No not important but meeting friendly people with whom you share a common interest would always be worthwhile.

I like to think that I have already personally met and liked many people who may be regular contributors, without ever knowing they were.

It is a bit like knowing people from different areas of your life, like those at work. It would nor be necessily important to meet them socially, but if it happened, it should be OK.

But would meeting each other risk changing the online relationship or view you had of each other? I think the possible risks of this were covered in 'The Jug' thread recently.

We receive and offer help to each other and advice on the forum. We would probably do the same had we encountered each other in a different context.

It might be pleasant to meet, but it is not important.

I do think it quite important that someone far away, who may be feeling a little isolated can feel that there are among friends being brought together on this fine online community. Meeting up someday is a possible bonus but not a realistic or an important requirement........