Although 3M launched the Post-it note in 1977, it was not successful. Customers didn't understand how it could be used. They even developed a sticky bulletin board coated with the adhesive. However, dust and dirt eventually built up on the board, diminishing its stickiness. Only by giving out thousands of free samples in a small Idaho town did the Post-it note catch on. By 1980, the Post-it note became a success used by students, office workers, housewives and even the U.S. Post Office.