I've been in the fandom for almost exactly 8 years now (probably a week or so more actually, but who's counting XD).
Been a while since I sent out a journal for this type of milestone. I still remember finding the fandom back then. Researching something for school, on google, and finding furry art. From there, I found the VCL art archives...and then YiffStar, which is now SoFurry...and shortly after that, I made my way to FA. I've been through many of the blackouts and downtimes of each one of these sites...some lasting less than a day, others up to a month. Back then, sure...it was annoying, but other than that, nobody gave a shit XD
Free sites, free services...tons of traffic...downtimes were expected, Hahaha.
But yeah...8 years and going strong...here's to another 8 at the very least!