Yep.
These forums provide a wonderful opportunity to become a participating member of the pipe smoking, collecting and enjoying community. I lurked here for a few months before finally joining up and posting, as my knowledge base has grown and my circle of pipe friends has expanded, it has become clear that one of the ways to continue to grow both is to attend a show. Hence my plans to be in Chicago this year.
-- Pat
PS - I would also say that these forums also played a significant role in helping me learn how to clean and refurbish estate pipes, identify and date pipes, understand tobacco types and learn who's who in blending... among other things.