Don't you rather mean telnet or mailing lists since the www has only been around since 1993.

On topic: I think the the practical use of philosophy is that it can work as a valve or even catalyser for expressions of mind.

We are blessed/cursed with our mind and philosophy gives as satisfaction, without satisfaction of any kind we would be much more aggressive and lonely.

I think the word itself is very selfexplanatory as it means love for wisdom. And we seek for wisdom.