What makes print somewhat different is that you have to have some sort of
investment; with the web, you don't even need to own a computer.

Yes.

Having to put out cash up front in order to use the press helps keep a lot
of really woohoo stuff in the closet.

I see no evidence of that in a time where conspiracy theories, esoterica
and similar stuff sell, not to say excellently. Hey, Erich von Däniken
made a living out of it starting thirty-something years ago!

Jan