I'd had bettas for more than a few years before I joined this forum. I started with them in college because I couldn't take any of my other tanks with me. Before you ask, he was in a cycled and heated 5 gal tank. I have always been a person to do extensive research before I buy a pet. That one blue veiltail from Walmart was with me for three years.
After not owning a betta for a few years, I got another one about a year ago. My addiction started when I joined the forum. And then I got another one when I learned I could divide a 10 gallon tank. And then I got two more when I found some old 10 gal tanks in the basement. So ya. This site is really what started the addiction. But I'm topped out at 5 bettas right now. No more than that for me.