ICQ to be charged? Lies, damn lies!

ICQ Inc. shareholders unhappy that ICQ isn't paying.

In any case, first rumors saying that money to be charged for the popular service appeared since the very first day of its launching. All rumors about ICQ charges are included into the “Lies, Damn Lies” column on icq.com. Which means that no payment is to be introduced for ICQ. So far, at least.

I hope I shouldn’t explain what ICQ is; this program has been very popular with millions of people for several years already. It’s convenient, quick and safe. Better that e-mails. Though, tastes differ.

Information appeared on the Russian Internet today that ICQ would be a paid service starting with January 1, 2003. Shareholders of the program owner, ICQ Inc., are dissatisfied with the fact that it isn’t paying. That is why several variants are suggested for solution of the problem.

The first one supposes that a monthly fee at the rate of 20 USD should be charged. The second is to charge nothing, but limit number of messages sent by every user. And the third is to insert advertising in the text of messages.

It is perfectly clear that ICQ users are displeased with all three variants. Which is also evident for ICQ Inc. managers. So, we wouldn’t be  so sure that ICQ is to become a paid service. In any case, first rumors saying that money to be charged for the popular service appeared since the very first day of its launching. All rumors about ICQ charges are included into the “Lies, Damn Lies” column on icq.com. Which means that no payment is to be introduced for ICQ. So far, at least.

It is not ruled out that rivals of the owners of the popular Internet pager are spreading this information. At the same time, it isn’t ruled out as well that the service will be paid. You know, there are lots of rumors on the Internet on different topics. So, time will tell whether the ICQ rumors are true or false, especially that not so much time is left till the presumptive imposition of charges. 

Vasily Bubnov
PRAVDA.Ru