ATOT is how I got into DC. I had found Anandtech originally because I was looking to build a PC, and wanted to know what hardware was best, and recommendations. etc.
Once I found that out, I started checking out the forums, and hanging out in ATOT. But that craziness was too much, and after a particularly wild topic in ATOT, I checked out this forum.
I saw people helping each other, respectful, and having fun. Even treating questions by newbies as though it was the first time that question was asked, even though it was probably the 100th. No flame wars (or few and far between) for asking questions.
And here I've stayed ever since. Once in a great while I'll pop into ATOT, just to remind myself how good I have it hear in DC. 😀