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HISTORY98 - Advertising

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Recently, Pat and I were discussing the invasive nature of advertising today - everything from junk mail to pop-up ads on our cell phones - and realized that researching and writing about the history of advertising might be enlightening.  In my last blog, about the history of human communication, I identified advertising as one of the platforms for communication, so I thought that an article on advertising would fit nicely. First, let me define a couple of terms:  Advertising is the techniques and practices used to bring products, services, opinions, or causes to public notice.  Most advertising promotes something for sale, but similar methods are used to encourage people to drive safely, to support various charities, or to vote for political candidates, among many other examples.  A commercial is a specific type of advertising used for the sake of selling.   I will start with a discussion of premodern advertising, from early civilizations to the invention of the printing pre
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HISTORY97 - Human Communication

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As has happened a lot recently, the idea for doing a blog on the history of human communication emerged from Pat and I discussing potential subjects.  We were intrigued about how much communication had changed from prehistoric times to today. First, let me define terms:  Human communication is a fundamental process that facilitates the exchange of information, expression of thoughts and emotions, building relationships, problem-solving, influencing others, cultural integration, learning, entertainment, and social change.  It is a cornerstone of human interaction and essential for personal, social, and professional development.   I will start with a discussion of prehistoric communication, including oral and visual; and then talk about the history of written communication; followed by printed communication; postal systems; photography; telecommunications, including the telegraph, the landline telephone, phonograph, radio and television, the fax machine, photocopier, and cell phone
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