The community has a strong in-group feeling to it. I have read most of the sequences and visited the site on and off for a few years. I always feel like an outsider.

I feel like there is a higher standard then there is on other websites that I typically comment on. It makes me feel less inclined to post and comment, when I otherwise might. Even on a very casual place like the IRC, I still feel like an outsider. It feels intimidating to join a conversation, compared to a regular IRC, or a random forum.

I can't say that these things are bad. Strong communities and high standards can be good.