Gmail Signing Up

When Gmail first launched in 2004, it was available by invitation only, and people scrambled, scrounged, and wheeled-and-dealed to get accounts. Invitations went to the highest bidders on eBay, and people swapped accounts for all manner of goods and services. Fortunately, Gmail accounts are much easier to come by today, but you still might need a bit of tenacity to secure one.

Google verifies all new email users by sending an invitation code to a mobile phone. Browse to the Gmail home page (http://www.google.com/gmail) and click “Sign up for Gmail using your mobile phone.” Enter your cell phone number, and Google sends an invitation code to your phone. This security measure helps keep spammers out of Google’s system, but it also adds a barrier to entry for those without mobile phones. If you don’t have a cell phone that can receive SMS messages, you might need to turn to some old-fashioned wheeling-and-dealing to get an account.

Every Gmail user has a number of invitations they can send to others. Chances are, one of your alpha-geek friends already has a Gmail account. Ask nicely and be prepared to offer a latte or three. Also, email acquaintances with Gmail accounts are easy to spot: just look for the @gmail.com email address. Set up a filter in your email application to highlight any incoming Gmail and rifle off a response the moment you see one pop up. Your ingenuity and bravado are sure to be admiredand hopefully rewarded. You’ll find the extra effort it takes to get an account to be well worth it.