Socl, a social network launched by Microsoft's Research arm in 2011, will be shutting down soon. The service, which was never really a direct competitor to other popular "social" networks, will officially close its digital doors on March 15 (opens in new tab).
Initially launched as part of a private beta for select universities, Microsoft Research's Fuse Labs positioned the service as a way to see what works and what doesn't. From Fuse Labs:
Socl has been a wonderful outlet for creative expression, as well as a place to enjoy a supportive community of like-minded people, sharing and learning together. In supporting you, Socl's unique community of creators, we have learned invaluable lessons in what it takes to establish and maintain community as well as introduce novel new ways to make, share and collect digital stuff we love.
The service itself worked like sort of a mash-up between Pinterest and Tumblr with an emphasis on creativity and image sharing. Socl even managed to expand from its web browser confines, releasing dedicated mobile apps, including one for Windows Phone in 2013. That said, the service never really managed to gain much traction.
There's no word on whether anything of the service will remain accessible after its closure. However, if you just so happen to be one of Socl's few users, you have until March 15 to say goodbye.
