I have decent social skills, but they developed long, long after my bbs writing skills developed. I learned to communicate online before I learned to communicate in person.
But I eventually did learn to express myself in person. Most of this resulted from my beginning to understand people more. See, I'm basically just your average geek, but there is hardly anyone like me in Arkansas. And before the Internet bubble, geeks were neither admired nor powerful. So, if you can't identify with anyone around you, how in the hell are you supposed to communicate with them? So I was very shy. People's reaction when I opened my mouth taught me to not open my mouth if I could help it.
Anyway, i'm quite proud of the transformation i've made. But i'm still much better at debating topics online. I'd probably lose any serious debate in person.
Sycamore, I'm the same way when I start a new job. The first three months, i'm very quiet. I generally take the time to take measure of the atmosphere and make sure I understand where everyone's at. Only then do i start getting really vocal. I think it's smarter that way. Less chance of accidentally offending people that way.