Writing on the Web: A History

Error message

  • Deprecated function: The each() function is deprecated. This message will be suppressed on further calls in menu_set_active_trail() (line 2405 of /home1/markspap/public_html/kathy/includes/menu.inc).
  • Deprecated function: implode(): Passing glue string after array is deprecated. Swap the parameters in drupal_get_feeds() (line 394 of /home1/markspap/public_html/kathy/includes/common.inc).
June 5, 2015
Writing on the Web

I was thinking yesterday about the first time I noticed the web.  It was 1995 and Yahoo! was still "Jerry and David's Guide to the World Wide Web." At the time I was a writer, and the Internet struck me as the perfect way to talk to readers without all the fuss of contracts and editors, not to mention dead trees. It was clearly a better way to communicate.

Since the beginning of human history, people have sought ways to express themselves through the written word. (If Socrates had only had a blog!) But at no time in human history has there been such an accessible and pervasive medium as the Internet. Anyone can post anything at anytime and potentially reach thousands, if not millions, of people. It may well be humanity's greatest invention.

It's taken a few millennium to get these words up here on this screen. This is a brief overview of the journey:

  • Tortoise shell with Jiahu writing 6600 BCE Jiahu symbols carved on tortoise shells are the first known system of writing.
  • Clay tablet with Sumerian writing 3000 BCE Sumerians write in clay and stone. 800 miles away, the Egyptians do the same, then invent papyrus.
  • Parchment 2500 BCE Parchment and vellum begin to be used.
  • Homer 750 BCE The Illiad and The Odyssey are first written down (probably on a papyrus roll).
  • Quill pen 500 The quill pen is invented.
  • Chinese wooden printing blocks 800 Chinese monks set ink to paper with wooden blocks, called woodblocking.
  • Chinese movable type 1045 The world's first movable type printing press is conceived of by Bi Sheng.
  • Movable type press 1445 Gutenberg invents the first mechanical movable type printing press, beginning Europe's age of mass communication.
  • Shakespeare 1601 Shakespeare writes Hamlet with a quill pen on parchment.
  • One of the first typewriters 1714 Henry Mill patents the first typewriter.
  • Steam-powered printing press 1810 Friedrich Koenig designs the first a steam-powered printing press.
  • Fountain pen 1884 The first practical fountain pen is invented by Lewis Edson Waterman.
  • Erika folding typewriter 1926 Hemingway types The Sun Also Rises on an Erika folding portable typewriter.
  • Ballpoint pen 1941 László Bíró invents the ballpoint pen.
  • IBM Selectra 1961 The IBM Selectra is introduced.
  • IBM 5100 1975 IBM releases the 5100, the first portable (55-lb) computer.
  • Apple 1 1976 The first Apple computer kit is sold.
  • Tim Berners-Lee 1989 Tim Berners-Lee proposes the World Wide Web.

Similar Notes

Drupal vs. Movable Type and WordPress
Long Time, No See
Arizona Woman Grows World's Largest Style Sheet

Comments

Noted by canadian pharma... on September 21, 2024

Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm thinking about setting up my own but I'm not sure where to start. Do you have any points or suggestions? Thank you

Noted by canadian pharma... on September 21, 2024

Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!

Noted by pharmacies in c... on September 21, 2024

I'm not sure where you're getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this information for my mission.

Noted by canada drugs ph... on September 21, 2024

Everyone loves it when folks come together and share ideas. Great site, continue the good work!

Noted by BeadutunHix on September 22, 2024

You actually revealed that terrifically!
online casino 10 euro bonus ohne einzahlung <a href=https://usaplayerscasino.com/#>new online casino no deposit bonus</a> online casino live stream

Noted by RubenRit on September 22, 2024

Краткосрочная и долгосрочная аренда недвижимости на Кипре: цены, планировки, фотографии и расположение на карте <a href=https://pride-land.ru/>дешевые квартиры на кипре</a>

Noted by JosephCit on September 22, 2024

Казино было открыто в 2017 году. Это лицензированная площадка, функционирующая на основании действующей лицензии Кюрасао. Дизайн официального сайта минималистичен. На стартовой странице находятся все нужные раздел <a href=https://uschinaseries.org/>https://uschinaseries.org/</a>

Noted by pharmacies online on September 22, 2024

An impressive share! I've just forwarded this onto a friend who was doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast due to the fact that I discovered it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this subject here on your internet site.

Noted by JosephCit on September 22, 2024

Мы предлагаем уникальный сервис по подбору и доставке авто из Дубая в РФ под ключ. Наша команда профессионалов поможет вам найти идеальное транспортное средство в ОАЭ, учтя все ваши пожелания и бюджет <a href=https://pr-cy.ru/checkip/?domain=pavel-auto-dubai.ru>https://pr-cy.ru/ch...

Noted by canadian pharma... on September 22, 2024

Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is just nice and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.

Noted by canada online p... on September 22, 2024

You've made some good points there. I looked on the internet to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.

Noted by canadian pharma... on September 22, 2024

Terrific work! This is the kind of info that should be shared around the net. Disgrace on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and discuss with my website . Thank you =)

Noted by canadian pharma... on September 22, 2024

It's going to be ending of mine day, but before finish I am reading this wonderful paragraph to improve my knowledge.

Noted by canadian pharma... on September 22, 2024

Hello there! I could have sworn I've been to your blog before but after browsing through many of the posts I realized it's new to me. Nonetheless, I'm certainly pleased I discovered it and I'll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

Noted by london drugs canada on September 22, 2024

Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this site.

Noted by canadian online... on September 23, 2024

Greetings from Idaho! I'm bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can't wait to take a look when I get home. I'm amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, amazing site!

Noted by StuartKem on September 23, 2024

Покупка виртуального номера конкретно для привязки к Телеграмм-каналу имеет несколько достоинств, к числу которых относится <a href=https://vmnews.ru/novosti/2021/11/24/virtualnyy-nomer-dlya-telegram--oso...номер для телеграмма</a>

Noted by canada pharmace... on September 23, 2024

Fantastic web site. Lots of useful info here. I'm sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks on your effort!

Noted by canada pharmace... on September 23, 2024

Great weblog here! Also your website loads up fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I get your affiliate link in your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

Noted by Ronaldjaibe on September 23, 2024

Material Maintenance Made Easy

Maintaining the elements used in your tasks is key to making them endure. Whether you’re handling wood, stone, metal, or other components, knowing how to correctly care for them can prevent unnecessary costs time and money in the long run.

For wood components, especially outdoors, regular treatment and sealing are important to maintaining them from moisture and rot. Treating with a wood cleaner and adding sealant every few years will extend the longevity of decks, fences, or wooden furniture. Avoiding direct contact with soil or standing water can also avoid decay over time.

Stone elements, like pavers or pathways, may seem durable, but they still call for attention. Regular brushing off and spraying down dirt can help them clean, and sealing the stone can prevent cracking or fading from sun exposure. For grime buildup, a mild cleaner and brush can return them appearing clean again.

Metal, commonly featured in outdoor furniture or fixtures, can rust if not effectively cared for. Regularly using a protective coating or using rust-proof paint can help metal in solid condition. For smaller items, easily cleaning them and storing them during harsh weather can stop corrosion.

By dedicating a little time to care for these materials, you can guarantee that your projects stay good-looking and functional for years to come. Regular care, along with using high-quality resources, will spare you from needing to make high-cost repairs or replacements over time.

<a href=http://aronberglaw.com/blog/injury-death-commuter-train-derails-philadel... helpful overview for deciding on field stone in garden work.</a> 4980ff3

<a href=https://americanstoneandtimber.com/specials>Bluestone used in garden deck spaces</a>

Noted by Sewardsaw on September 23, 2024

You actually explained that exceptionally well.
best booming games online casino sites <a href="https://usaplayerscasino.com/#">no deposit casino bonus usa online casinos</a> online casinos like chumba

Noted by pharmacy intern on September 23, 2024

Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I'm trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Noted by MichaelVione on September 23, 2024

Приобретайте виртуальные и временные номера телефонов для регистрации. Удобный и надежный сервис для получения смс-онлайн. Более 180 стран и тысячи сервисов <a href=https://yaroslavl-news.net/other/2024/08/03/268536.html>купить номер телефона для тг</a>

Noted by canada pharmace... on September 23, 2024

I'm impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that's both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this during my hunt for something relating to this.

Noted by canadian pharma... on September 23, 2024

Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you

Noted by online pharmacies on September 23, 2024

Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

Noted by MichaelVione on September 23, 2024

Pin Up – это официальная платформа для ставок на спорт, которая получила лицензию в 2021 году и уже завоевала доверие среди бетторов в Казахстане <a href=https://pin-up-kz.online/>pin-up-kz.online</a>

Noted by canadian cialis on September 24, 2024

I constantly spent my half an hour to read this webpage's articles everyday along with a cup of coffee.

Noted by best canadian o... on September 24, 2024

I don't know if it's just me or if perhaps everybody else encountering problems with your site. It appears as if some of the text in your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This might be a problem with my web browser because I've had this happen previously. Many thanks

Noted by national pharmacies on September 24, 2024

When I originally commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!

Noted by canadian pharma... on September 24, 2024

I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I'll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later on. All the best

Pages

Add new comment