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CompuServe ads (1984) - more in post body (lemmy.nz)
submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by rob_t_firefly@lemmy.world to c/vintageads@sh.itjust.works
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Here are some fun ads for CompuServe found in various 1984 issues of Family Computing magazine (from this Internet Archive collection.)

Full-page magazine ad. At the top is a photo of a stereotypical glasses-wearing 1980s kid excitedly typing at a Commodore 64 keyboard as if photographed from the perspective of his computer screen, his family lounging in the living room background. Headline: "Last night, CompuServe turned this computer into a travel agent for Jennie, a stock analyst for Ralph, and now it's sending Herbie to another galaxy." Body text: "No matter which computer you own, we'll help you get the most out of it. If you've got places to go, CompuServe can save you time and money getting there. Just access the Official Airline Guide Electronic Edition - for current flight schedules and fares. Make reservations through our on-line travel service. Even charter a yacht through 'Worldwide Exchange.' If your money's in the market, CompuServe offers a wealth of prestigious financial data bases. Access Value Line, or Standard and Poor's. Get the latest information on 40,000 stocks, bonds or commodities. Then, consult experts like IDS or Heinold Commodities. All on line with CompuServe. Or if, like Herbie, intergalactic gamesmanship is your thing, enjoy the best in fantasy, adventure, and space games. Like MegaWars, the ultimate computer conflict. To get all this and more, you'll need a computer, a modem and CompuServe. CompuServe connects with almost any personal computer, terminal, or communicating word processor. To receive an illustrated guide to CompuServe and learn how you can subscribe, contact or call: CompuServe, Consumer Information Service, P. O. Box 20212, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., Columbus, OH 43220, 800-848-8199. In Ohio call 614-457-0802. An H&R Block Company." Full-page magazine ad. Headline: "We don't care which computer you buy. We'll help you get the most out of it." Illustration: a 1980s computer with all sorts of things bursting toward the viewer from the glowing monitor: a still camera, an airplane, a cadeuceus, an ox, a checkbook, a scifi warrior, and a stamped postal envelope. Body text: "CompuServe puts a world of information, communications, and entertainment at your fingertips. CompuServe is the easy to use videotex service designed for the personal computer user and managed by the communications professionals who provide business information services to over one fourth of the FORTUNE 500 companies. Subscribers get a wealth of useful, profitable, or just plain interesting information like national news wires, electronic banking and shop at home services, and sophisticated financial data. Plus, a communications network for electronic mail, a bulletin board for selling, swapping, and personal notices and a multi-channel CB simulator. You get games on CompuServe, too. Classic puzzlers, educational, sports and adventure games and fantastic space games featuring MegaWars, the 'ultimate computer conflict.' To learn more about CompuServe, call toll-free, 800-848-8199, for an illustrated guide to the CompuServe Information Service. The videotex service for you, no matter which computer you buy. CompuServe, Consumer Information Service, P. O. Box 20212, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., Columbus, OH 43220, 800-848-8199. In Ohio call 614-457-0802. An H&R Block Company." Full-page magazine ad. Illustration: a crowd of musicians, doctors, audience members, and more using computers in a tight crowd, as if drawn from the perspective of a computer screen watching over proceedings. Headline: "Last night, 39 musicians had a CompuServe conference. So did 31 M.D.s, 49 sports fans, and 640 apple polishers, and no one had to leave home." Body text: "The Electronic Forum, Cheaper than Long Distance and Much More Rewarding. Every night on the CompuServe Information Service, professional and social groups discuss a wide range of subjects. From what's new in medical technology to what's nouvelle in continental cuisine. And every day more computer owners who share a common interest are discovering this exciting new way to exchange ideas and even transfer hard copy data. And besides electronic forums, they leave messages for each other on our national bulletin board, 'talk' informally on our CB simulator, and communicate via CompuServe's electronic mail. But best of all, in most cases, CompuServe subscribers get all of these state of the art communications options, plus a world of on-line information and entertainment for the cost of a local phone call plus connect time. To become part of this flexible communications network, all you need is a computer, a modem and CompuServe. CompuServe connects with almost any personal computer, terminal, or communicating word processor. To buy a Starter Kit, see your nearest computer dealer. To receive our informative brochure or to order direct, call or write: CompuServe, Consumer Information Service, P. O. Box 20212, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., Columbus, OH 43220, 800-848-8199. In Ohio call 614-457-0802. An H&R Block Company." Full-page magazine ad. Illustration: a 1980s computer showing a photo of a shopping mall on its monitor. Headline: "By the year 2000, the world may catch up with the way CompuServe's new electronic mall lets you shop today." Body text: "Introducing the first computer shopping service that brings you convenience, savings and enjoyment. Here's your chance to expand the practical uses of your personal computer. Sign up for CompuServe and shop in our new Electronic Mall. It's easy to use. It tells you more about the products you're buying. It lets you order faster. And it's totally unique. CompuServe's new Electronic Mall™ offers you all these shopping innovations. - It's enormous! So it gives you in-depth information on thousands of goods and services, and lets you buy even hard-to-find merchandise. - Its unique 'Feedback' service lets you ask the merchants themselves specific questions. - It's incredibly efficient in ordering the products and services you want. - Its special discount opportunities make it economical, purchase after purchase. - And its name-brand merchants assure you of top-quality merchandise. Make the CompuServe Electronic Mall 15-Minute Comparison Test. What you can do in 15 minutes shopping the Electronic Mall way: - Call up on your computer screen full descriptions of the latest in computer printers, for instance. - Pick one and enter the order command. - Check complete descriptions of places to stay on your next vacation. - Pick several and request travel brochures. - Access a department store catalog and pick out a wine rack, tools, toys... any thing! - Place your order. What you can do in 15 minutes shopping the old way: Round up the family and get in the car. The Electronic Mall, a valuable addition to the vast world of CompuServe. CompuServe's Consumer Information Service brings you shopping information, entertainment, personal communications and more. You can access CompuServe with almost any computer and modem, terminal or communicating word processor. To receive your illustrated guide to CompuServe and learn how to subscribe, call or contact... CompuServe, Consumer Information Service, P. O. Box 20212, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., Columbus, OH 43220, 800-848-8199. In Ohio call 614-457-0802. An H&R Block Company." Full-page magazine ad. Illustration: a photo of a smiling 1980s couple in pajamas in their living room, sitting at the computer which they're saluting with an empty wine glass, taken as if from the perspective of that computer's screen with the keyboard visible at the bottom of the shot. Headline: "Last night we exchanged letters with mom, then had a party for eleven people in nine different states, and only had to wash one glass..." Body text: "That's CompuServe, The Personal Communications Network For Every Computer Owner. And it doesn't mater what kind of computer you own. You'll use CompuServe's Electronic Mail system (we call it Email™) to compose, edit and send letters to friends or business associates. The system delivers any number of messages to other users anywhere in North America. CompuServe's multi-channel CB simulator brings distant friends together and gets new friendships started. You can even use a scrambler if you have a secret you don't want to share. Special interest groups meet regularly to trade information on hardware, software and hobbies from photography to cooking and you can sell, swap and post personal notices on the bulletin board. There's all this and much more on the CompuServe Information Service. All you need is a computer, a modem, and CompuServe. CompuServe connects with almost any type or brand of personal computer or terminal and many communicating word processors. To buy a Starter Kit, see your nearest computer dealer. To receive our informative brochure or to order direct, call or write: CompuServe, Consumer Information Service, P. O. Box 20212, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., Columbus, OH 43220, 800-848-8199. In Ohio call 614-457-0802. An H&R Block Company." Full-page magazine ad. Illustration: a photo of a smiling glasses-wearing bride with bouquet, standing at a Commodore computer, the photo angled as if taken from the perspective of its monitor. Her mother weeps into a fancy handkerchief behind her. Headline: "Thanks to CompuServe's CB Simulator, "Digital Fox" accessed "Data Hari" and proceeded to an "altared" state." Body text: "The CB Simulator, where CompuServe Subscribers can Access Friends and Influence People on 72 Different Channels. Just pick your handle and get on line. From math to matrimony, there's always someone out there who speaks your language. Friends from all over the U.S. and Canada are at it 24 hours a day. Talking tech or just having fun. And if you've got a secret, just use the CB Scrambler. That'll fool the "lurkers," those CB "see it alls" who get their kicks by watching. Or you can always use the private talk mode for guaranteed one-to-one conversation. The CB Simulator is just one of CompuServe's many electronic communications options that include a National Bulletin Board, Professional Forums and Electronic Mail. Plus, there's a world of on-line information and entertainment all for the price of a local phone call plus connect time. You can access CompuServe with almost any computer and modem, terminal or communicating word processor. To receive your illustrated guide to the CompuServe Information Service and learn how to subscribe, call or contact: CompuServe, Consumer Information Service, P. O. Box 20212, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., Columbus, OH 43220, 800-848-8199. In Ohio call 614-457-0802. An H&R Block Company."

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[-] fubarx@lemmy.world 4 points 4 days ago

CompuServe's first big mistake was NOT sending a billion floppy disks and CDs to every household in the country. Who would be crazy enough to do that?

Their second mistake was missing out on Hollywood.

[-] rob_t_firefly@lemmy.world 10 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

It fascinated me then, and still fascinates me now, that the best way CompuServe could explain the concept of live online text chat to 1980s/1990s folks was to imply it was simulating CB radio conversations.

[-] Dyskolos@lemmy.zip 8 points 5 days ago

How cute...but also fitting kinda. We (Germany) never had those CompuServe ads, as far as I remember. For my first internet I had to drive to another city, join a nonprofit, tell why I even wanna join the net and then had to pay 50 moneyz a month. Well worth it 😁

[-] DrPop@lemmy.world 0 points 5 days ago

I guess Herbie might be playing Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, maybe Elite.

[-] rob_t_firefly@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago

"Mom! Dad! I have no tea!"

[-] DrPop@lemmy.world 2 points 5 days ago

I have not tea though.

this post was submitted on 09 Sep 2026
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