Although Great Skate has been in our community a little over twenty years, the story of roller skating dates back much, much further.  Where does roller skating come from?  There is some confusion and disputing stories behind skating, however the video "The History of Skating - Part 1" http://youtu.be/AKsR3ngpvEE provides a great introduction to roller skating history.
No matter how it started though, it's definitely not the "same ol' skates".  Going from metal wheels to plastic to rubber coated, adding ball bearings, changing the skate surface and line of wheels has had dramatic impact on the skates and agility of skaters.
Although skating started as a mode of transportation, a faster method to get from here to there, it is now a recreation sport.  Competitive sports such as:  Speed Skating, Roller Derby, Roller Hockey, Roller Dance or Artistic Skating, etc. have added a new dimension to skating.  It's the thrill of speed, agility or grace while gliding along on wheels; a sense of flying.
What is your history with roller skating?  What's the attraction?