Whoa!! Let's see if I can answer each of your questions.
I was uncertain to say 2000, because I was briefly online back in '96/'97. But since I wasn't online very much at all, I wasn't sure if it really counted. Hence, my saying 2000--yet, with hesitation.
Can't afford what? I did describe my surroundings, remember? I can look out the window the see my neighbor's house across the street. Does that help?
I like a lot about this format. It's very user-friendly. This will sound weird (however, maybe not to you) but it allows us to change our "skins."

Personally, I love lavender!! Very nice and easy on the eyes too. Goes well with Kirei's purple eye too!!

I also like the way it's organized. It makes things very easy to explore. (I'm still exploring, though).
Besides the format, I like the forum itself. There are all kinds of really nice, intelligent, and fun people here. Anyone who isn't will stick out like a sore thumb because everyone else is!! Did that make sense??
I felt very glad to find it by accident!! I was doing research and pulled up a link to this place. Believe it or not, I actually knew the answer to a question about a building in Japan. If you knew how little I know of Japan, you would appreciate that!!
