Founder media archive
Wall Street Journal, Japan Times, Business Week, ACCJ, and more
Founder archive • technology • Japan • publishing • entrepreneurship
Historical news before ABC Solar.
This archive preserves media coverage of Bradley L. Bartz before the founding of ABC Solar. The stories document earlier work in publishing, online services, email, search, media strategy, and Japan-focused entrepreneurship.
Early crossover into energy storytelling
Before the deeper founder archive, this Peninsula News feature connects directly to the later ABC Solar era and helps bridge the story.
Peninsula News • February 2, 2006
Solar Powered Success
Energy-efficient home could be a model for future 21st-century dwellings. Dr. David Berman’s home in Rancho Palos Verdes may not look extraordinary from the street, but behind the exterior was a serious solar and efficiency story.
Historic founder press archive
These entries preserve the original clipping links and image references from the legacy page while making the archive much easier to read on modern screens.
The through-line here is clear: long before ABC Solar, Bradley Bartz was already operating in media, search, online services, branding, and entrepreneurial systems thinking.
Wall Street Journal
Foreign start-ups were thriving in Japan, and Bartz was featured as one of the people who foresaw the Japanese internet boom.
“He started one of Japan's first electronic-bulletin-board services to feature advertising... He foresaw a Japanese Internet boom.”
The Japan Times
IAC offered internet and email services in Japan with flat-rate access, same-day setup, and strong consumer positioning.
“We offer the best choice in Tokyo, Yokohama and also Osaka... We offer a flat rate for all you can eat, with a same-day setup.”
Asahi Evening News
A smart early branding story built around memorable domain-based identity.
“Always wanted a Hollywood address?... Have you ever wanted to have sumo's highest rank of yokozuna?... you will never lose your title.”
The Daily Yomiuri
Coverage of Jmail, a web-based email service for Japan designed to work from any internet-connected computer.
“Jmail will be similar to the popular Hotmail, allowing users to read their e-mail from any computer connected to the Internet.”
The Forum for Corporate Communications
A founder story about public speaking, media handling, and the speech “How to Survive a Press Thrashing.”
“Known for his casual, forthright, and informal speaking style, Bartz will entertain, as well as teach us ways to handle the press.”
Business Week Magazine
One of the clearest examples of early monetized online service strategy: advertiser-supported email plus paid PPP web access.
“First-time Net surfers just looking for E-mail service can get online for free... Coke pays for the English-language service.”
ACCJ Journal Magazine
Coverage of METABOOK and its search-and-retrieval capabilities — an early signal of founder interest in structured information systems.
“One of the primary advantages of this product is its advanced search and retrieval capabilities.”
Business Week Magazine
Coverage of Bartz building deals with information providers, growing a user base, and persuading major brands to advertise online.
“Then Bartz set to work persuading major businesses to advertise online... Coca-Cola Japan, for example, paid an initial $10,000.”
1993
ACCJ Journal covers METABOOK and advanced search/retrieval.
1995
Business Week covers advertiser-supported email and PPP access.
1996–1998
WSJ, Japan Times, Yomiuri, Asahi, FCC, and Business Week continue coverage.
2000
ABC Solar is founded.