Yikes, it's definitely been a long time.
I can remember my first post, which was a debate as to whether or not Squaresoft's return to making games for Nintendo would be a good decision.
My impression of the Fungi Forums at that time was not very good, or rather, my impression of the members. I distinctly remember joining the forum with the idea in mind that most of the members were rather immature. I also came in with an extremely condescending attitude, often referring to the other members as "kids" even though at the time I wasn't much older than, or at least much older than the "invented ages" of many of the members. I had been lurking for a long while before I had joined, and that is mostly where my opinion was formulated. As for active members of the time, no one who currently visits TMK was posting regularly. (With the exceptions of Insane Steve who joined shortly after myself, Cashcrazed, and MamaMiaMario who occasionally pops in.) However, there were a few older topics which had appearances by Lizard Dude, Deezer, David Dayton, and many others which had popped up again for discussion. One of which was the Religion topic where I had posted frequently and I believe began to keep my own pompous attitude in check. I took leave for some time for no reason other than lack of interest, leaving the occasional post here and there. Eventually I got back into the routine of posting regularly, and more or less managed to keep that at a steady pace since.
When I joined, I didn't expect to be welcomed. As previously mentioned, I had every bit of confidence in my opinions and often came off rather strongly. I wasn't worried about being accepted, nor being labeled a "Newbie" as I can remember making clear to MamaMiaMario in a rather old thread. I was really just interested in having a good discussion with other intelligent members.
So, because of that, I guess you could say I didn't imagine becoming as involved as I am now. I suppose the only reason I'm still here today are the members like Chupperson, Sapphira, Lizard Dude, Marionut#1, Insane Steve, ect, who are all also members I got to know as well as I do during the advent of "Club 86' " and various other fun topics that you don't see so much of anymore. I'm not sure if I should say so or not, but I'd say it was definitely during that period of time that I had gotten the most enjoyment. Not to say there's anything wrong with the forum or its members currently.
It wasn't until some time after that the chat room was brought up and running, and I've checked in there often since its conception.
I also recall Markio's "Herbal Essences" thread, and seem to remember it fondly.
All in all, I've had a blast here, and will more than likely continue to do so in the future.