In January 1999 it was purchased by Yahoo for $3.57 billion in stock, just before the DotCom Bubble burst. From mid 1999 onward it became increasingly unpopular due to its basic functions, Yahoo Advertising, terms of service, neighbourhoods replacement and web designers opting for personal hosting and creative website designs.

By 2001 GeoCities was losing both money and popularity, so it came as no surprise when it saw a massive 24% drop in visitors in the 12 months leading up to March 2009. Sadly GeoCities is finally due to close on the 26th October 2009. In my time surfing the internet I have come across many scary and interestingly decorated websites, most of them emanating from Yahoo! GeoCities. This hotbed of creativity will be missed, but I am sure it will be replaced by a new flurry of 2.0 web developers and their unique take on web site experiences.

Adam surprised the team at FirstFound and let us all know that he once had a GeoCities account which he used to help avid WWF and Wrestling fans recreate iconic wrestling moves through online role play. Amongst much mirth and amusement we are now glad these “dark days” in Adam’s experience of the internet have been replaced by much happier and healthier pastimes!