For the newbie questions:
1. Through google. I've been aware of it for many years, though.
2. 10 years, give or take a year, as it is one of many fandom I look through for content.
3. Not sure about a fursona, I have a common avatar I use from place to place, but I just am myself for it. (Edit- Thinking of the question, I do have a background and characterization of it, though.)
4. I enjoyed the laid back, silly atmosphere of most fan creations. I never though NSFW type but to each his/her own.