I continue to log on because this is the first place I have discovered in ten years of surfing the internet where I can have honest, mature discussions with quite a few intelligent and educated people about subjects not only related to Japan, but world affairs, the economy, religion, history and such without being ridiculed and flamed into oblivion.
This is perhaps the only Japanese forum where the moderators and administrators do really moderate and admin in order to keep things smooth and friendly. Flamers and trolls are put in their place and it is quite evident. I have met quite a few really nice people here whom I hope to meet in person in the future (Hello Lex!) and with whom I have developed a nice rapport with through e-mail an PM.
That is why this is the only forum I have donated to and will continue to do so on a yearly basis. It is worth it and I truly look forward to logging on here every morning after a nights driving. This forum keeps me alert at night as I am often mulling over in my mind how I will answer a particular post or thinking about an interesting post I had read that morning and what that poster was trying to convey even if I didn't agree with him or her.
I mean how many forums can you go to where you can discuss the intricacies of Japanese culture, discuss oil prices, whether Japan is wrong for not apologizing for their actions in China during WWII, Is GW Bush an idiot, Life in Europe and other countries, life on other planets, religion, Vending machines, Uncle Frank's fetish of looooong black hair and down home honest answers, kirei na mei's eyes and honesty in her posts, Lexico's unending knowledge, Dutch Baka's wife, Rudel's marriage, Flash Jeff's love of Pink Lady, Geno's thurst for knowledge of Japan and excellent thread starters, Mars Man's excellent discussions on religion with Paraousia and others, Mycernius', Maciamo's, and Smoke's interesting thread starters, Tsuyoiko's love of Simon and her most interesting answers to most posts, misa j.'s love of hiking and the mountains of NY, Sabro's love and quest for knowledge of his faith, Mike Cash's quick, witty, on the mark short answers to all posts, Ma Cherie's thurst for knowledge and interesting posts, Kara Nari's search for a home, Da Micci's neverending quest in learning Japanese, Elizabeths neverending input and excellent knowledge of the Japanese language, Mad Pierrot's input on Japan and threads like how many hours do we sleep in a night, and then, on a whim, find a quick recipe, for a quick Japanese meal?
I know I've left out a few other great posters, but to me this is the only place to find everything I enjoy discussing in one neat place where people are mature and down to earth.
Geno, to answer your question, that is why I continue to log on.
