When I was 8 or 9, I started using bulletin board systems, which was the precursor to the Internet, where you'd dial into... a shared system and shared computers. I've had an email address since the late '80s, when I was 8 or 9 years old, and then I got on the Internet in '93 when it was first starting out.

Aaron Patzer’s quote, "When I was 8 or 9, I started using bulletin board systems (BBS), which was the precursor to the Internet, where you'd dial into... a shared system and shared computers," reflects his early exposure to digital technology and online communication. He highlights his use of BBS, an early form of online interaction where users could connect via phone lines to access a shared system of computers, exchange messages, and access files. Patzer’s mention of using BBS at such a young age illustrates his early interest and immersion in the world of digital technology.

The quote continues with Patzer noting, "I've had an email address since the late '80s, when I was 8 or 9 years old, and then I got on the Internet in '93 when it was first starting out." This reinforces how early he was involved with online communication, which was still in its infancy during that time. The fact that he had an email address in the late '80s, long before email became widely popular, showcases his forward-thinking approach to technology. This also places him in the midst of the Internet revolution, a period of rapid change in the way people interacted with technology.

Patzer’s experience of being on the Internet in 1993, when it was "first starting out," indicates his role in witnessing and being part of the initial wave of online communication and technology development. The early Internet was far different from the network we know today, but it was a time of great innovation and expansion. Patzer’s first-hand experience of these transformations helped shape his understanding of the potential of digital communication.

The origin of this quote lies in Patzer’s own life story and experiences as a tech entrepreneur and founder of Mint.com. Having grown up during the early days of digital technology, Patzer was in a unique position to witness the evolution of online communication tools from BBS to email and the wider Internet. His early engagement with these technologies reflects his deeper connection to the advancements that would later influence his professional career in the technology and startup sectors.