Message Boards / Discussions for Apparel, Textiles and Fashion Industry

History of online Message Boards

The history of online message boards is a fascinating journey that mirrors the evolution of the internet itself. These platforms have played a significant role in shaping online communities, enabling discussions on a wide range of topics, and connecting people across the globe. Here's a brief overview of their history:

The Bulletin Board System (BBS) Era (Late 1970s to Early 1990s): The concept of online message boards can be traced back to the late 1970s when Ward Christensen and Randy Suess developed the first Bulletin Board System (BBS). BBS systems allowed users to connect via telephone lines and exchange text-based messages and files. These early systems were localized and often operated by individuals or small groups.

Usenet (Late 1970s): Usenet, established in 1979, was another early form of online discussion. It was a distributed network of servers that allowed users to post and read text-based messages in various newsgroups. Usenet was one of the first platforms to introduce the concept of hierarchical discussion forums, and it laid the foundation for many aspects of modern message boards.

The Rise of Web Forums (Mid-1990s): As the World Wide Web gained popularity in the mid-1990s, web-based forums emerged as a more user-friendly alternative to BBS and Usenet. Web forums allowed for easier navigation, threaded discussions, and graphical user interfaces. Platforms like PHPBB and vBulletin became popular choices for creating online communities.

Online Community Boom (Late 1990s to Early 2000s): The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed a significant boom in online communities and message boards. Websites like Yahoo! Groups, AOL message boards, and various specialized forums gained popularity. These platforms covered a wide range of topics, catering to diverse interests.

Social Media and the Decline (Mid-2000s): The rise of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, in the mid-2000s led to a decline in the popularity of traditional message boards. People increasingly turned to social media for their online interactions, contributing to the decline of many message board communities.

Niche and Specialized Forums (2000s to Present): While general-purpose message boards faced challenges, many niche and specialized forums continued to thrive. These forums catered to highly specific interests, hobbies, and professional communities, providing a dedicated space for in-depth discussions.

Modern Message Boards (Present): Message boards have not disappeared entirely. Some have adapted to modern technology and design, offering features like mobile compatibility, multimedia integration, and improved security. Popular platforms like Reddit have become some of the largest online communities, hosting discussions on a vast array of topics.

Online message boards have a rich history and have contributed significantly to the development of online communities and the exchange of information and ideas. While their popularity may have evolved over the years, their role in fostering discussions and connecting people with shared interests remains relevant to this day.

The following Apparel Search message boards are being closed December 13, 2011.

• General Message Board - Comments or questions that are relevant to the Apparel, Fashion & Textile industry.

• Machinery Message Board - Post messages regarding your desire to purchase or sell closeout merchandise. Feel free to post item descriptions as well as prices.

• Closeout Message Board - Post messages regarding your desire to purchase or sell closeout merchandise. Feel free to post item descriptions as well as prices.

 Fashion Blog Directory