The best of comic book characters have dwelt in sewers, so I guess I'm not in bad company when I admit to having dwelt on the DC Message Boards for more than ten years. Although I realize admitting this here will immediately mean I'm considered persona non grata from now on and I'll have to give up my CBR veteran's pay (which is worth less than a Baldie or a No-Prize).
During the time I was on the DCMBs--in its multiple forms and fora--I was never banned. I might have had the odd post taken down. I rarely got into fights with anyone. There were a few odd posters who took a dislike to me for reasons I could never understand. But I never once used bad language there (and I try to keep that standard here and elsewhere). I showered every day. I met many great posters--a few who have passed away--and I learned a whole heck of a lot about comics from people who were way way way smarter than me. I learned respect for other people and their beliefs. I improved my writing skills and learned a few things about the weird ways of the internet.
I would not be the man you see before you now (well use your imagination) if not for those years spent on the DCMB. I can't say it was the best use of my time. I could have been building sewers in third world countries. But I have nothing but a lot of love for all my fellow sewer dwelling friends and foes from the old DCMBs.