Although 3M launched the post-it note in 1997 , 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 givimg 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 student,office worker,housewives and even the U.S. Post Office.