1996
Started playing Space Crusade, which shortly after i started learning the rules for 2nd ed 40k.
1998
The release of 3rd ed. Before 3rd ed i had only about 50 models. As soon as it was released i bought myself about 2500 points worth of Space Marines which i painted as Black Templars. Only reason i chose the Templars was because they were easy to paint lol.
2000
The release of Codex Armageddon, the rules-boost that put a big smile on my face!
2002
The release of CSM 3.5 (quite possibly the BEST codex EVER written). It was an automatic switch to the dark side. They offered so much customization that it made every game interesting and fun. Ended up settling with Alpha Legion towards the end of 3rd ed and early 4th ed.
2003
Got myself the 3rd ed Tyranid codex, and a heap of termagants and genestealers, as well as a few other random models. Probably only 1000-1200 points worth all up. Played a few games with them but nothing major.
2005
After the release of 4th ed in 2004 i played a bit of it but went out of the 40k scene somewhere around 2005. Tried to keep an eye on certain happenings (releases of codices etc) but never played.
2005-2008
Didnt play 40k. Played a variety of other games and had other hobbies.
2008
Came back into the game, and realized that Nids and CSM had new codices. The Nid one came out pretty much when i stopped playing, and i didnt even realize.
Pretty much from 2008 on, i started using mathhammer a lot and put a lot of effort into playtesting certain tactics and lists. Between 2008-2009 i evolved a lot as a player, and became somewhat "Cheesy".
Today
Templars are long retired. Nids are now retired as the new codex killed my playstyle (pity as i bought 3 Trygons

). CSM are semi-retired as i used way too much cheese. Now playing Orks since the release of AoBR, and starting to consider IG if i can sell off all my SM/CSM and Nids.