Anecdatum: I have maintained my web site since 1995 and have my own domain since 1999 (http://t3x.org). I have never had a "business" nor have I dreamt about big money. Give me back the old internet anytime!
I have started an 'old internet' like website about 3 years ago and I love working on it. It is my space of creativity and freedom. If you want to check it out it is in my bio.
I think the reality is that no one really want these websites anymore.