AOL's Subscribers: 'Retreat!': Firm's Ad Blitz Has Little Payoff (AOL subs down for first time EVER)

The Washington Post ^ | January 31, 2003 | David A. Vise

[Timesink]

[...]

But beneath the surface, another figure marked a seminal moment for Dulles-based America Online Inc., the media company's Internet unit: The number of U.S. subscribers fell for the first time ever on a quarterly basis, dropping by 170,000 in the last three months of 2002. The dip occurred despite the aggressive launch last fall of the company's newest software, AOL 8.0; the distribution of millions of free AOL computer disks; and the outlay of more than $1 billion on advertising and promotion during the year.

"The modest decline in AOL's subscriber base will spark renewed fears over AOL's long-term viability," investment firm J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. told investors.

[...]

[Timesink]

A world without AOL ... man, that would be Utopia. I'd say it will probably never happen, but if anyone can take a bad situation and make it worse, it's the "first class management" of AOLTW.

[AF68]

What will I do without my weekly AOL CD in the mail? *SOB*

[Petronski]

[martin_fierro]

Ultimate list of uses for an AOL CD (Green is best, purple worst)

[Arkinsaw]

I'd purchase a buggy whip manufacturer before I'd purchase AOL. But then I'm not a big brain like the folks at Time-Warner so what do I know.

[bonesmccoy]

Hmmm...does anyone have an Apple II and a 300 Baud Hayes modem?

LOL

[Jeff Chandler]

Those AOL CDs stink. the condensation from the glass leaks right through the hole in the middle onto the table.

[blondee123]

Those AOL CDs stink. the condensation from the glass leaks right through the hole in the middle onto the table.

Choking alert, you almost made me choke on my tea!

[Jorge]

I'm so sick of AOL's constant liberal biased Bush bashing in their welcome page front news....I am ready to switch.....as soon as I can find alternative reliable and cheap internet access.

[Timesink]

afternoon bump

[John W]

evening bump