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Kids turned low-traffic NPR Spotify comments into a secret group chat

484 points · 257 comments · simonpure

  1. xnx · · focus · HN ↗
    The Onion predicted this in 2014: &quot;Teens Migrating From Facebook To Comments Section Of Slow-Motion Deer Video&quot; (<a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.youtube.com&#x2F;watch?v=a4mMY2Kl3GY" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.youtube.com&#x2F;watch?v=a4mMY2Kl3GY)

    Reminds me a little bit of the agent improvised coordination schemes.

    1. flyinghamster · · focus · HN ↗
      It goes back even further, to 1960s&#x2F;70s-era phone phreaking. A lot of budding phreaks started out by finding miswired PBX systems and using their number-out-of-service announcement recordings as impromptu conference bridges.

      Some of this is documented in audio, on <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;evan-doorbell.com&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;evan-doorbell.com&#x2F; for anyone interested.

      1. bahmboo · · focus · HN ↗
        Wow, what a find! Thanks for posting this. It&#x27;s funny that dial tones bring back the memories!

        Yah a network where you could dial a number and get automatically connected to another phone anywhere in the US without any computers at all and not even a transistor being used! Crazy.

        1. ikawe · · focus · HN ↗
          If you’re into this, and ever in Seattle check out the connections museum.

          <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.telcomhistory.org&#x2F;ConnectionsSeattle.html" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.telcomhistory.org&#x2F;ConnectionsSeattle.html

          The volunteers there maintain a bunch of functioning cool vintage equipment you can see in action and even use.

          1. anyfoo · · focus · HN ↗
            Be sure to send them an email first, so that you can arrive at the proper time for them to give you a tour. It is very, very worth it. One of the best museum experiences so far.
            1. bahmboo · · focus · HN ↗
              Thanks to both of you for the info. I&#x27;m longtime Seattle and I had no idea. I&#x27;m still disappointed that the living computer museum was closed. Jody Allen is a decent person so was surprised she let that tiny line item expire from the spreadsheet, I digress.
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