Be sure to check the forums sometimes, checking new posts is a good way to see what threads are active, and if the thread is in your interest. However If you're just browsing through them, be sure to check the dates as some are years old and are long dead.
You can browse the forums and comment on posts you like, you can join the chats and lerk there like I do lol, or you can try messaging people directly if they interest you. Just be sure to check if their profile is set to private or not first.