I'm a newbie blogger. I admit it. I'm even fairly new to Active Rain, but I like what I read. I find myself wondering, however, if you as a community find this type of networking to be valuable, and if so (I'm assuming everyone does), in what context?  I'm an ex-training administrator of a corporation, so I  know the value of attending meetings, and networking within the corporation, etc. I can see how Active Rain could become addicting and certainly very educational. What I don't know is how to go about actually making the contacts that would enable me to help someone and mentor them, or to find someone who would be a good mentor for me. 

Do you feel that's what this kind of networking is about? Or is it just a friendly format for the exchange of information.?  I know I've learned a lot just in the past few days, reading the posts and looking at profiles.

It's late and I'm probably not making much sense. Bottom line - what do you expect from Active Rain, or any other blogging community? Or do you "expect" anything? Is it more networking in a social sense among peers, or do you view it as a way to gain contacts? 

Just some random thoughts as I'm trying to make my brain slow down after a busy day and myself tired enough to sleep.......... All you experienced pro's - feel free to add your two cents worth!