Welcome Michael! Due to the direct competition for jobs in a given area, many shoppers are not thrilled with the notion of getting together with folks in their area. Where shopping is more of a hobby than a business, then shoppers tend to be more willing to work with folks in their area.
One of the interesting aspects of a forum is that you can share with folks from all over the country, get ideas from them, and get to know them. When I have travelled around the country it has been fun getting together with friends made on forums. Last time was over lunch, which of course was a shop in and of itself. But we didn't get together talk shops so much as to meet in person.