4 ms·
Although not a website specifically, ICQ had this functionality in 1996 (though you could still directly send messages to a given ICQ number) - it's now owned b
by warfangle 17y ago
Although not a website specifically, ICQ had this functionality in 1996 (though you could still directly send messages to a given ICQ number) - it's now owned by AOL.
AIM also had 'friending' functionality in '97.
LiveJournal also originated the term 'friending,' and was launched in '99.
EverQuest had 'friending' functionality - if you friended someone, you would be notified when they signed on/off, and could easily message them.
So has pretty much every MMO since.
I'm not certain, but I'm willing to bet that there were BBS's and MUDs that had this functionality.
- btilly 17y agoI also remember this feature on the chess interfaces ICC and FICS back in the mid-90s. This is an excellent example of an obvious patent with prior art on a business method that should never, ever have been granted by the patent office. Hopefully the Bilski case will render the whole issue moot.