[Web4lib] SMS Texting down via AIM/Meebo Combination

[Jonathan Blackburn]

Hi All,

This may not apply to many at this time, but I thought I would give a
heads up to those of you:

1.) Using the free SMS service from AIM on your website

2.) Using Meebo's web interface to reply to AIM messages

This does NOT currently apply if you are only using MeeboMe widget for
anonymous users - and are using Pidgin/Adium/etc. for replying to
messages.

To explain . . . Meebo has disabled the ability to reply to AIM
messages originating from a mobile phone, because of problems with AIM
shutting down people's accounts.  (See:
http://forum.meebo.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=19265&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=SMS)

If this ends up being  a "terms of use" issue - this problem could
spread to libraries using services like LibraryH3lp, Digsby, Plugoo,
etc. - as well as local clients (though it's much less likely for
locally installed software not using IM gateways).

Just giving everyone a heads up - I certainly hope we're the only one
this affects.

(I don't check this particular listserv often, but will try to check
back on this thread if any of you have questions ... but better e-mail
me directly just in case.)

-Jon



Jonathan Blackburn
Web Development Librarian
Florida State University Libraries
Phone: 850.645.6986
AIM/E-mail: jblackbu at fsu.edu