Spring 2002. Can't recall where it was linked - maybe the Tomato site? I think that was my primary interest at the time. I remember I was following various forum sections, but I was really drawn to the level of debate in World. Some fine minds here, I thought. When I finally plucked up the courage to post something, it was stupidly long and hilariously provocative, and I think Rog just replied something like "Well, that's one way to make an entrance."
Looking back, it was a very strange time in the shadow of 9/11 - sort of felt like the world (lower case w) was slowly unravelling. At least from the point of view of a twenty-something Brit starting to take an interest in politics. This place helped me make sense of much that happened in those highly charged years, and I've valued that opportunity, and several of the people who post here, highly.
Posting less now for a variety of uninteresting reasons, most of which amount to "time is ticking by, I need to sort my shit out".