic people, etc.

Just don't forget real life is also important! And try to join both well! --

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My opinions may have changed,
but not the fact that I am right