invitation only

[PotsNPans]

I found it weird that Gmail started out as an invitation-only service. Who invited whom? Are there any other major invitation-only services like this around today?

[suwunk]

How about Google Voice invitation?
https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/

[sgoodman]

The "invitation" was to join the Gmail beta. Gmail was unique in that they allowed beta testers to send invitations.

Gmail is no longer in beta.

Shane.