Greetings

I would think 450 topics are rather a lot so I guess I could be a starter.

Depends on the forum really, if I'm joining a small forum I post small amounts gradually posting more to work my way into the community.
If its a large community you have to start topics to get known.

You know when your in a forum when people quote or refer to you in a topic which you didn't start, which is a good way to keep posters coming back, as you will find that ones that don't feel apart of this comunity leave.

I have way too much experience using forums!