I like it because it gives me a chance to do cool things like mod my computer and think of new and different ways to use bitcoins (or namecoins) and hear other people's thoughts on those ideas.

It also gives me the opportunity to learn more about economics and security all in one neat package. I read a post on here the other day that had a debate about deterministic wallets that got REALLY detailed in the security of passwords. Something I would've had no interest in otherwise. But I learned a lot and have since changed my passwords to be much more secure lol.