My fiancé and I are long distance, and have been from starters. It definitely is difficult, but I think that if both are eager and dedicated, it can work. Keltar and I actually only met IRL one year after we got together, but we had talked so much and been in touch almost every single day, that it helped a lot for us to make all work both online and offline.

I know that we enjoy as much spending hours on Skype (webcam or not) or even in written communication (IM, email). There are still way to surprise the other as well with a little attention, including sent through regular mail (even when it takes ages due to a damn ocean *sigh*).

Good luck for making things work with your boyfriend!