My experience is very much similar to Rob's. I joined twelve years ago, and I am now twenty-four. This place has had such an impact on my life for exactly half of my life, like Raistlin. I found it during a time where I needed to connect and be close with people, and so much more has come from it than I could have ever guessed. I spent a lot of time away in my teen years doing things teens do, but I've always managed to come back. This past 16 months or so has been the most active and consistent period I've been apart of for many years.
Livejournal has been another huge part of my life in relation to EoFF and even though it's nearly dead now, 98% of my friend's list is comprised of EoFFers and I feel like that site helped us all grow closer together. My life is still an ongoing open book there (sortof, it's private) and I will continue to keep it going, goddamnit!
I've moved many times in my life since joining this site and I've had to leave many friends. EoFF has always been there and I always know that wherever I go, it will still be there.
I've made friendships and had relationships and come in contact with so many people that I care so much for. I've had dozens of meetups, moved across country, made international travels for people and have made friends with some of the best human beings I have the pleasure to know all thanks to this site. It is very important to me.