The "academic internet" wasn't nearly as impressive as today's internet.
I am (un?)fortunate to have my first memories around the time of the first private networks being connected to the internet (late 80s).
Back then, the internet was run by academics.
It wasn't until the 2nd or 3rd round of commercialization efforts that it really became compelling.
So the structure of the internet is because of the academic beginnings, but the actual content (data, apps, etc.) are IMO b/c of desire to acquire wealth.
I am (un?)fortunate to have my first memories around the time of the first private networks being connected to the internet (late 80s).
Back then, the internet was run by academics.
It wasn't until the 2nd or 3rd round of commercialization efforts that it really became compelling.
So the structure of the internet is because of the academic beginnings, but the actual content (data, apps, etc.) are IMO b/c of desire to acquire wealth.