Tue. 12/15 – The Origins of the Emoticon

What are tone indicators? Where do they come from, how are they used, and a look at both the pre-internet history of tone indicators as well as the origin of the emoticon. And, a question for the ages, what was the deal with the leg lamp in A Christmas Story?

Sponsors:

Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottkeHelloFresh, Use code ridehome80 to get $80 off including free shipping at HelloFresh.com/ridehome80

Links:

Tone Indicators and How to Use Them (NY Times)"Joke" Conversation Thread in which the :-) Was Invented (Carnegie Mellon) Here's some historical background on A Christmas Story's leg lamp Leg lamp Halloween costume and more (Josh Sundquist, Instagram)Kottke.OrgJackson Bird on Twitter