Description
Book Synopsis: The untold story about how the internet became social, and why this matters for its future “A great book for anyone who wants to understand the early days of online communications.”—Preston Gralla, Arts Fuse
Fifteen years before the commercialization of the internet, millions of amateurs across North America created more than 100,000 small-scale computer networks. The people who built and maintained these dial-up bulletin board systems (BBSs) in the 1980s laid the groundwork for millions of others who would bring their lives online in the 1990s and beyond. From ham radio operators to HIV/AIDS activists, these modem enthusiasts developed novel forms of community moderation, governance, and commercialization. The Modem World tells an alternative origin story for social media, centered not in the office parks of Silicon Valley or the meeting rooms of military contractors, but rather on the online communities of hobbyists, activists, and entrepreneurs. Over time, countless social media platforms have appropriated the social and technical innovations of the BBS community. How can these untold stories from the internet’s past inspire more inclusive visions of its future?
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Are you curious about the untold story of how the internet became social? Look no further than "The Modem World: A Prehistory of Social Media." This captivating book takes you back to the early days of online communications, revealing the secrets behind the rise of social media as we know it today. From ham radio operators to HIV/AIDS activists, individuals from diverse backgrounds came together to build small-scale computer networks that laid the groundwork for the internet revolution. Discover the innovative community moderation, governance, and commercialization that paved the way for the millions who embraced the online world in the 90s and beyond.
With "The Modem World," you'll be transported to a time when social media was still in its infancy. Imagine the excitement of connecting with like-minded individuals across North America through dial-up bulletin board systems. This book is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and demonstrates how ordinary people, not just corporate giants, played a crucial role in shaping the internet we know today.
The story of social media goes beyond the office parks of Silicon Valley and the boardrooms of military contractors. "The Modem World" unveils the alternative origin story, focusing on the online communities of hobbyists, activists, and entrepreneurs. By exploring their untold stories, we gain a fresh perspective on the evolution of social media.
Looking ahead, we are faced with the challenge of creating more inclusive visions of the internet's future. "The Modem World" provides the inspiration we need to reimagine social media. By delving into the innovations and experiences of the early internet pioneers, we can strive for a future that is inclusive, diverse, and empowering for all.
Don't miss out on this eye-opening journey through the history and future of social media. Experience the wonders of "The Modem World: A Prehistory of Social Media" today and be part of the movement to shape a better online world.
Get your copy of "The Modem World: A Prehistory of Social Media" now and embark on a journey that will challenge your perceptions and ignite your imagination.
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