Viewtron

Other than being a horrible picture of me in 1980, (don't ask why I am wearing a Farrell's hat....) This is a rather significant historical image.

in 1980, my family was part of a 6 month test of "Viewtron", one of the first videotex systems in use in the United States.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viewtron

It was a very cool system that we had in our house for 6 months in 1980. It used phone lines to send and receive news, interactive chat, all sorts of things that became the internet.
I don't know who I am on the phone with, but the screen is dated 15:57 on 19-Sept-1980 (day before my 14th bday) and the text reads:

"Confidential Chat
Doug I like you very much. I want to know which of us you like better, Katy, Tiffany, or Leslie (me). I hope it is me!!! Please write and call. I am not intrested (sic) in Scott.
Thanks. A L
Leslie"

Some of the things Viewtron could do:
* Getting news from the Miami Herald or The New York Times the night before the paper hit your doorstep. Or accessing the Associated Press.
* Looking up airline schedules from the Official Airline Guide (OAG).
* Accessing bank account information
* Ordering a meal via an online menu.

www.poynter.org/resource/52769/viewtron_rev2.swf