I honestly didn't know, but in my experience, there have been few subjects that at least some FReepers don't have an opinion on and some expertise in, and the news gets so darned depressing sometimes, I think a lot of us need to focus on some of our other interests to relax. It's nice to be able to do it with other FReepers.
I'm not really surprised this thread is still going. People like to talk:), epecially about things they enjoy:). I also talk alot on a horse thread that is on it's third thread of over 5,000 posts, in less then a year.
With the amount of people on FR you could probably post any "hobby" topic thread and have the thing continue on forever. FR people are never short of opinions and advice:)
Becky