[Chathamization]

> I still remember the screen names of folks I interacted with in and on IRC, AIM, ezboard, IGN boards, forums, etc.

> I only remember a handful of HN usernames and absolutely zero handles from elsewhere.

Same. It's strange that in terms of interpersonal communication, we appear to be worse off than where were 25 years ago with AIM and e-mail. Back then it was common to carry on pretty deep conversations and relationships with people from all over the world. Part of my nightly routine was going over the day with my friends (both near and far). I would send long e-mail to my distant friends on their birthday, talking about all the things that had happened in my life, and they would do the same. I'd even keep in contact for years with pen pals I had met all over the world.

There's no reason this couldn't be done today, but I suppose most people prefer the much shallower interactions we have now.