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neatnik@social.lol ("Neatnik") wrote:

The early consumer Internet was really something. You’d dial in, do stuff, and log off. It was intentional and time-bound. I love the ubiquity and utility of the modern web, but I also miss the episodic nature of my early time online.

Retro pixel-art screenshot from the Prodigy online service titled "What Is the Prodigy Service?" showing a numbered grid of eight colorful icon tiles: Money Management, Sports, Education, Travel, Entertainment, Shopping, Information, and Start-up Kits, with partial instruction text below reading "To choose the area you would like to explore first,..."
Screenshot of the CompuServe Information Manager software showing the "Explore Services" window, with a "click here" banner for Explore CompuServe, and a 3x4 grid of illustrated category buttons: News & Weather, Media, Computing Support, Internet, Reference & Education, Sports, Professional, Finance, Home & Leisure, Entertainment, Travel, and Shopping.
Screenshot of the classic America Online "Channels" window, featuring the AOL logo, a "Return to Welcome" link, a search bar, and a grid of colorful channel buttons including AOL Today, News, Sports, Influence, Travel, International, Personal Finance, WorkPlace, Computing, Research & Learn, Entertainment, Games, Interests, Lifestyles, Shopping, Health, Families, Kids Only, and Local.
Screenshot of Apple's eWorld online service homepage, showing an illustrated town map with clickable buildings labeled Arts & Leisure Pavilion, Learning Center, Computer Center, Marketplace, Business & Finance Plaza, Newsstand, Internet On-Ramp, eMail Center, Community Center, and Info Booth. A sidebar on the right welcomes the user as a guest and lists links including the eWorld Gift Store, "Pretty Smart Reading," and "Breaking Mac News."