The memo arrived on paper.
Because it was 1994.
A notice, to all NPR staff, proclaiming, "Internet is coming to NPR!"
And there was no directive to log on to this fast-growing "organization," by the way. "If you do not want to use Internet," the memo read, "simply do nothing."
You can see more highlights from NPR's pre-Internet days at the Nprchives Tumblr.
Transcript
MELISSA BLOCK, HOST:
We wrap up All Tech with one more retro moment: an anniversary. Twenty years ago today, staffers at NPR received a paper memo. Remember those? The first line read: Internet is coming to NPR! That was punctuated with an exclamation point.
ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST:
The 1994 memo cites the most immediate and tangible change, e-mail. It would replace our old fax/mail system. Sign up for one hour of training. Or, if you do not want to use Internet, the memo says, simply do nothing.
BLOCK: You could read that paper memo on the Internet at NPRarchives.tumblr.com. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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