IHOF Nomination Tom Jennings – Nomination #489

Summary of Contributions (50 words)

Tom Jennings’ FidoNet (1984) pioneered decentralized networking, linking BBSes globally and growing the internet’s social roots. His Little Garden ISP (1990s) fueled early web access—key steps to billions of users.

Impact (200 words)

Tom Jennings’ FidoNet (1984) advanced the internet’s evolution, scaling BBS connectivity from dozens to 30,000 nodes by 1996 (FidoNet). His store-and-forward system grew pre-web social nets; The Little Garden ISP (1990s) boosted early web adoption. A decade’s work (1980s-1990s) underpins 5.3 billion users (2023, ITU)—35 million-line browsers echo his push.

Influence (200 words)

Tom Jennings’ 1984 FidoNet shaped society—5.3 billion users (2023, ITU)—via decentralized roots. His anarchist ethos influenced hackers and sysops—100,000+ BBSes by the ‘90s (FidoNet)—and next-gen coders chasing open nets. Peers like Christensen felt his vibe; his 15-year arc (1980s-1990s) drives DIY connectivity culture.

Reach (200 words)

Tom Jennings’ FidoNet (1984) reached globally—30,000 nodes across 50+ countries by ‘96 (FidoNet)—enriching rural U.S., Asia, Eastern Europe on basic PCs. The Little Garden (1990s) hit Bay Area users, seeding 5.3 billion (2023, ITU). His decade (1980s-1990s) bridged divides—35 million-line browsers carry his stamp.

Innovation (200 words)

Tom Jennings faced BBS silos in 1984—FidoNet’s store-and-forward tech broke them, a risky leap unifying networks. His decade of work (1980s-1990s) accelerated social connectivity—5.3 billion users (2023,

Published Works

Tom Jennings’ FidoNet specs (1984, fidonet.org), “FidoNet History” (Jennings, 1992), and “The Modem World” (Hakala, 1995) mark his legacy—“BBS Documentary” (Scott, 2005) and “The Innovators” (Isaacson, 2014) nod to his role—15 years (1980s-1990s) echo in net lore.

Honors and Awards

Tom Jennings lacks formal medals—his FidoNet (1984) legacy and “net anarchist” tag (tech press) honor his 15-year role (1980s-1990s). No plaques match 5.3 billion users (2023, ITU)—his prize is the decentralized pulse of today’s internet.