Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!lll-winken!telecom-request From: tmkk@uiuc.edu (Scott Coleman) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: New Online Service? Message-ID: Date: 17 Mar 91 22:34:51 GMT Sender: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana Lines: 44 Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 224, Message 10 of 10 In article sichermn@beach.csulb.edu (Jeff Sicherman) writes: > The latest issue of BYTE (March 1991) has a stiff card with an ad > offering free time on a new online service in return for some feedback > on the service. Does not mention how long the free time will last or > how much use will be allowed. The service is called "America OnLine." I sent in one of those cards and received their startup kit. I have not signed on as yet, however. The following is all from memory, so my apologies if I muff some of the details. The service appears to be very Prodigy-like. It runs under GEOS, that windowed operating environment we've all heard so much about. The software itself comes in a small cardboard box, almost identical in form to the box Prodigy comes in. Inside are the software diskettes and instructions. If I recall correctly, they allow three free hours of connect time (the normal charge is $4/hour for connect time) if you fill out their online survey form. They're also offering a "charter subscription discount" which promises that you will always pay a lower rate than the standard connect charge, no matter how much rates may rise in the future. In order to sign on initially, you have to provide them with billing information. If you decide to cancel before your 3 free hours are used up, they promise not to charge your credit card. Your first logon is to an 800-number which allows you to find the local access number for your area, which you will use from then on. I don't remember too many other details, except for the hourly connect charge (unlike Prodigy), and the fact that the system has files which you can download (unlike Prodigy). I think it also allows unlimited use of email without surcharges (unlike Prodigy). Although the offer might sound like some sort of beta-test deal, it's really just a gimmick to get lots of people to sign up for the new service right away. The fact that you have to give them billing information right away, BEFORE you've even seen the service or tell them whether or not you like it, indicates that it is not a beta-test but simply a marketing move. JMHO. > Also no mention of access means I think it's via either Tymnet or Telenet.