Why are you a member of LSF?
Well, getting into visual novels was kind of a natural progression. i have always loved stories and art and have been interested in mixing the two. I tried comics first, but I have stuck with visual novels much longer. Why am a specifically a member of this forum? I like it here, I like the feeling of belonging, I like the challenge of intellectual conversation, I like the matching of skill and interests. It makes me happy -^^-
What is a visual novel, in your own words?
A computer game combining literature and visuals that utilises branching story methods. They can also combine a number of other game functions such as Sims, mini-games, rpgs, puzzles and point and click, but the focus is generally on the story and characters.
How has the community evolved over time? How fast does it evolve?
I think it both does and doesn't evolve. it evolves in terms of content (for example the switch in focus from BxG to GxB that everyone talks about), but the overall structure seems to stay the same. The people may change and it may get bigger, but I think forums tend to always remain the same somehow?
Does LSF have any practices or "rituals"?
Argues? I'm not sure, there are groups of people that partake in certain rituals, but I'm not sure which one's a lot of people are involved in. I do agree that everyone is generally pretty positve and focused on improving, which is nice. It keeps things fresh and moving.
How do we know who "belongs" or "doesn't belong" in this community? (For example, how do you differentiate a 'newbie' from a 'veteran' or how do we recognize a 'troll' or 'spammer')
Well, trolls and spammers stick out a lot like they do everywhere, so that isn't a big deal. Belonging is harder to explain. Apart from the whole post count, I think one of the biggest indicators and how others react to a person. There is a familiarity between those that hang around here a lot. They know each others projects, past posts and debates, stance and preferences. You start seeing 'people' rather than just an internet tag. It is very... interesting. This is the first internet community where I have actually felt I belonged to some degree, I don't know how it happened, but once I signed up I haven't left XD though I do always get a little surprised when someone references me directly. I guess I'm a little shocked people notice me for some reason?
What is its history?
I haven't been around long enough for that really. I have seen some of the big events, but have only heard of many others. First hand knowledge of such events also helps mark a veteran from a newbie.
How does LSF use language to communicate? What about other ways of communicating?
There is a lot more proper english than in a lot of other internet communities
As well as lots of geek and japanese jargon.
How do members of LSF recognize each other?
I recognise people by their names mostly, since profile pictures do change. If I see them around long enough I get to the point where I have a feel for who they are, what they do and do not like, what projects they are working on and what they are good and bad at.
What physical traces, if any, does this community create?
Well, considering we mostly work in the digital realm, not a lot. Though the more popular and driven stuff gets to print, which is pretty awesome.
Oh wellz......... xD Oh my god! Yay! I just looked again and my status has been upgraded to REGULAR 
