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The Text Message Turns 20

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Twenty years ago yesterday, London-based software engineer Neil Papworth sent the world’s first text message, “Merry Christmas,” to a telecommunications executive at a party across town. What do you think?


“For me, text messages will never even begin to approach the sexy anticipation of the fax.”

Loni Carpendale • Disulfurizer Tender

“Oh, cool. What texts have people sent since then?”

Ken Blitz • Unemployed

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“I can’t even imagine what people did at parties before texting.”

Godfrey Agnew • Hoist Operator