Why do you write?

I recently got into an argument online about this question. More specifically, I got into an argument about the answer: "Because I have to."

I think that answer is a cop-out. Moreover, I suspect that half the time it's pretentious. It smacks of: "Oh, you poor, feeble-minded pleb, you couldn't possibly understand the grand, high, powerful motivations that drive me to pour my brains out onto unfeeling paper."

Delivered with suitable melodramatic gestures, of course.

I feel that if someone asks you this question, you owe both them and yourself at least a modicum of thought in your reply. And don't just brush it off with 'because I have to.' Why do you have to?

I write because it makes sense, and because it's fun.
I write because it's what I do, but that's another cop-out.
I write because I'm good at it, but that's only come recently.
I write because I want to experience everything in the world. Every little thing. And through writing, I can.
I write because solving the problems it throws up is the most exhilirating sensation.
I write because I get satisfaction out of arranging my thoughts on paper.
I write because I have to, for all those reasons.

What about you?