For me, I would say coding and support is one thing I like to offer that makes me want to be a part of forums, but it's also the ability to chat with like-minded people on subjects of similar interest and sometimes just a way to blow off steam.
I began joining forums when my daughter was born and I needed an adult around to talk to when my husband was at work! It was fun at first joining a local dial up community and then I got into the ones on the world wide web later on. I've made some really good longtime friends throughout the world through forums.
