Hey leedsfan,
I use the search feature and can usually find what I want. I spend a lot of time on boards and can usually get the answer I want and post in the right forum accordingly.
I post on the boards for networking, fun and to learn and share information. Kitty and I have met so many wonderful people, sold sooo much content, formed partnerships and benefitted in soo many ways. Also boards are great for branding your product and many people have clicked on my sig, leading to much more biz.
Before my online career I owned 2 houses in Sydney by the time I was 18 all because of the power of networking. Boards make networking so much easier.
Many people realise the effectiveness of word-of-mouth advertising yet remain not quite as aware pf the value of networking offered by forums.
Like most things, it's all in the way that you use it!