I think your slot machine analogy is right on. I do the same thing. We sit and pull the handle (or click the mouse) over and over, hoping that this time we'll get the gratification we've come to need. It's usually disappointing, but we get just enough to keep us coming back. The question is whether or not the reward is worth the time spent. It's a good thing we don't have to drop in a nickel every time. I feel that there is too much to gain here just to walk away (this despite my own recent absence), but a lot of the time I spend here could be put to better use. When interesting people are posting in interesting threads, or there's a good conversation going in the chatbox, that's one thing, but when it's dead and you're just desperately squeezing the forum for one last drop of juice, then it's time to step away for a bit and do something else. How best to do that is another matter entirely.
