As a new Twitter user, I just saw this amusing article reprinted from Modern Mechanics 1935. Yet again this proves that there’s not too much under the sun that is really really new.
Just like Twitter, only ... older
I can’t see Twitter being that convenient if you had to drop a coin in every time you post a message … although it might cut down on the number of spam tweets. I really don’t want to know what you had for dinner last night.
On the user interface side of things it all looks very simple: write a message on the paper, put in a coin and crank up the message. Of course, you then have to hope that not too many people want to use this device, so that your message doesn’t zoom off the top too quickly!
The text reads:
Robot Messenger Displays Person-to-Person Notes In Public
TO AID persons who wish to make or cancel appointments or inform friends of their whereabouts, a robot message carrier has been introduced in London, England.
Known as the “notificator,” the new machine is installed in streets, stores, railroad stations or other public places where individuals may leave messages for friends.
The user walks up on a small platform in front of the machine, writes a brief message on a continuous strip of paper and drops a coin in the slot. The inscription moves up behind a glass panel where it remains in public view for at least two hours so that the person for whom it is intended may have sufficient time to observe the note at the appointed place. The machine is similar in appearance to a candy-vending device.
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For a small sum Londoners may leave messages for friends in public places. When written on “notificator,” message moves up behind window, remaining in view for two hours.
