random websites of people you'd stumble across while looking for information.
the time and energy they put into documenting a specific niche that interests them, on their own website.
"hand crafted" html, however ugly
the lack of adverts and focus on content quality, over style.
less css - letting the browser choose the fonts based on your preferences
web rings and hand craft lists of "my favourite sites" and "my friends" websites.
-- the early-mid 2000s