WhichYear.com presents a visual guessing game challenging users to identify the year a photograph was taken. The site displays a photo and provides four year choices as possible answers. After selecting an answer, the correct year is revealed along with a brief explanation of the visual clues that point to that era. The game spans a wide range of photographic subjects and historical periods, testing players' knowledge of fashion, technology, and cultural trends.
The Substack post "Photographs of 19th Century Japan" showcases a curated collection of images offering a glimpse into life in Japan during the Meiji era and late Edo period. These photographs, many hand-colored, depict a range of subjects, from landscapes and cityscapes to portraits of individuals and scenes of daily life. The collection illustrates a period of significant transition in Japan, bridging the traditional world with the burgeoning influences of modernization. The curated imagery emphasizes the beauty and unique cultural aspects of Japan during this historical timeframe.
Hacker News users discuss the captivating nature of the linked photographs, appreciating the glimpse into everyday life in 19th-century Japan. Several commenters express fascination with the clothing and hairstyles depicted, with some noting the apparent mix of traditional Japanese and Western styles. The quality of the photographs, especially considering their age, is also a point of admiration. One commenter points out the poignancy of these images, representing people who lived entirely different lives, yet shared the same human experience. A few users share links to related resources, including other collections of historical Japanese photographs and information on the photographic techniques of the time.
The Smithsonian Magazine is seeking help identifying a prolific yet unknown photographer who documented San Francisco street life in the 1960s. Thousands of color slides, discovered in a box at a flea market, offer vibrant snapshots of everyday life, fashion, architecture, and cars of the era. The photographer's identity remains a mystery, and the magazine hopes the public can help shed light on who this individual was and the story behind the remarkable collection.
Hacker News users discussed the mystery photographer's skill, noting the compelling composition and subject matter of the photos. Some speculated on the photographer's possible professional background, suggesting they might have been a photojournalist or worked in advertising given the quality and volume of images. Several commenters focused on the technical aspects, discussing the likely camera and film used, and the challenges of street photography in that era. Others shared personal connections to San Francisco in the 1960s, adding context and reminiscing about the city during that time. A few users also suggested strategies for identifying the photographer, such as examining photo metadata or contacting local historical societies. The overall sentiment was one of appreciation for the discovered photos and a desire to uncover the photographer's identity.
The Substack post "Photographs of the Old West" showcases a curated collection of historical images offering glimpses into life in the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The photographs, many by renowned photographers like William Henry Jackson and Edward Curtis, depict diverse subjects, from landscapes and indigenous peoples to frontier towns, cowboys, and the burgeoning railroad. The post emphasizes the romanticized perception of the West versus its complex realities, highlighting both the grandeur of the landscape and the hardships faced by those who inhabited it.
Hacker News users discussed the surprising modernity visible in the "Old West" photographs, noting the paved streets, electric lines, and fashionable clothing. Some commenters highlighted the staged nature of many iconic Western images, contrasting them with the more mundane reality depicted in these photos. The discussion also touched on the rapid technological advancement of the era, the relatively late closure of the frontier, and the romanticized perception of the Old West perpetuated by Hollywood. Several commenters shared additional resources, including links to other photo collections and historical information. A few questioned the accuracy of the "Old West" designation for some of the later photographs, pointing out that they depict a period closer to the early 20th century.
Summary of Comments ( 146 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43715024
HN users generally found the "Which Year" game fun and well-executed, praising its simple yet engaging concept. Several commenters discussed the subtle cues they used to pinpoint the year, such as fashion trends, car models, image quality, and the presence or absence of digital artifacts. Some noted the difficulty increased with more recent years due to the faster pace of technological advancement and stylistic changes, while others appreciated the nostalgic trip through time. A few users shared their scores and playfully lamented their inability to distinguish between certain decades. The addictive nature of the game was a recurring theme, with some admitting they spent more time playing than intended. One commenter suggested adding a difficulty slider, while another expressed their enjoyment at being able to recognize specific cameras used in some photos.
The Hacker News post "Which year: guess which year each photo was taken" linking to whichyr.com generated a moderate number of comments, mostly discussing the difficulty of the game, strategies for guessing, and observations about societal and technological changes reflected in the photos.
Several commenters found the game surprisingly challenging. One noted the difficulty in distinguishing between certain decades, particularly the 70s, 80s, and 90s, highlighting how styles and technologies sometimes persisted or experienced revivals, making precise dating difficult. The subtle evolution of fashion and car designs were mentioned as particularly tricky aspects.
Some users shared strategies for narrowing down the year. Looking for specific technological clues like the presence of smartphones, the type of computers visible, or the style of headphones was a common tactic. Others mentioned focusing on fashion trends, car models, and background details like signage and store branding. One commenter specifically mentioned paying attention to the aspect ratio of photos as a potential clue.
A few comments touched on broader observations about societal and technological change. One user remarked on how quickly technology has evolved, referencing the rapid shift from bulky CRT monitors to sleek flat screens. Another pointed out the cyclical nature of fashion, noting how certain styles reappear over time. The game sparked reflections on the passage of time and the sometimes subtle but significant changes that occur from decade to decade.
Some commenters mentioned similar games or websites, suggesting alternatives or variations on the "guess the year" concept. There was some discussion of the user interface and potential improvements to the game's design.
While no single comment overwhelmingly dominated the discussion, the collection of comments provided a mix of perspectives on the game's difficulty, strategies for playing, and observations about the changing technological and cultural landscape reflected in the photographs. The overall sentiment seemed to be one of intrigued engagement with the challenge presented by the game.