Due to the wonders of technology, (NOTHING is secret on the web!) here is the first link I believe to Flyertalk, as it was seen in April/May 1998 on your screen. Note the contents box for Inside Flyer May 1998 blurb on the RH side which dates it clearly - ignore date line across page top.

If you look down to "INTERACTIVE" half way down central table, there is a link called "FlyerTalk - NEW! interactive frequent flyer discussion" which gives you the VERY earliest version:

Also: Right now we are running a special promotion to celebrate the launch of FlyerTalk in which we are giving away 1,000 miles a day for ten days. Get in on "Can We Talk?" and win miles just for talking to other frequent flyers!

So what are your waiting for? Start talking!

Randy or others may recall these winner members that week:

Can We Talk

Winner's Circle! 5/13/98
5/14 Gercohen
5/15 birdyy
5/16 Gercohen
5/17 Flying Dutchman

And HERE are the FT forums as they were in May 1998.

The United board had 21 posts total at that time.