shrines

Internet shrines are an important piece of early Internet history. Prior to the existence of the centralized social networks we enjoy these days (looking at you, Tumblr), one had to seek out individual websites, usually dedicated to a single piece of media, in order to connect with other fans. Dedicated fans created online shrines for multiple reasons: to provide information about a game, to share their enthusiasm about a piece of media with fellow fans, and, above all, for fun.

For more information, here is an excellent explanation of this now nearly forgotten fan phenomenon.