What's happened to T'Internet web?

I can't write a hyperlink nowadays without it rewriting itself to add sneaky extra bits. And I can't put words * in asterixes * to denote action any more, without them being italicised.

Grrrr. Is this Internet 2, or whatever they're calling it? Well, you can keep it. I know what I want to type, damnit!

* Drags self into 21st Century *