Twitter-like device from 1930?
Posted: June 25th, 2007 | 2 Comments »Location-based microblogging in the 30s: this “robotic” messenger display aims at “TO AID persons who wish to make or cancel appointments or inform friends of their whereabout“:
Why do I blog this? definitely not twitter but somewhat related to the same practice of sharing micro-content. It did not seem to take off though.
“It did not seem to take off though.”
Well, I can tell you when something like this *was* in heavy use: immediately after World War II in Europe. I haven’t seen the pictures, but I’ve seen it mentioned in many (10+ books) where when Jewish survivors tried to track down any remaining friends, relatives or neighbors, they would go to their old town or to a Displaced Persons’ Center, where names would be written up on notes all over the walls. They’d add their name, some identifying information, and contact information, and then read every single note trying to find names they recognized. They would also return frequently to check new “listings.”
So, I guess this sort of system can spring up in a grassroots kind of a way (probably not as neat and tidy as in your picture!) when there is a real need for asynchronous communication and location.
Sarah
Oh thanks Sarah for the hint!
What I meant by that statement was that similar lowtech devices are no longer seen… although the underlying practice is definitely worthwhile.