[ksec]

>A question from someone a bit younger:

I mean.... likely more than "a bit" younger :)

1. Computer not always available. A lot of the time it could be a "Family Computer". Not "Personal Computer".

2. There were far more detailed discussions than today, but computer are not portable so you want to read it may be while you are in bed.

3. Access information has a cost. Not only does it take time on a dial up modem. Transfer ( In terms of Data / bytes ) isn't free and depending on settings / locations / plan you could be paying for it per visit.

That is from someone who used to print a lot of internet out in university.

[yreg]

Well, I'm over thirty, so I do remember metered connections and life without a smartphone. The shared computer reason explains it completely, thanks :)

[gumballindie]

From your initial comment I assumed a 14 year old to be fair.

[yreg]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I just used to read books before I had mobile data. Never thought of printing out a discussion forum and don't remember anyone else doing so, that's why I was curious.

[dr_kiszonka]

Sometimes people would post stuff that would be handy to have while away from the computer. In the late 90s, when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was taking off, you could find black belts sharing advice on discussion boards (often very detailed). I would print it and take it to practice.

[doubleg72]

Damn really?? I have stacks and stacks of discussions from forums and various tutorials I printed off while at school to read later on at home. Everything from bind9 configuration to gun building.. On occasion I still pull some out to review.