I don't get it, isn't it already easy to run your own server in a closet at home? You need a static IP (which is still very common, and getting easier with IPv6

I don't get it, isn't it already easy to run your own server in a closet at home? You need a static IP (which is still very common, and getting easier with IPv6) and a linux box that is always plugged in. It's less convenient that renting a VM or VPS somewhere and that is again less convenient than a fully managed web presence, but you can do it.