TEXTFILES.COM: weird website review & sites like it

TEXTFILES.COM is a vast collection of text files from the era of dial-up bulletin boards. They cover everything from hacking guides and recipes to jokes, manifestos and technical notes, all in plain text and delightfully chaotic. It is a hall of fame for the pre-web internet.

The site is the work of Jason Scott, and it dates to 1998. The design is as plain as the content, which is part of the charm. You browse directories, open a file and read what someone typed decades ago and uploaded for strangers to find on a BBS.

Treat it as a rabbit hole. It works on phones, though the format is basic and the directory listings are long. Content note: because the files come from an uncensored era, some contain mature or offensive material. Browse with that in mind and pick folders based on what you want to read.

Tips for getting the most out of it

Start with a folder that sounds interesting and follow it.
Be aware that some files are mature or offensive.
Read slowly; these were written for dial-up.

Questions about TEXTFILES.COM

What is TEXTFILES.COM?

It is a large archive of text files from the dial-up bulletin board era, covering hacking, humor, instructions, manifestos and more. It is run by Jason Scott. You can find it at textfiles.com, and odd-sites.com lists it as a long rabbit-hole visit. We have not confirmed how it behaves on phones, so a computer is the safer choice.

Is TEXTFILES.COM safe to browse?

The files are plain text, but they come from an uncensored era and some contain mature or offensive material. Choose folders thoughtfully, and note the site is served over http. We check the link daily, so you can see whether it is still alive.