I think that what sets this type of apart is its position as a response to the fatigue people feel from social media in its current form. I don't think something like this would have resonated as much when social media was in its infancy.
True. Also in the very old days, people actively "went online" at certain times. Dial in the modem, visit the Internet Cafe, things like that. A web community would better be ready and waiting.
But then on the other hand, there have been a few years between that time and the present...
