[seqfan] First use of "OEIS" ?

[N. J. A. Sloane]

Dear Seqfans,  

When was the first time the abbreviation "OEIS" appeared
on the web, or in an article?

This is because we want to trademark "OEIS", to protect it legally.

The earliest reference I can find is my article
about the OEIS in the Notices of the Amer. Math. Soc.,
September 2003.

It has been used in emails to me since 1997, but I need an early
mention of it in print or on the web.

I tried a few searches, e.g. with Google, but did not
find anything before 2003.

Maybe someone who is better at searching could find
an earlier referene!

Thanks

Neil