Google (www.google.com), the Internet search engine and searchable USENET service, has now expanded their archive back to 1981. They have released a page announcing the expansion, including memorable 'firsts' in USENET, including first mention of AIDS, first mention of the Challenger explosion, and first mention of Microsoft. Interestingly, they include the first mention of Madonna.

I think I have found the first reference to Prince on USENET, where someone posted a copy of Village Voice's 1981 PAZZ & JAZZ CRITICS' POLL on January 29, 1982:

http://groups.google.com/...1&filter=0

The URL for the Google annoucement is at:
http://www.google.com/goo...ce_20.html

[Cool! -Ben]