Johannes Gutenberg
From JUOD
Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press, is widely regarded as the first JUOD Propagandist. His role in the JUOD movement has sparked some controversy, however.
Meeting with Mathewson
Proponents of Time Travel Theory argue that Harley P. Mathewson, not paying attention what circle of light he stepped into during one of his many trips back into time, became frustrated that he had traveled too far back in time to print many joinish pamphlets (his plan had been to distribute the pamphlets appointing the individuals to "JOIN" and arrive at a certain part of Strasbourg, or "NOT JOIN" and stay in their homes; he would then systematically go around and kill all those who chose the latter). He stumbled across Gutenberg selling magic mirrors. Mathewson asked him if the mirrors would take him into the dark world, and if he would then appear as an animal. Confused, Gutenberg, fortunately for him, responded that Mathewson could either "buy the magic mirror and live, or not buy it and die." Impressed with the man's joinish leanings, Mathewson decided to spare his life, and the two became friends.
Gutenberg's mirrors were a flop, as users did turn into animals upon using it to enter the dark world. When the investors approached him for their money back, Gutenberg is said to have promised to share a "secret." It has been speculated that this secret was the idea, imparted by Mathewson, of printing with movable type. Legend has it that the idea came to him "like a ray of light." This was in all probability given to him by Mathewson, who gave him the idea and specifications while he looked for the nearest traveling circus or band of gypsies to torment. This would also fit with Mathewson using the typical light-portals to travel back and forth through time. Once Gutenberg's press was working, Mathewson distributed the pamphlets and killed about 500 non-joining Austrians, reciting the alphabet with each death. Gutenberg carried on the work and, among the many books his presses printed, much JUOD propaganda was disbursed. While at the time it was thought to be a printing error, some of the Gutenberg Bibles contain "The Gospel of Mathewson" as opposed to the Gospel of Matthew, bolstering the claims of some in the JUOD movement.
In Proto-Joining Theory
According to Proto-Joining Theory, Gutenberg was not actually the first propagandist, but is admired for his very joinish ideas.
