You'd also think that an outfit like AOL would do frequent customer
surveys: you know, ask 'em what they like best, what they use most, how
long they spend on what. Seems normal, no? And of course they don't have
to mail stuff, or call people, so what's the problem?
Janice,
I believe AOL can tell what area their users like and use most without even asking. The Stratus units they use as processors can keep good records as to where the most activity takes place and of course, save that information to disk. Actually, I can tell you the two most popular parts of AOL. Number one is the people connection and the second is Motley Fool.
It is obvious that those using people connection are using AOL as entertainment entirely. Many of them, prior to the unlimited use plan, would run up very large bills for the entertainment. Logic would only indicate they would use that area significantly more when there is unlimited time.
I would also agree they could e-mail people to find out what content, etc. they would like to have added but the present problem is not getting subscribers; it is having enough capacity. The marketing issue will likely come later when and if they ever have enough capacity.
Their prior accounting practice of not immediatley charging marketing off as an expense was the oddest concept I have ever seen. The street still likes them because they are huge as you said????? I wish I understood a lot of these things better.
Glenn |
