Ever wonder why we are here?

Okay, the title is more existential than I initially intended, but hey, I like talking like this.

Anyway, this is more directed at creators than fans and lurkers, but it applies to everyone in my opinion.

I was just pondering exactly why I am a part of this community (more the expansion than inflation but I digress) and still strive to be. This has become more potent now that I have lost connection to my tablet and scanner, like the drive is stronger when I "can't" participate. Which got me thinking... why is the drive so strong anyway?

I mean, this isn't about my connection to the fetish or anything, this is more about the community and the urges I have to create and share with it.

As an aspiring artist I have a long way to go, my own idols outside and within the community are more accomplished than I feel I could become. (At least without a lot of practice) But why do I feel such a strong desire to root and stay here? What compells me to create for the expansion and inflation communities?

And of course what drives other creators?

I've given it some thought and think I've narrowed it down a bit.

Most obvious is simply an expression of a fetish that is being given to a larger audience, that creating expansion is like "scratching an itch." It needs to be done and feels good doing it.

Then is what I have seen but think might be close minded, I say it because the temptations to do it are great. To establish a foot hold in a smaller community more willing to "buy" content from willing and talented artists.

Next would be a need to feel part of a larger group, and "lurking" isn't enough to feel like a true part of it. So one strives to join it and feel like part of a niche group.

Or more deviously, some aspect of arrogance that feels accomplishment at watchers, favourites, and comments. An attention seeker.

Then what about those that simply find or are good friends with members of this community, that creation is more about gifts than anything else? An expression of affection if you will.

Now, there are probably many more reasons, and an infinite number of drives to be a creator, but I list these because they are ones that I think are a part of the reason I create and share. Why I feel such a drive and why it makes me feel good. In all technicallities, I could just log out and share my expansion fetish with my romantic interest and never come back. I know because I have started to just share pictures with her and chat about it casually. I could get just get my "fix" out in real life. But some large parts of me feel at home here, feels a drive to stay.

So I wonder how other creators feel. Why stay and create?

I'm just the curious type. ^_^