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It's a shame they couldn't open source the original client and server software, would be interesting to preserve.
Really unlikely to ever happen. I tried to get AOL to open source Q-link software from the 80s, when it was a bulletin board for commodore 64s and legal just sat on it for years until i gave up.
Something I'll miss about AIM and older chat clients is how compact they were. Most of these newer chat programs seem to assume you're going to have their application take up the entire screen.
Most modern audio players have the same issue. WinAmp/XMMS took up very little of your screen, while most modern players will assume that full screen is what you want.
Seriously though, it is amazing to look back on the utter dominance of AOL in the late 90s-early 00s, and it’s almost complete disappearance shortly afterward.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I still have my ICQ number burned into my brain. There are other, more important, numbers I should be remembering and at times cannot, but that ICQ number is there.
Tangent for UK people: I have the emergency services number from The IT Crowd burned into my brain too: 01189998819991197253 WHY?!
It's a shame they couldn't open source the original client and server software, would be interesting to preserve.
I had the same thought. Now that it's dead, maybe releasing/leaking the source would be legally defensible as fair use in the name of historical preservation.
> Why is AIM shutting down? > We know there are so many loyal fans who have used AIM for decades; and we loved working and building the first chat app of its kind since 1997. Our focus will always be on providing the kind of innovative experiences consumers want. We’re more excited than ever to focus on building the next generation of iconic brands and life-changing products. Corporate BS-speak at its best. Three sen…
When I started using aim, my password was 4 characters, and was a dictionary word, and I never got hacked. I spent days chatting with friends, chasing girls. I feel sad.