Here is the fabulous tidal ‘splash’ page for Backspace.org circa 1996 which was built at Obsolete by Dorian Fraser Moore. It’s a multi function interface to some tools, featuring some lovingly crafted dynamic scripts which track the tidal ebb and flow of the Thames, keep time and randomise a set of gif links to subscriber project pages so everyone got to feature on the front page.
Whilst digging about in the file system was reminded of a page sporting 60 project review links which I had forgotten all about, compiled by our sole student intern Marleen (hi (-; ). She also operated a prototype blog we called ‘relay‘ which she kept for a month before handing on to another subscriber. It’s currently not working but perhaps we can repair it soon.
This is YT outside the front door and a view of the interior, post 1998 with a new floor!
Tim Cook crafted the interior to resemble a Victorian pump house with flanged desks and inovative entrance. He worked with us for the first 3 months of 1996 up until opening.
Cherie Matrix, our front of house up at Obsolete was inspirational in bringing the existance of this proto cybercafe to the attention of so many early adopters!
All those who took up the daily hosting role brought their own energy to the day to day facilitation and access.
Check out the vintage grey goods and the wall freeze by Tod Hudson !
