SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : America On-Line: will it survive ...?
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Art Stone who wrote (1066)1/15/1997 5:56:00 PM
From: Harry Larson   of 13594
 
Presumably a company with AOL's supposed savvy would have gauged in advance impact of flat rate by testing it on a sample of subs.
They test all sorts of marketing approaches. Why not this?

And stuff like the below may come back to haunt at trial or elsewhere. Suggests gross insensitivity, and if not foreknowledge, perhaps
at least attitude of not being concerned about the possiblity of
massive overload. Discovery in these cases could be interesting.......

12/18/96 On-Line Users Attracted by Low Rates
Strain System, Causing Frustration
----
Wall Street Journal
"People like to go to crowded places," said Robert
Pittman, chief executive and president of AOL's main business,
AOL Networks. "I don't worry about [customer defections] because
I know about consumer behavior," Mr. Pittman said, drawing a
parallel between waiting on-line and waiting-on line -- at a
theme park.

12/20/96 Customer Surge Slows AOL Service
Online Busy Signals Met With Frustration
Washington Post
Part of AOL's coping strategy is a new online column that gives tips
on avoiding the traffic jams.
.............
in AOL's defense, Meg replied that consumers also wait for rides at
amusement parks, lifts at ski resorts and a turn on the exercise equipment at a crowded health club.

At least at a theme park, ski resort, or health club when you pay entrance fee you get inside -- and have visual ques about the queues.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2026 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News