Friends, men with long hair, excuses to make stuff; to which I now add, excuses to get weird books out of the library. I like the worldwide social network. I like being appreciated for my academic bent. I like meeting people who have nothing to do with academia.

Sounds like the reasons I'm attracted to the SCA. Although I might add that I love the camping, tents, campfires, noises of other people rustling around nearby, and tasty food. And looking at all the cool things people make.