It was created by people that 1. could afford a computer back then and saw the utility of owning one. 2. had access to the internet, so either in college, a 't

It was created by people that 1. could afford a computer back then and saw the utility of owning one. 2. had access to the internet, so either in college, a 'tech' company, or ties to some local collective that provided access. When people say 'the old internet' they are referring to a very self selective/elite group.