Anchorhead said:

Why is this place so different? Other than the obvious (desire for OT), why is this the place of choice for open, intelligent Star Wars discussions?

This forum is not as strictly moderated as the more "official" forums, and freedom of speech is given more than simple lip service. On OT.com you don't feel as if you're closed in like you would on TFN; there's no oppressive feeling that you've got to keep to a narrow path, all the while holding your breath, and that should you ever deviate the slightest bit from that path or take in a full breath of air a pack of ravenous wolves will bring you down and tear you to shreds.

That's the way I feel, anyway.