It was just a year ago this month that I installed my first Linux OS. That was Mint 9. I knew nothing of Linux, and was not very computer savvy. I found it much easier to learn than expected. I soon left Windows behind.
I decided to try LMDE, as an experiment on a spare hard drive when the 64bit version came out last Dec. I knew that it would be a "challenge" as it was recommended for more advanced users. But wanted to try and learn.
Long story short. LMDE is now my main operating system. I have tried 10-15? other distros, but always come back to LMDE. It works exceptionally well with my hardware. The Rolling aspect of it is another big plus. I feel the 6 month release schedule of most Ubuntu based systems is much too frequent. The general "look and feel" of it is the best of any Linux OS I have tried. So many other distros have real crappy font rendering. I have tried many desktops, but always come back to Gnome. The future of Gnome has me a bit concerned. I have tried both Ubuntu with Unity and Fedora 15 with Gnome 3. Not real comfortable with either one, but its too early in Gnome 3's development to give a fair appraisal.
At present I have my original Install (cheated a bit like "zerozero" with a coulple of Clonezilla recovery's)
This one is tracking SID, which honestly is not all that much more effort to keep stable than testing.
LMDE changed my whole interest in computers and OS's in general. Before I just "used" Windows, now I spend time daily learning more and more about Linux and LMDE.
I probably would have left the whole Linux thing behind, if not for this forum.
Its invaluable to learning and maintaining LMDE.
I have been a member of many varied forums over the years (most non-computer related), and must say that this is one of the most very civilized (very little bickering, or elitism found on so many forums), and so many knowledgeable people willing to freely help.
The forum administrators do a great job without being overly controlling.
I can see LMDE becoming "THE" Linux operating system.
The effort being made now with "update packs" is a good start in making the OS more friendly to folks new to Linux, and those who do not want to spend time "maintaining" it.
I am anticipating all the new changes coming down line.
I expect some rough edges, but I feel the development team is doing a good job, and am anxious to see what LMDE looks like on its 2nd anniversary...
Thanks to all the developers, and to all contributing forum members.
Its a pleasure to be a member here.
one year ago we were (i was 
) d/l and installing this new beast 
) i discovered a great community here, that helped me.
), XFCE is to plain for my taste, so I tested few gnome distros. LMDE is just perfect for me -> very fast, debian based with mint polish. 