In the mid nineties many early web users had their own web space with a "fancy" (back then) static website in Frontpage/Dreamweaver, it was more or less hassle

In the mid nineties many early web users had their own web space with a "fancy" (back then) static website in Frontpage/Dreamweaver, it was more or less hassle free. Back then the ISPs usually provided free webspace and free email accounts. If everyone has access to a hassle free webspace with social/cloud software (blog, image sharing, file directory), then there would be less need for a central service. Obviously, things have changed. Maybe the OP is talking about that.