The end of an era. AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) is shutting down on December 15.
In a statement from Oath, the new entity formed under Verizon combining AOL with the recently-acquired Yahoo, the service will be discontinued.
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AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) was a staple of personal computers since first launching in 1997, serving as a precursor to popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, AIM couldn't make the seamless transition to mobile, where most users rely on instant messaging services.
In the very early age of the internet, AOL (America On Line) was the first and easiest way to access. It was a safe, gated community that helped new users access information, games, and people from all over the world. Their instant messaging service was the first — even predating text messaging. It was the only way to communicate with others without the huge long distance phone bill (yes, old timers remember those).
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AOL was very, very big in its day. The downfall came when AOL remained a gated community while losing subscribers to other Internet Service Providers who gave unencumbered access to the whole internet. AIM, however, continued to have its dedicated core of users who enjoyed the ease of use and comfortable controls.
While still able to manually download any files or images they have stored on AIM, current users won’t be able to save or export their Buddy List (contact list). I can only imagine how long it’s going to take those folks to manually add 20 years of contacts to another messaging service in hopes all the contacts will join a new one.
Still, in an era when adware, malware, ransomware, and viruses plague internet users, I often long for the days of a safe, gated internet community — no matter the limitations.
Goodbye, AIM. Thanks for the memories.
And now, for what you really came for.
TOP COMMENTS October 7, 2017
Thanks to tonight's Top Comments contributors! Let us hear from YOU when you find that proficient comment.
From paz3, ksmoore777 and belinda ridgewood (so you know it’s gotta be good):
This comment really nails the point of the story that Denise Oliver Velez commented in. From Missouri Republican announces "Women Belong in the Kitchen" Platform by Chris Reeves.
From BeninSC:
In ursulafaw’s diary yesterday about 45’s incompetence, SunPanther commented on how such incompetence affects other staff members. First time Daily Kos commenter, Meyer, notes that the ‘Peter Principle’ plays a role, the perfect lead-in to THIS don’t miss zinger, by Johnny Coyote!
And this first comment, from new member, splatticus2, is being selected because of its link to a really terrific video starring Robert Reich. (I know it’s not new, but worth watching again in any case!)
From eeff:
TOP MOJO from October 6, 2017
(excluding Tip Jars and first comments) *Got mik!*
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TOP PHOTOS October 6, 2017
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Good number of pooties again tonight. Maybe they knew I was hosting?