Then, in the late 1960s, one of those groups of teenagers – the RESISTORS – exploded onto the scene. Together, they formed a powerful influence in the nascent world of computing. This band, led by engineer Claude Kagan, included some of the most passionate computer/programmer proto-geeks of the time. In late 1966, Chuck Ehrlich and a cohort of socially alienated peers organized to search for a venue. Their goal was to share and incubate their growing interests collectively.
With Kagan, who primarily programmed in Fortran and BASIC, known for being a big-hearted spirit, he was quick to offer his barn to the kids as a clubhouse. The RESISTORS thrived in this special zoo. They took to heart a community-oriented approach to learning, guided by the African American saying, “Each one, teach one.” They utilized a PDP-8 computer, provided by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), to run various programs, including those written in TRAC—a language developed by Calvin Mooers in 1959.
The RESISTORs, as they got more involved with computing, found themselves meeting and connecting with big guns in the industry. They got in touch with computer pioneer Ted Nelson by 1969. To find answers, he would present groundbreaking concepts at these events that eventually found their way into his classic work, “Computer Lib/Dream Machines.” Through their efforts, they inspired and contributed to the boom of personal computing. More importantly, it laid the groundwork for future technological innovations.
The Formation and Influence of RESISTORS
The creation of the RESISTORS goes back to a very basic search for a meeting space. Late in 1966, Chuck Ehrlich joined forces with a motley crew of wannabe “brainy social outcasts.” Combined, they looked for a clubhouse to explore their new, converging interests in technology. This search brought them to Claude Kagan, an engineer who quickly became a key figure in proving their pursuits.
Seeing Kagan’s barn as a regular gathering place for artistic creation and discussion not only saved that building, it sparked a series of partnerships. Inside its walls, brilliant young minds learned the depths of programming languages and debated what they could do with this powerful new field of computing. The RESISTORS embraced an educational philosophy based in mentorship, with everyone teaching each other and passing on transferable knowledge. This three-pronged approach created a national atmosphere that was conducive to groundbreaking innovation.
“Information is where you find it.” – Ted Nelson
The RESISTORS’ commitment to education resonated with Nelson’s perspective on knowledge sharing. He was adamant that information should be free and accessible to all, no matter their age or experience. This ethos was central to the group’s DNA and empowered their collectivism.
Technological Ventures and Collaborative Projects
Armed with their PDP-8 computer, the RESISTORS set out to work on several tech-based initiatives that displayed the ingenuity and artistry of their community. They used TRAC to inspire applications and programs that were imaginative enough to show the world what computing could do back in the day. While they were mastering their craft in computer science, they were being exposed to some of the most innovative ideas that would shape the course of technology.
Perhaps the most visible of those projects was “Labyrinth.” Ted Nelson along with his collaborator the programmer Ned Woodman created this early ancestor of a modern hypertext system. The RESISTORS were instrumental to realizing this visionary work, which called attention to the connected nature of information—a key component of Nelson’s philosophy. He gave hypertext the description of a non-linear body of written or graphic content. This content is so interwoven that you can’t easily fit it all on one piece of paper.
As they worked and dreamed with Nelson, conversations about crazy ideas blossomed. These conversations would go on to shape his writing and inspire a new generation of computer enthusiasts themselves.
“The future of mankind was at the computer screen.” – Ted Nelson
The RESISTORS were the point in these paradigm shifts. They pushed the limits of their new found computer power and dreamed what it could do their society.
Lasting Impact and Disbandment
Although they were successful in many ways, the RESISTORS soon folded as technical developments started to tip the scales of computing toward a new paradigm. Whether through their curiosity or naivety, the group’s innovative spirit left an enduring stamp on the industry. About the Author John R. Levine, a member of RESISTORS, is coauthor of the perennial bestseller The Internet for Dummies. This milestone is a testament to the indelible influence of their formative experiences in the cohort.
Additional luminaries on the founding board were Peter Eichenberger, J Laurence Sarno and Nat Kuhn. Each of them brought something different and special to the collective legacy of their past. To anyone who interacted with them, they personified their belief that technology could and should be both democratizing and disruptive—a principle that remains central to our work today.
“We were so nerdy that it didn’t occur to us that girls [would] be any different in terms of what they could do.” – John R. Levine
As the country movement into an age ruled by technology and constant innovation, the RESISTORS’ work was more important than ever. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion was foundational in producing a culture focused on collaboration and innovation within computing. Yet this legacy served as an inspiration to generations of young people long after their dissolution.