[@tex] Personally, I've been keeping up with all of the stories here. Sometimes it is a lot to read, and other times I can't read because I'm laughing to hard to continue. Every area has interesting things going on, and occasional odd situations that arise. Like a Mareep covered in String Shot using Rollout, Katamari Damacy style.

I personally encourage reading what happens outside your bubble if you have the spare time. As Whimsley said, it is by no means required to continue though.