looking for 11 special people

Way back in autumn 1999 we sent out our first email newsletter. It wasn't part of a clever digital marketing strategy. They didn't really exist in 1999. But we did know that there were 11 people who often sent us mail or phoned us up to ask us what we were up to.

So we asked them if they'd like to get our news in their inbox every week, instead of them having to visit our website.

They said yes, and an innocent tradition was born. We still send out our news every week (you can sign up for it here), and these days it goes out to thousands of people.

We're looking for the original eleven - the people who received the first ever email newsletter.

We've tried tracking them down in a number of ways, but so far we've drawn a blank. So if you think you were one of them, or you think you know who one of them might be, let us know. We'd appreciate it.

PS don't let the photo fool you. Those aren't the eleven people we're looking for. It's just our favourite photo of eleven people. See if you can work out who they are. Clue - it's not Arsenal's reserve team. Second clue - study the face of the young chap in the bottom left corner very closely - you might recognise him.

Comments

[Henry North London]

Bill Gates, and the Microsoft crew ( taken in circa 1978)

[Ian]

Bill Gates and the MSFT folks

[Liam]

Bill Gates & Microsoft team,

Interesting idea none the less

[Liam]

Dam was beaten too it!

[Henry North London]

gotta be quick off the draw with Twitter

[Sheila Gibbon]

I can't believe that you've been sending email news to people all this time - almost 10 years.

[Helz]

Cracking photo!

[Ellie D]

I remember having my first Innocent smoothie from Paddington Station in 1999, and from then on made it a must have purchase when I used to travel through there between Uni. and home. Those were the days!!! I've been a fan that longggg! At the time it was the only place I could find a supply and got so excited everytime I found one elsewhere over the years. I'm so glad you're still around and flourishing.

I remember when you started the newsletter and asking if people wanted to sign up... doubt if I was one of the 11, but I was around early on. :)

[heather]

Is it the Kings of Leon? (Only kidding!)

[Hazel Scott]

I've been getting it for years but I don't think from 1999. But I did get the Innocent knickers, and the christmas tree so I suppose the distribution list was smaller then... still love getting it :)

[RN]

re the photo..BG & the MSTeam! Sounds like, & they look like, a 'very bad' west Coast band of that era. Strange how they dont look like theyve got two brain cells between the lot of them!!! lol

[RN]

BTW...How about a photo update. Interesting to see how the rulers of the world look today =0)