[Quiet Man Cometh]

For starters, don't worry so much. :p.

I'm one of those people who's fairly shy in real life but not so much online, but it also helps that I've been on forums before and the slight anonymity online helps with not feeling so vulnerable if that's a concern. I don't think you need to worry about being judged either. I used to be concerned about that but ultimatley, I haven't actually found that to be an issue much. I may not have always given people reason to like me, but that doesn't mean that I given them reason to not like me.

If you want to start posting more, maybe start up a thread yourself in something you are interested in, such as a movie or a game over in the entertainment forums, or a topic in general in the community discussion. People with similar interests may show up to chat and that gives some common ground to start with. You may find yourself talking often with particular users based on similar interests and friendship can develop from there.