I haven't written anything here yet because I can't actually remember what it was like when I joined the old forum... I think it was back in 2009 pretty much straight after I bought my first copy of the magazine. Nor do I feel my art has developed in leaps and bounds
(I could wish, though.) But I think what has meant the most to me will continue right here in this forum and it's two things:
1) An outlet for the art I create (even if I suck at finishing anything). I don't know why but I'm not the kind of person who's content to draw something and then hide it away in a drawer (not anymore anyway! guess I was as a kid...) Being able to share my images keeps me interested in continuing. I know I feel better when drawing and painting - a long hiatus will make me feel down and irritable - but even so I would probably do less of it, if I couldn't share it with anyone.
2) A community of like minded people. Everyone here loves art and fantasy and sci-fi and quite often the same games I do, like MMO's and such. I have a few real life friends who share those interests but it's not on the same level. None of them play the games I play. Few if any of them read the same books. At work, none of my collegues share these hobbies or interests... My father, an artist, thinks fantasy art is a "fad". My mother thinks imaginatory things are unnecessary. So if I didn't have this community I would probably feel very isolated and lonely. Not to mention bored!
So, the IFX forum gave me a lot but I'm very happy that I can take it all with me to where we are now. And thanks guys, for being geeks just like me!