just received this message from CEO Jon Miller @AOL

[DemInDistress]

Dear AOL Member,

I want to let you know about some exciting changes happening at AOL. Our service has always been an all-in-one solution for our members, consisting of:
Connectivity - a way of connecting to the Internet (through a dial-up or high-speed connection), and

Content and Services - bringing you useful tools and features like email, security and an entertaining online experience once you're connected.
Today we are announcing that AOL's software, email, and other compelling AOL features will be free to everyone who has an Internet connection -- including your Address Book, Screen Name, the Buddy List® feature and more. AOL will continue to provide a dial-up connection for you, and we will continue to offer several reliable and affordable options for getting online.

What Does This Mean for You?

Nothing about your service arrangement with us will change unless you want it to. Your current plan, which includes Internet connectivity, 24/7 customer support, unlimited email storage, your email addresses, and all the AOL content and services you rely on, will still be there for you.

If you do at some point choose another provider to connect you to the Internet:
You can keep your AOL Screen Name and email address for as long as you want to use it, completely free;
You can continue to use your AOL software, and you can still get all your favorite features and content, completely free;
You will still get AOL's comprehensive safety and security tools, protecting you from online hackers, spammers and identity thieves, completely free.
All of this is free, no matter who provides your Internet connection.

Why Is AOL Doing This?

We're simply changing with the times. There are many options for Internet access, whether it's dial-up or broadband. At the same time, a lot of online content and services are now available on the Web free of charge because they are supported by advertising. So, while your Internet connectivity needs may change over time, what you love about the Web does not. We are now able to ensure that the familiar AOL experience, your Screen Name, your Address Book, your Buddy List, your Favorite Places, and other content and features you enjoy, will always be available to you for free.

In September, you will be hearing more about changes at AOL. Until then, you can visit AOL Keyword: New AOL for more information and to sign up for informative email alerts.

Sincerely,

Jon Miller
Chairman and CEO
AOL LLC

Is this real? Is there a gimmick behind this? H'm.. Anyway it's ok by me no more monthly charges.

[Xeric]

1. They'd have to pay me.

[Sherman A1]

2. I don't think they really have a choice

they have been bleeding customers like crazy and what do they have to offer to keep anyone?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

3. Wait, This Means I Don't Need To pay $9.95 Anymore? I Gotta Check This Out

Thanks for the info.

[greyl]

8. No, you need an internet connection. nt

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

10. Don't Take Offense To Me Saying No Shit Sherlock LOL I Have Optimum

but pay 9.95 to still access our AOL.

[greyl]

12. Huh? How much do you pay for your connection? nt

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

13. Optimum Online Is Like 45 Bucks I Think.

[greyl]

14. You were talking about 9.95 for AOL's Bring Your Own Access Plan?nt

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

16. Uh Huh.

[WePurrsevere]

21. We dropped the BYOA plan a few months ago after being with AOL

for almost 13 yrs. (It just didn't make sense to keep it now that we rarely use it and our kids are all grown and moved out.) Anyway, when I called to cancel they told me I'd still have user name and access to my email and buddy list. Very handy but I'd already gone to all the trouble to switch all my email to Gmail and set up a new AIM name figuring I'd lose my old one.

I don't know how this new offer is different.. it sounds like more stuff for free is included and they're hoping to make up the money lost by grabbing some of the advertising money that Yahoo and Google have. Just one heads up that you may experience... If you're on dial up, as we are, AOL's web based mail opens as slow as sludge.

Hmm... that is one thing I do miss about AOL... a couple chat rooms... hadn't though to see if I can access or create those yet.

(edited to change a letter... it's bring your own access not bring your own booze. ;))

[Rex]

4. AT&T yahooDSL is about as bad as AOL now.

So AOL is going to stop hosting bandwith and become...what...Netscape? Yeah, good luck with that crap (not you, AOL). No doubt it is real or someone trying to get your email password. It is AOL, afterall.

[NV Whino]

5. Let's see... how many employees did they just lay off?

Is this dial up only. Sounds like it.

But in fact, even paying me couldn't get me back on AOL.

[Renew Deal]

6. So does this mean that they will no longer charge?

I still don't get that. Or will they charge for more space, enhanced features?

This is what's onimous:

Nothing about your service arrangement with us will change unless you want it to. Your current plan, which includes Internet connectivity, 24/7 customer support, unlimited email storage, your email addresses, and all the AOL content and services you rely on, will still be there for you.

[greyl]

9. No, they aren't giving the internet connection away.

Just their shit software.

[napi21]

7. Soooo, does that mean anyone who never had AOL can still use their service

I used it waaaaay back in 1962 when I got my first computer, and the only feature I really still like is the buddy list.

What is this must saying? Can I still get onto the buddy list????

Other than that, I hate their service NOW! I kept it for about a year, and they recognized there were a lot better options elsewhere!

[Renew Deal]

15. AIM has been available for free fora long time.

I don't understand what this means for other services. The wording is pretty vague.

[Donnachaidh]

18. 1962? AOL was on back that far?

Umm, when did arpanet really start?

I'm not picking on you, I just had the idea that arpanet started in the 70's?

[Renew Deal]

19. No man, it was back in the day

Before flamewars and pornsites.

[napi21]

20. I don't know. I can only tell you I move to TX in 62 and bought my

firwst computer shortly thereafter. I was the Director of Accounting and my MIS Mgr, gave me a free AOL disk, saying if you're interested in this, here ya go.

I signed up with AOL and kept it until I moved to Pgh. Pa. in 1998 when they were pi**ing me off I signed on with a local ISP and said goodby to AOL.

I moved to TX in Sept, so I guess it could have been very late 1992, but I'm pretty sure it was before 93.

[EST]

11. I llove it!

I spent a part of my life in sales and was quite successful.
This is the "hook." Everything that gets sold in this !!@#$%!! world goes like this.

You tell 'm all about the good sh*t and de-emphasize the short leg. They are good at it.

Keep your eyes on the ball.

[Donnachaidh]

17. uhhh, call me paranoid..

But I personally think that AOL will *make up* those fees by selling your internet usage stats to outside sources. They have their own software (which they are touting in the message) -- so how hard is it for them to track your online surfing?

These guys *don't* offer something for nothing. I hope y'all read the FINE fine print before you hook up.