Yes, when I was a kid the concept of a community terrarium was mostly what appealed to me. It didn't always end well, obviously, but this was back in the 60's and 70's, so the bigger problem for a country boy like me was the extreme lack of herp care knowledge that was available. Lack of proper housing and food were the bigger threats facing whatever herps I could get my little hands on in those days. I did learn eventually, of course, but at the expense of many small native herps- and a few from whatever pet stores I could get my mother to drive me to.
Fortunately, people starting out in the hobby today have many advantages; better information, the availability of better equipment, feeders, captive bred specimens, and lots of fellow hobbyists to network with. Unfortunately, too many of those new hobbyists don't utilize all of these advantages, and stubbornly insist on learning the hard way.
I have to admit, though, I haven't entirely given up on the idea of mixing species. If one is thoughtful and careful, it can be done.