annej - 7:06 am on May 13, 2008 (gmt 0)

But being part of the community is important, so we frequent other forums, we participate in social websites, and most importantly, we go out and socialize with people in the real world.

Exactly! You have to judge for yourself if a discussion forum, etc is right for you. But especially in a niche it's good to be known by the people active in the niche and they will help spread the word about you just as you will support them.