Seems like AOL stole the idea from ICQ (if that's any consolation to you
Vicki) :)
 
Holly
 
>----------
>From:  Vicki Price[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent:  Saturday, November 08, 1997 9:48 PM
>To:    [log in to unmask]
>Subject:       Fwd: RE: AOL Instant Messenger
>
>OK so I forgot the damn -
>---------------------
>Forwarded message:
>Subj:    RE: AOL Instant Messenger
>Date:    97-11-08 21:34:36 EST
>From:    VPPrice
>To:      Me [log in to unmask]
>
>You're Invited To Try
>
>AOL Instant MessengerTM
>
>You're invited to the FREE limited beta of the AOL Instant MessengerTM
>sevice. All you have to do is go the the AOL web site [www.aol.com] and
>download the software.
>
>This revolutionary tool allows you to communicate instantly via private,
>"real time" text messages, which can be sent to and from AOL members as well
>as friends who've installed AOL Instant MessengerTM.
>
>With AOL Instant MessengerTM you can:
>
>-Stay in Touch
>
>Know immediately when your friends, family and business associates go online
>and communicate with them in "real time."
>
>-Communicate Privately and Personally
>
>Send and receive private text messages that are identified by personalized
>"screen names."
>
>-Be More Productive
>
>While juggling tasks at home, at work, or on the road, get in touch with
>others  quickly and exchange essential information.
>
>-Be a Part of the World's Largest Online Community
>
>Have online access to AOL's eight million members and a world of Internet
>users.
>
>-Enjoy a Safe Online Environment
>
>Set and maintain standards for safe online interactions with AOL's
>"Neighborhood Watch" program.
>
>Don't wait! Get the AOL Instant MessengerTM today! Just go to AOL's web site
>(http://www.aol.com) where you can download it now.
>