I don't spend much time in Indianapolis. It's about a 45 minute drive from here. It's nice to go shopping there once in a while, but the traffic sucks.
The first thing you should know is do not take it too seriously. It's a bulletin board, not your life.
When you see bump, someone is bumping a thread up to the front page, or to the top of the page. More people will see it if it's closer to the top.
It's huge fun.
The playground is kind of warm and fuzzy in a good way. The people are nice and mostly non-threatening. The general board can be a little scarier, but it's quite a good time. Just don't let the "regulars" get to you. The amateur picture forum is wonderful. I definitely suggest you check that one out, and the stories, too.
You should check out all of the forums, see what you like best.
The playground is listed right below this forum on the little forum jump thing under my post. It isn't a private chat room. See it down there? A very convenient way to hop around from place to place.