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.

Copyright 2015 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.

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.

300x250 Ad

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Donate