Multiplayer Minecraft Experiences Sought

Do you play Minecraft with friends? I’m interested in hearing from people with experience of multiplayer Minecraft, with particular emphasis on the following points:

• Have you played in other online worlds, and if so what were you playing before you came to Minecraft? How did you come to change from the previous game to Minecraft?
• Do you feel a sense of community with your fellow Minecraft players, and if so how does it manifest? Do you play at the same time, or at different times? How do you communicate with other players?
• What are the best aspects of playing Minecraft multiplayer instead of solo? What makes it worthwhile?
• What are the worst aspects of multiplayer Minecraft? What do you wish you could change, or what irritates you about playing Minecraft with other players?

Please share your thoughts over at ihobo.com!