There is a store I like to go to that uses old-style cash registers. They don’t have any barcode scanners in the store; they just enter everything manually. It’s not because they’re a small store: they’re always busy from the moments the doors open and have multiple locations, so why don’t they upgrade?

In this case, it’s probably part of their branding as an old-timey or vintage store, but there could be lots of reason to not upgrade to modern technology.

This week’s prompt is to think of an older or obsolete technology and write about it in a modern settings. Think an abacus instead of a calculator, cassette tapes instead of digital music, maybe a horse-drawn cart instead of a car. It’s up to you but there should be a reason why it’s being used that’s important to the story.

Story Prompt: August 3, 2026

Write a story about a piece of obsolete technology

If you write a story for this prompt, send me a link to your story on your own site, either in the comments or at info@greenwalledtreehouse.com.

Happy birthday to Amelia this week. You know who you are.