I'd like to think its some sort of hazing ritual, but that doesn't make sense online as it is unnecessary, crude, and accomplishes nothing and only serves to piss people off. This isn't good considering new members need to feel welcomed here in at least some capacity.
One thing is very certain to me however- like any other site, organization or club, there is an inner circle. If you are not a part of this circle you are ignored and your posts are ignored even if they are excellent posts.
While most of my posts are responded to, there have been instances where no one commented at all (I'm not talking about my art by the way, just my general posting). Now, I could have chosen to think that it was because they didn't like me, or I could have gone with what seemed more reasonable- they agreed with me, and nothing need be said because I said it perfectly and carried the sentiment over well enough that they didn't need to capitalize on it.
As my posts tend to be thought out and proper, I'm more inclined to believe that its because people agree with me more than they disagree. Just because you don't have people agreeing with you doesn't mean they don't. Although I will admit, it does feel better when people post, just to let others know as well.
Usually my posts provide an opening for interjections from others stemming into either serious conversation, or banter. Either is good under the depending circumstances.
If you feel you are being ignored, maybe its because you don't yet have a 'presense' here, and/or that presense isn't quite felt yet. I know I have a presense, and it took me a while to gain it. I assume it is like this for anyone that joins. If its attention you want, then post on issues or something. Thats the way to start getting it.
Even if the inner circles ignore you, for whatever reason, you can count on people in your situation, past or present, to talk to you.