Comment by oenton

> Everything was for sure simpler, but also the requirements and expectations were much, much lower.

This. In the early 2000s, almost every day after school (3PM ET) Facebook.com was basically unusable. The request would either hang for minutes before responding at 1/10th of the broadband speed at that time, or it would just timeout. And that was completely normal. Also...

- MySpace literally let you inject HTML, CSS, and (unofficially) JavaScript into your profile's freeform text fields

- Between 8-11 PM ("prime time" TV) you could pretty much expect to get randomly disconnected when using dial up Internet. And then you'd need to repeat the arduous sign in dance, waiting for that signature screech that tells you you're connected.

- Every day after school the Internet was basically unusable from any school computer. I remember just trying to hit Google using a computer in the library turning into a 2-5 minute ordeal.

But also and perhaps most importantly, let's not forget: MySpace had personality. Was it tacky? Yes. Was it safe? Well, I don't think a modern web browser would even attempt to render it. But you can't replace the anticipation of clicking on someone's profile and not knowing whether you'll be immediately deafened with loud (blaring) background music and no visible way to stop it.