LOTUS 1-2-3

In 1981, I sat down for the first time in front of a computer and immediately I discovered that the only way I could remember how to operate the computer was to write down each keystroke I tapped to accomplish a task. Otherwise, it was too easy to forget. And so when I then obtained a job as a computer trainer I realized my students would also benefit from written instructions listing the required keystrokes.

One of the first courses I taught was Lotus 1-2-3, a spreadsheet program. And before the first class began I not only created a complete handout for the program, I published the instructions in a small guide, “Getting Started With Lotus 1-2-3”. The students appreciated the information and told me it provided an excellent resource for them. It also provided a nice income for me as one of the accounting professors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison purchased the booklets as a supplement for all his accounting students and a local utility company bought them for their staff.

But when Microsoft started selling Excel in the early ‘90’s, Lotus 1-2-3’s popularity fell and few people continued using it. I still keep a couple copies as a nice memento and recently discovered that it has gained a little fame. Amazon.com offers it for sale on their website, even though it is “out of print”. I published my book in 1983, before any of the other books with the same name were published. Hmmmmm – wonder if I can sue them and make some money for stealing the name.

By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.