This is why I tossed the Version 5 disk and have urged everyone else I know that still uses AOL to do the same.
AOL 5.0 has many other problems. When I am on the road, I like to access my Linux/Apache Web Server using AOL. I discovered that WS_FTP95 cannot upload binary files with AOL 5.0. They (AOL) appear to mess with the configuration of Winsock. I had to revert back to 4.0 to solve the problem.
AOL's passle of high-school tech support trainees couldn't even understand the question, so I gave up (like usual) trying to speak with them.
AOL also doesn't deal with named frames and calls back to a frame from a client window using Java... The only fix for this problem is to tell users to use IE or Netscape. This problem doesn't come up so much any more, though, because most AOL users have figured it out--use a REAL browser.
I spend a substantial amount of money testing new features to make sure they work with AOL. And I have to wrestle with AOL related browser problems for clients on a daily basis. Every new feature added must be tested on IE, Netscape and AOL. Frequently, great features have to be abandoned just to support AOL, but more and more, webmasters are saying "AOL is a fine isp, but use a different browser."
I hope AOL incorporates Netscape into new versions of AOL or at least updates to the most recent version of IE and stops twiddling with the code to suit their proprietary needs.
AOL reminds me somewhat of Lotus when they were the king of the hill. When you asked a technical question, they would first ask you what kind of computer you had. Then the typical response was, "I don't see your's on our list of recommended computers so I won't be able to help you. Thank you for using Lotus 1-2-3. Goodbye!"
AOL will never reach "arrogance" at that level because their kids are not trained well enough in the subtleties of arrogance. They usually quit before they get to that point because of the frustration of most AOL users. They are trained to ask one question and then get off the phone. And that question is... "have you tried restarting your computer?"
AOL practices Corporate Arrogance, instead!
Good Luck!
Back-up the truck!
--Dave |
