Open Thread Update: The End of a *Bop TWEE!* Era
In our previous discussion, we explored readers’ memories of AOL and the early internet, discovering that many were online before AOL even launched.
Pre-AOL Internet Adopters
AOL was not the pioneer of the internet! Reader Sheldon reminisces about Delphi, while Reader Malcom preferred Prodigy. J Nowak was a fan of Compuserve, and Reader Linda S, a Computer Science student in the 80s, shared her experience using an acoustic modem—check out her story in the comments. Reader Sylvia even had a custom-built computer in the early 90s, and Reader Peggy credits the Internet with saving her career!
The advent of dial-up internet sparked new career paths for several Senior Planet readers.
In 1978, I was writing industry publications about electronics and video, including VCRs, cable TV, and home computers. I started hearing about interactive technologies and companies such as QuantumLink (AOL’s predecessor), CompuServe, and others. Recognizing their significance, especially with major companies like AT&T and IBM showing interest, I launched my own publication to track their progress. It changed my life and shaped my career. Early Adopter!
-GH
Vintage Tech Love
Many readers, including Dr. Jeanne and Virginia S, expressed their fondness for older technology.
I not only still have a DVD player, but I also have a VHS player and a landline. Oh yes! I recently remembered that I have an MP3 player, otherwise known as an iPod, and it still works. The beauty of these older technologies is that I don’t have to constantly download updates. My cell phone doesn’t run my life, and I don’t trust the Cloud. I remember not being able to use my phone while on AOL, and I don’t miss that.
-Virginia S.
WHOOPS! Dial-Up Downsides
Many readers shared their frustrations about being unable to use the phone while online, but few can top Debbie S’s experience.
Not so fond memories of AOL and the initial internet! My stepson lived with us, and we knew he spent a lot of time on the computer. We could hear the modem dialing up to connect. He was/is a computer geek, so we thought he knew what he was doing—until we received a $1,500 phone bill!
Read Reader Carol’s lovely comment about finding a second ‘family’ on an online bulletin board, stating, “I’m still friends with one of them after 30 years.” A special shout-out and thanks from Reader Vesta:
I currently live in Plattsburgh, NY. I have learned so much from Jesse & Nathan about using all these new tech devices, and I’m still learning! I can now FaceTime my extended family (even those far away). I can take photos and create albums, photo books, canvas prints, calendars, cups, and glasses—all with my photos. I now know how to use Spotify and Canva, find recipes, and make flyers! My whole life has changed.
We’ll keep the comments open for a while so you can share your thoughts. Meanwhile…
ORIGINAL COLUMN
When AOL and dial-up service first launched in 1989, it marked the dawn of a new era. Installation CDs were ubiquitous, often used as coasters or makeshift frisbees. The mail carrier delivered hundreds of them each week.
Now they are in the Smithsonian, alongside other relics of early technology, like VCR players, Blackberries, and pagers.
At the Time, Though…
AOL was a transformative technology. Imagine having all that information at your fingertips! The ability to connect across distances to find bulletin boards for sharing information, news, or hobbies was heralded as a new Golden Age.
Uh huh.
The first time my husband and I logged on, we downloaded every Simpsons catchphrase available at the time.
Remember this?
Now, 36 years later, the internet has evolved into a Goliath—or a Godzilla, depending on your perspective—impacting every aspect of our lives. Whether you use it to watch cat videos or employ AI to diagnose x-rays, the internet has irrevocably changed our lives, society, and culture forever. And it all began with those silly little discs.*
YOUR TURN
What impact did AOL and dial-up have on your life and on society and culture? Do you still use dial-up? What other vintage tech do you still own and use?
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers and blogs about New York City life. Send your “Open Thread” suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
*If you live somewhere without connectivity, don’t lose hope. Providers like NetZero and Juno still offer dial-up if you live in areas with limited or no other internet access.
In our previous discussion, we explored readers’ memories of AOL and the early internet, discovering that many were online before AOL even launched.
Pre-AOL Internet Adopters
AOL was not the pioneer of the internet! Reader Sheldon reminisces about Delphi, while Reader Malcom preferred Prodigy. J Nowak was a fan of Compuserve, and Reader Linda S, a Computer Science student in the 80s, shared her experience using an acoustic modem—check out her story in the comments. Reader Sylvia even had a custom-built computer in the early 90s, and Reader Peggy credits the Internet with saving her career!
The advent of dial-up internet sparked new career paths for several Senior Planet readers.
In 1978, I was writing industry publications about electronics and video, including VCRs, cable TV, and home computers. I started hearing about interactive technologies and companies such as QuantumLink (AOL’s predecessor), CompuServe, and others. Recognizing their significance, especially with major companies like AT&T and IBM showing interest, I launched my own publication to track their progress. It changed my life and shaped my career. Early Adopter!
-GH
Vintage Tech Love
Many readers, including Dr. Jeanne and Virginia S, expressed their fondness for older technology.
I not only still have a DVD player, but I also have a VHS player and a landline. Oh yes! I recently remembered that I have an MP3 player, otherwise known as an iPod, and it still works. The beauty of these older technologies is that I don’t have to constantly download updates. My cell phone doesn’t run my life, and I don’t trust the Cloud. I remember not being able to use my phone while on AOL, and I don’t miss that.
-Virginia S.
WHOOPS! Dial-Up Downsides
Many readers shared their frustrations about being unable to use the phone while online, but few can top Debbie S’s experience.
Not so fond memories of AOL and the initial internet! My stepson lived with us, and we knew he spent a lot of time on the computer. We could hear the modem dialing up to connect. He was/is a computer geek, so we thought he knew what he was doing—until we received a $1,500 phone bill!
Read Reader Carol’s lovely comment about finding a second ‘family’ on an online bulletin board, stating, “I’m still friends with one of them after 30 years.” A special shout-out and thanks from Reader Vesta:
I currently live in Plattsburgh, NY. I have learned so much from Jesse & Nathan about using all these new tech devices, and I’m still learning! I can now FaceTime my extended family (even those far away). I can take photos and create albums, photo books, canvas prints, calendars, cups, and glasses—all with my photos. I now know how to use Spotify and Canva, find recipes, and make flyers! My whole life has changed.
We’ll keep the comments open for a while so you can share your thoughts. Meanwhile…
ORIGINAL COLUMN
When AOL and dial-up service first launched in 1989, it marked the dawn of a new era. Installation CDs were ubiquitous, often used as coasters or makeshift frisbees. The mail carrier delivered hundreds of them each week.
Now they are in the Smithsonian, alongside other relics of early technology, like VCR players, Blackberries, and pagers.
At the Time, Though…
AOL was a transformative technology. Imagine having all that information at your fingertips! The ability to connect across distances to find bulletin boards for sharing information, news, or hobbies was heralded as a new Golden Age.
Uh huh.
The first time my husband and I logged on, we downloaded every Simpsons catchphrase available at the time.
Remember this?
Now, 36 years later, the internet has evolved into a Goliath—or a Godzilla, depending on your perspective—impacting every aspect of our lives. Whether you use it to watch cat videos or employ AI to diagnose x-rays, the internet has irrevocably changed our lives, society, and culture forever. And it all began with those silly little discs.*
YOUR TURN
What impact did AOL and dial-up have on your life and on society and culture? Do you still use dial-up? What other vintage tech do you still own and use?
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers and blogs about New York City life. Send your “Open Thread” suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
*If you live somewhere without connectivity, don’t lose hope. Providers like NetZero and Juno still offer dial-up if you live in areas with limited or no other internet access.
