UX Writing Weekly #90

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PLUS [dial up modem sounds] -
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It’s our 90th issue, and we can’t resist going all-out. So buckle up for ‘90s day! Here's what’s inside:

  • ‘90s gifs!!!
  • Where microcopy and video games collide
  • Unbundling Reddit
  • That’s my Jam!
  • <dial up modem sounds>

We’re also celebrating the milestone of 7000 subscribers! A long way from the 200 +/- we started with.

Help us get to 10,000? Share this link with all the fellow UXers in your life:
https://uxwritinghub.com/newsletter/

When it’s ‘90s day and your editor is from Philadelphia


TOP ARTICLES
“1992: id Software releases Wolfenstein 3D, and the world loses its collective mind.”

Real-deal UX writing lessons from one of the most influential video games in history. If this doesn’t take you back, I don’t know what does. IDKFA for life!

Where Microcopy and Video Games Meet

It’s 1998 and you need a job, apt., used laptop, or discreet affair. Where do you go? Why, Craigslist, of course!

Today however, Craigslist has been “unbundled” into companies like Indeed, Zillow, OfferUp, and Tinder. Now, the same thing is happening with Reddit and vertical networks. Find out more:


The Guide to Unbundling Reddit



TIME CAPSULE!
Space Jam was a movie featuring Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan. But no matter. It’s all about the original website which is still untouched since 1996! UX design has come a long, LONG way since then. Experience the cutting edge of Web 1.0.

Space Jam’s official website


MICROCOPY BITE!
Back in 1998, Google was innovating in more ways than one. That “I’m feeling lucky” was a minor microcopy revolution. And yes, that button is still there to this day. (You’re about to go check, aren’t you?)


BLAST FROM THE PAST!!
Wondering how we got that Google screenshot? Meet the Wayback Machine!

See historic versions of nearly any website you can think of. It can actually be a super useful tool for UX research and more. Let’s just say, things have changed a lot since the days of pets.com.



KICKS ‘N’ GIGGLES!!!1

Remember this sound?
Pshhhkkkkkkrrrrkakingkakingkakingtshchchchchchchchcch*ding*ding*ding*

Back in the ‘90s, we connected to the internet through the phone line. And when your mom told you to get off the internet ‘cause she needed to use the phone, you would just tell her: "I’m downloading a file. It’ll be done in" ...



UX WRITING JOBS!!!!! 😀
Two new positions in Berlin, plus a great opportunity with Lemonway in Paris or remote. They’re looking for an experienced UX writer to help shape and iterate the articles and messaging of their support center (FAQ).  Check ‘em out!



SHARE THE HUB
Share the Hub with all the other ‘90s kids out there: https://uxwritinghub.com/newsletter/

And be sure to:

That’s it for ‘90s days. Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane to a simpler time when the Y2K bug was our biggest fear.

Also, we promise never to use comic sans again. Now go slam a Capri Sun and get back to work. Later!

Click your favorite Spice Girl for a special surprise!


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