The Internet is now 400 years old, but in the early days, everything about the Web was new and exciting. Everyone was catching the Internet “virus” (computer term), and not even Beckett Baseball Card Monthly was “immune” (“virus” term (computer term)).
‘The Information Highway!’ A Beckett Magazine From 1995 Attempts To Explain The Internet
Well, Jamie Mottram managed to unearth an issue of Beckett from 1995. He found a column from Dr. James Beckett himself, explaining his magazine’s forthcoming foray into the Internet. I have transcribed the article. It answered many questions I have about the Internet, and I was able to cross those off my list too:
Our hallmark of Beckett Publications’ decade-long service to the hobby is our commitment to keeping in touch with you, the collector. We make every conceivable effort to listen and respond positively to your question, complaints, suggestions and opinions. After all, effective communication is a two-way street.
In recent years, the street has evolved into a highway -- the information highway!
What is the Internet? Can I drive a car on it?
Communication by computer via this information highway is fast becoming an everyday fact of life.
Is the Internet the next big thing or just another “dot-com dud”?The computer environments of the Internet are being accessed daily by millions of people around the globe.
Are folks just like you and me accessing the Internet all around the world, from Toledo to Timbuktu?
Not one to be caught puttering along in low gear, Beckett Publications is excited to announce the debut of B On-Line: The Collectors Connection. The e-mail address is: (http://www.beckett.com).
What is your e-mail address?
How did you get such a fancy e-mail address?
Right now, through this information and entertainment site on the World Wide Web, you can search the complete and up-to-date Beckett Convention Calendar, with listings of card shows across the United States and Canada.
Does Canada have the internet, or just a loud man yelling information through a wrapping paper tube?
You also can find in-depth descriptions of each of the Beckett magazines available from your local dealer or by subscription. In addition, you can view the current results and cast your vote for hottest player or driver.
Or you can gain access to BeckWorld, Beckett Publications’ on-line interactive entertainment complex. It’s a virtual world built especially for you.
Sometimes I feel like roadkill on the "information highway." After a long day of surfing the 'Net (hang ten!), is there a place I can go to virtually kick up my heels and find a dot-com home built just for me?
You can download some unique video clips,
Can you view video clips "on-line"?
What is your opinion on downloading?
take a leisurely tour through our sports art gallery or take a full-speed, high-altitude ride in our virtual stadium. It’s interactive entertainment for the whole family.
What is your opinion on families?
In the near future, B On-Line will include even more interactive features. Visit often to take full advantage of the services offered. The possibilities for effective and easy two-way communication with collectors by computers are endless.
Is it possible to communicate with other people using computers?
Do you think it would be good to call it a "dot-comversation"?
So, as you’re speeding along in the fast lane of the information highway, stop off for a look at B On-Line: The Collectors Connection. You’ll find us here, as always, committed to serving your hobby needs.
Dr. James Beckett
Editor/Publisher
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS:
- How many baseball cards are there?
- How many baseball cards do you think there are?
- Is it important to stay "web safe" while on the Internet?
- What is your opinion on VIRUSES
- M.O.D.E.M.
- What is your opinion on HACKERS
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