I agree with Ray, I like to be able to see a little info about people. I have been on a motorcycle forum since 2004. We have a big reunion get-together every year and several smaller ones throughout the year. Some of the people that I have met on that forum have become closer than some of my family members. We all know where everyone lives, what they do for work, what they ride all because they/we have entered in a little info. Joe asks where is the best place to buy a rear tire, everyone knows that Joe is from Atlanta so all of the people around Atlanta chime in. It's not mandatory, but it does help to know a little about who you are keyboarding with.