I always add my two cents..
Truth be told, I think that people get out of the boards what they are looking for. If someone is looking to be a fool and do nothing but post jokes then obviously they're enjoying a message board as a social outlet. Each of us has that right! Here and there across all boards there are good, useful threads where there is something to be learned or some valueable information to be shared.
I'm new to this board but as many of you know I post frequently on other places. I've met Lee several times in person and we've always gotten along but I think it's premature to write off any of the boards as being places where business isn't getting done.
I've discovered with my posts elsewhere that tons of business is generated by the boards. Being able to take advantage of the opportunity is up to each one of us. There is this AMAZING silent majority out there of reasonable, rational webmasters... even quite a few that are hardworking and honest. These aren't always the people that are speaking up on the boards. However, I can say that I've enjoyed the response off the boards that I get (on ICQ and the phone) when I've taken the time to make posts of substance or opinion on different subjects.
Take Oprano, for instance. Any inference about a lack of growth means absolutely nothing to me, as I have come here as a new user. The reality is that I know every different board truly represents a different sphere of influence. For my time spent here to be worthwhile I need not be read by hundreds of webmasters... all it takes is one good relationship to make everything worthwhile.
Virtually all of us that do this for a living are workaholics. For me, my hobbies and my business are one in the same. So when I visit a place like a messageboard it is most likely dual purposed and functions as entertainment and a productive use of time for me.
Cheers,
Brad