I had never had an interest in astronomy at all untill march last year.. I was a very keen photographer, however I'd never seen or even heard of astro-photography... I was doing google searches for example of long focal length photography, one of the google results intrigued me.. It was a picture of M20. I clicked on it and it brought me here... I signed up that same day, had bought my first telescope after much helpful advice after 2 weeks.. and from there, my interest in astronomy has far surpassed my interest in terrestrial photography.. The only things I've recently taken terrestrial shots of is my telescopes!
IceInSpace started my interest in Astronomy, It has nurtured me through the earlier 'beginner' stages.. and continues to provide all the information and help I might need for any given situation.
Above all else, its the friends, both the ones I've met and spent quite a bit of time with, and the ones I talk to regularly via msn or other chat..
IIS is a fantastic resource, and a general great place to be!