There is a lot of fuss and fervor going on over this… primarily a lot of name calling at AOL /Time Warner. Essentially, I think most of it is a bunk deal on all spectrums. I fully support Trillian and will back them wherever I can. I also like the amount of people who use AOL /Time Warner’s Insant Messenger and the connection it gives me to them. However, we can’t just sit around and complain and tell AOL /Time Warner to just make us happy.
The following little diddy is a piece I submitted to FrozenPc over this issue:
This “war” between Trillian and AOL in recent days and perhaps far into the future has more in it’s roots than the average person seems to be willing to accept. The clamor is enormous about the evils of AOL and their horrendous actions–and “why can’t [they] just let Trillian work?”
Why do we continue to support them? Trillian (and Cerulean Studios) is fantastic. Even as it is still being developed, it is the best program available to the average user for chat in general, let alone the fact that it supports multiple clients.
And, the fact that is support multiple clients is a very important feature to look at. Currently, AOL ‘s Instant Messenger , while being touted as the worst chat software (which, indeed, it most likely it), also has a huge user base. Most people who use any sort of messenger programs will tend to find a majority of contacts on the AOL network in some form.
However, is this right? Why clamor about how terrible AOL is when we have the option to -not use them- already provided in our favorite program? If AOL is indeed “evil”, then let us not try to bend this evil to us, but instead cast it aside completely. Trillian is the ultimate chat software with access to 4 other networks (three of which are not owned by AOL ), and will, as mentioned from various places, continue to grow from there.
Support Trillian and do not support AOL . Do not simply clamor but take action. This is not a drastic action. This is not an upheaval. Simply do what any consumer can do–stop using the product (AOL Instant Messenger ) and tell everyone you know. Spread the word of Trillian and beat AOL in this self-made war by, in essence, doing nothing. By not using them, you will do more than any clamoring or programmer war ever could.
Isaac S, Editor, www.uncouth.net
Oh, and make sure you -do- check out Trillian at http://www.trillian.cc