news.volyx.in

The Backrooms of the Internet Archive (blog.archive.org)

722 points by passing · 796 days ago · 112 comments on HN

Article summary

The Internet Archive has uncovered the origin of the 'Backrooms' image, a mysterious and unsettling photograph that has been circulating online for years. The image was taken in 2002 at a former furniture store in Wisconsin and was discovered through the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine. The image had been used as the basis for a creepypasta, a type of online horror story, and its origin had been unknown until now. The discovery has sparked a range of reactions, with some people fascinated by the story behind the image and others disappointed that the mystery has been solved.

Main themes

  • Internet Archive
  • Backrooms image
  • Creepypasta
  • Liminal spaces
  • Mystery and discovery
  • Internet culture

What commenters say

  • The discovery of the Backrooms image's origin is a testament to the power of collective effort and the importance of preserving internet history.
  • The solution to the mystery of the Backrooms image has removed some of the magic and wonder from the story, making it less interesting.
  • The use of the Backrooms image in creepypastas and other online stories is a reflection of the human desire to create and share scary and fascinating tales.
  • The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine is a valuable tool for preserving internet history, but its limitations and potential biases should be acknowledged.
  • The concept of liminal spaces, as represented by the Backrooms image, taps into a deep-seated human fear of unknown and uncontrolled environments.
  • The discovery of the Backrooms image's origin has sparked a range of reactions, from fascination to disappointment, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of internet culture.