It's a wonderful tradition, actually. Dickens and other writers of his era published their works in newspapers; it broadened distribution because the general public could afford newspapers but not books.
On the Web it makes the same kind of sense; if the readers like it, they keep coming back to your site, and if they don't, you haven't invested in an entire book to find that out.
Slashdot Mirror
Strangest place you've ever built a data center?
"That'd be the butt, Bob."
We've finally achieved Tao of Physics computing!
Why is the jar useful? Because it contains emptiness.
Added prediction: in the comments for every Slashdot "Cringely posted an article" post, someone will ask why Cringely is relevant.
There will be a reply citing his use of a Pringles can to extend wireless range as proof of his coolness.
On the Web it makes the same kind of sense; if the readers like it, they keep coming back to your site, and if they don't, you haven't invested in an entire book to find that out.