There have been a lot of good answers.
I know when I first came to FCF it was from the letters posted.
At first I thought the posters were the most unchristian folks with all their fussing going on.
They gave me a warm welcome and advised me to stay around and read and get to know them and then see if I still felt the same way. You didn't have to stay to long to see the "family" would love, defend and and chastize each other.
I think the articles were a definite hit and generated a lot of debate.
Also, I think the DT was also another main factor. Many people say that they don't want to hear gossip, but they are just as interested in what is going on around the organization as those who posted.
I came here to learn more indept Biblical dept. Hence, you will find I have started many threads in that regard, asking questions and trying to get valuable input.
I also have enjoyed the threads such as recipes. Now who can out sing and cook than us?
I have laughted, I have cried, and have opened my eyes wide and reread a post again to be sure I read it right. I have learned and I have shared.
Forum life is different and I have enjoyed my time spent with most folks here. I have gained respect for some folks I have never met and look forward to meeting even more.
But to make it a success it takes the posters. If you don't see the kind of thread you like, start one.
If someone takes a shot at "you" not your post, report it!
We can't possibly read every thread and every post.
But it takes all of us to make it work.
It takes "you" to input the kind of input "you" like, and know there are most likely others that agree with you.