I spend several hours weekly visiting a handful of industry discussion boards, and have done so for a few years now. I go to these 21st Century versions of the 'local pub' to keep myself up with what's on the minds of those that post; I learn a lot about the degree of industry training and education that's out there! I also learn from some of the answers that are given; the replies tell me almost as much as do some of the questions ... they keep me in-touch.

I receive a half dozen webmaster newsletters monthly, so I can have a hand into that industry as well, since websites are so very critical to our consumer residential real estate mortgage loan industry. I spotted some stats in one of them a couple of days ago - about discussion board visitors. These are the reasons that newsletter reported about why people frequent discussion boards: 78% - Meet people 47% - find entertainment 38% - learn something new 23% - influence others. Kinda fascinating.

By the way, if you're not a major league baseball fan, the league champion contests ar eover - the World Series starts tomorrow in Detroit 4:30PM (Pacific time).