Isn't this just because there were fewer people online back then, and those who were online were more likely to be intelligent early-adopters with reasonable manners and a good job (to be able to afford a £1,000+ computer and expensive internet access)? It used to cost real money and take technical effort to get online and publish.

Nowadays, for better or for worse, any child with a mobile phone can - and does - spout off online, on Twitter, on messageboards, etc.

I like to discuss radio online, and I remember the good old days of alt.radio.uk and similar Usenet groups, full of interesting discussions with people actually involved in the industry.

Nowadays, the web-based messageboard equivalents are filled with kids plugging their bedroom internet streams, and obsessive ranting about radio stations that is frankly bordering on the insane. One of the popular UK radio-related boards is pretty unusable these days, because any real discussion is drowned out in noisy ranting and one-liner posts.

I just think it's an effect of everyone and his dog being able to send off comments without any thought needed.