So I had just gotten TF2 (for Christmas, as I recall) and had been popping around different servers, searching for places I could hang out. When I played lots of CS:S, I'd found a couple of servers where people weren't complete jerks, and hoped for at least the same from TF2.
I saw a map called "Lazytown" was available, and decided to give it a go. I liked the map, and hung around. While I was playing, some dude (alas, I forget the names) was working really hard at recruiting another player, and I saw the eGO website address pop up several times in chat. I finally decided to come by, and figured I'd sign up and give it a go. GardenGroveVW approved my app, and I was off and playing.
When I really felt like a member of the community, however, was when xRomanticDeathx, who is no longer around, chided me for complaining about losing in a PM. It was something along the lines of, "we expect eGO members to adhere to a higher standard." After that, I felt like I had an extended (if cartoonish) family, and was hooked.
(Yes, I know. TL

R)