[Dalewyn]

>Frankly, I don't know of any other hobby with a comparable amount of gatekeeping.

Personal computing, and particularly FOSS.

>the hobby just lost its luster. It used to be this magical way to connect with friends and strangers. Now, cell phones and the internet make it a lot less magical.

I surmise personal computing tomorrow will be the ham radio of today. We're already seeing the disillusionment among the masses and particularly the young.