If memory serves, I remember a time when BEA was soliciting donations to buy new server gear. They made it (obviously) and in return donators got months free access. Now, of course, its _the_ spot to gravitate to. Maybe one of the sysops knows the exact date (and it would be nice to see a look at the original home page). Either way it's a great site, well worth the money, and hopefully a source of pride for the owners/sysops.
Good question...
RD