This internet meme started out in a magazine--and it's earned its creator over $50,000!

Oh memes, how you've taken the Internet by storm. Memes have become so commonplace that it's nearly acceptable to use them in real-life situations. When you just can't figure out how to express yourself online, chances are there's a meme that can do it for you.

Turns out one of the more famous memes ("On the Internet, nobody knows you're a dog") actually didn't start online!

It first appeared as a cartoon in 'The New Yorker' on July 5, 1993. Long-time cartoonist and contributor Peter Steiner sketched it up with the silly caption. At first, nobody thought much of it, but it began to grow and spread, making Steiner feel like the guy who created the iconic "smiley face."

Steiner wasn't even an avid internet user at the time, so he didn't realize how poignant he was being as questions of anonymity and safety on the internet were just beginning to be asked.

This was also a time when the internet was reaching a consumer audience and wasn't just for the tech-savvy and engineers anymore.

As of 2011, it has been the most reproduced cartoon in the history of 'The New Yorker,' and it has earned Steiner over $50,000 from reprints. Not bad for a day's work!

(Source)