Well brought up Bill
I have now edited my profile to include my AIM name. it is unusual and arose when back in 1999 when for a brief period
in the UK I was using AOL as my ISP (probably intending it initially only as a short term free trial)However I carried on using it after I came to the States in 2000 really just for the email facility until sometime after 2001 when as part of an online distance learning for disabled programme I was given a 12 month account with a New Jersey ISP . I had meanwhile tried to tame AIM and found that repeatedly it refused to register me simply as my name. so in despair I said "OK you tell me"
and that became my AOL name
JohnFowles
In trying to encourage a UK friend to use AIM I did write up a bit of instructions see:-
http://www.littlejim.shorturl.com
(shorturl.com does not accept any short url containing the acronym AOL hence "little Jim" in honour of the ArchGoon Bluebottle's baby brother)
If you read my screed you will find that it starts with a:-
Note
"Because AIM and the instant message system that comes with AOL might look similar and perform some of the same functions but they are different programs.
The main difference seems to be that AOL's instant message program does not have
the file transfer option. Only AIM has it. Remember, AIM and the Instant
message system that comes with AOL are not the same thing. They only interact with each other, but are in fact different programs"
Which in my book is excedingly dumb
I also included this jolly little animated gif file
John Fowles
