Let's see, my name is Charles. I started playing D&D 2ed in '96 at the ripe age of 19. I've tried other games and many MMOs and always come back to D&D. It has held my attention and devotion for all of these years almost exclusively (despite the mathematical nightmare that was THAC0). I live in Texas and have for most of my life. I have lived in a tent for several consecutive years while I worked the Renaissance Faires all over the country.
I've DMed a bit. I'm usually the rules lawyer in my groups and I can't roleplay to save my life (or my character's). I like reading massive stacks of rule books and playing with the stuff that catches my eye. I'm not much of an optimizer, though the idea is intriguing. I'd rather find a theme for each character and play toward that than be the very best there ever was at what I do.
Artificer is my current favorite class, but Wizard is a close second. I've yet to find a group that really lets an Arty shine since the groups get smaller the older I get. There don't seem to be as many new players getting into the game and that's sad.