I recently joined and plunged right in. I was inspired to overcome my jitters about responding by DocJohn's sticky about how active participation increases the benefits of using the forum (you can find it in the new members/introductions section). It's increased my enjoyment too, and gives me even more food for thought than just reading ever did. Try it.

You'll probably have noticed it's a supportive, insightful and sensitive group. I'm sure many people are nervous about responding, but think about how much you've benefitted from what they've had to say. The thought that I have as much of a say - and as much of a right to say it - as other people, or that I have anything to offer, doesn't really come naturally to me. I have to remind myself every time I hit the send button. But I think of it as being like a kind of group therapy. No one, including yourself, will benefit from what you have to say if you don't say it.