Information about Buddy List

	This article or section has multiple issues:
	* Its quality may be compromised by peacock terms. * It does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by citing reliable sources. * It reads like an advertisement and needs to be rewritten in a neutral point of view.
	Please help [ improve the article] or discuss these issues on the talk page.

The term Buddy List is a trademarked term of AOL, referring to the list of frequent contacts used in connection with AOL's Internet software and its AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) program. The buddy list is the main program interface of AIM from which all other program features can be accessed. It is also used to connect people on the AIM Pages social network. Some programs employ the buddy list as a contact network, most notably spambots and other malware that will send messages to everyone listed.

Developer

Sam Hazan was the developer and author of this original version, of what has become today’s Buddy List, then dubbed the WAOL PAL. Much excitement was generated over this shareware that was distributed in the early 1990s to 2000 by SNR Software, a Software Company that was based out of Phoenix, Arizona. This shareware version of WAOL PAL was available as a download on AOL, and on many local bulletin board services (BBS) throughout the world. Sam Hazan (SNR Software) also distributed many shareware copies, free, at various AOL user group meetings throughout the United States.

History

In the early 1990’s, a program which the whole world later identified as the “Buddy List,” was created and released as an ad-on, in conjunction with America Online’s first version of their AOL software for Windows. Then called WAOL PAL, this precursor to today’s Buddy List, received its name as a deriviation from AOL's own naming convention for their AOL Windows’ version of the software, which was then called WAOL.

Prior to America Online’s software release for Windows, AOL ran under DOS within another graphical user interface called GEOS. WAOL PAL was developed as a plug-in to AOL, which optionally launched WAOL, and was developed as a solution to finding one’s friends, sending E-mails, and Instant Messages on the American Online network.

Also distributed by Alpha Books, as a disk insert with the book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to AOL,” WAOL PAL (version 1.10) became so popular that America Online upgraded their software with a version that came with a built-in buddy list. This made WAOL PAL, as an ad-on, obsolete and no longer necessary. The Complete Idiot’s Guide was well received and was written by John Pivovarnick (ISBN 1-56761-597-X), following the release of AOL's first Windows version. Published in 1995, the book sported John Ratzenberger (then popularly known as Cliff Clavin from the TV show “Cheers”) on the front cover.

Buddy List today

Today’s modern day buddy list, although much more complicated, bears a striking resemblance to Sam Hazan’s original program. WAOL PAL opened on the right hand side of the computer screen in a rectangular box – as do all modern day buddy lists. Within WAOL PAL’s rectangular box one could view a listing of their online buddies – as do all modern day buddy lists. When highlighted, the user had the option to check online status, send an instant message, or send email – as do all modern day buddy lists.

WAOL PAL screen display when "MORE" button is selected

WAOL PAL screen shot to input new buddy

References