Matchmaker.com
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Founded | 1986 |
---|---|
Online dating service | |
URL | Matchmaker.com |
Current status | Offline |
Matchmaker.com was the first
Members completed a questionnaire that enabled the platform to rank potential matches based on compatibility.
History
Matchmaker.com originated from a
In 1985, the system was relocated to
The original site started in 1986 was in the form of a
In 1987, the software became available to franchise from the programmer, Jon Boede. The number of local systems grew to about a dozen, and became funded by user subscriptions. This business model allowed for each system to be moved into a commercial office environment for stability.
In late 1992, the ASCII BBS style was extended to also be a telnet-based service, allowing access from anywhere in the world without the need for telephone long distance charges. A year later, the web-based front end was created. The first Matchmaker system to receive the new version was the largest of the communities at the time, "Christie's Matchmaker" (see below). Other Matchmaker franchises quickly also adopted the web based front-end.
The site went online in 1996. Phil Moerschell, a founder and owner of multiple matchmaker franchises at the time, acquired the domain 'matchmaker.com' and began using it to link to the 15 matchmaker sites he was running.[2]
In 1998, each of the franchisees agreed to consolidate, centralize, and combine their resources. Matchmaker incorporated and relocated all of the Matchmaker servers to Bedford, Texas. In September 1998, the system became burdened by having to provide direct dial-in over modems and a decision was made to move to the Internet exclusively. At the height of the distributed franchise model in 1998, the number of national systems exceeded 60. An agreement was reached to centralize in Bedford, Texas and incorporate with the name Matchmaker.com. Private stock was issued and there were approximately 12 administrators and employees. Patrick M. O'Leary became the company's president.
In 2000, Matchmaker was acquired by Lycos for $44.5 million cash. The site had 4 million users at that time.[2][3][4]
In February 2006, the site was purchased by Avalanche, LLC.[5]
In 2016, the site was shut down.[6]
See also
- Carafano v. Metrosplash.com
References
- ^ "Love & Technology: A History". POV.
- ^ New York Times. Associated Press. July 14, 2000.
- ^ "Lycos to buy Matchmaker.com for $44 million". CNET. June 27, 2000.
- ^ "Lycos agrees to acquire Matchmaker.com for $44M". American City Business Journals. June 26, 2000.
- ^ "Avalanche LLC (Date.com) Acquires Matchmaker.com" (Press release). PR Newswire. February 28, 2006.
- ^ "Goodbye Date.com and Matchmaker.com - Avalanche Has Gone Out Of Business". Dating Site Reviews. October 25, 2016.