These past couple of days, I've been really wanting to be able to see some of the online discussions pre-99 just to see the contrast in attitudes of people. Maybe its just me, but thanks the mixed reaction to the prequels, the controversy over the Special Editions and the divisiveness of the EU storylines; these days I see a decent amount of discussion relating to it (even light hearted) tinged with an undercurrent of at best snark and at worst cynicism and slight bitterness.

Now granted I'm saying this likely with some unjustified rose tinted glasses towards my own youth, but back in the 90s, I don't know there seemed to be a sense of greater optimism and positive geek energy about everything related to the franchise. Star Wars, even in lesser forms (Kevin J. Andersons's more dubious literary contributions for example) was plain fun. Hell even with the typical back and forth debates (Lucas's plans, Ewoks in ROTJ, Palpatine's clones, etc) they still always seemed good-natured.

Again its likely a reflection of my own adulthood, and there's a good chance someone on here will explain that discussions and arguments could get just as embittered and nasty 15 years ago, but I don't know, just seems like there was a genuine sense of hopefulness to the whole franchise that's sorely lacking these days.