AOL disks make poor frisbees and even worse coasters
Written: Sep 28 '00 (Updated Sep 30 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Instant Messenger, Ease of use for computer novices
Cons: Hard to connect, Stifling for computer-savvy people, Free trial disks are irritating
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| imbrium's Full Review: AOL (America Online) |
When I think of AOL, I can't help but imagine a huge, country-sized landfill containing nothing but AOL disks. I feel actual guilt for the ecological damage I am committing as I, at least once or twice a month, throw an AOL disk into the trash. I've considered other options, but they are sub-par as Frisbees and make highly unattractive coasters. I've run out of ideas, so I just throw them away. Perhaps I could collect them, I could display my collection in protective cases - "Now the orange packaging...I feel it is the highlight of my collection, but I really do like this one over here as well." All disks would be unopened, of course, to preserve their value as collectors items.
At any rate, I've only once opened one of those disks and, out of sheer open-mindedness, decided to give AOL a try. I didn't last the full month and called and cancelled before my free trial was over. I am fair-minded and try not to say I dislike things without trying them....and I didn't like AOL. Let me explain why.
Ease of use: AOL has a reputation for being remarkably user-friendly. So much so that it has become a stigma: only people who _need_ an extremely simple computer interface use AOL. It has become a stereotype. Basically, when I talk to someone with an address at "aol.com", I think "OK, we're starting from square one here, computer-wise. Explain everything in the simplest way possible." I know several people who have "graduated" from AOL to other, better ISPs. Once someone has a decent battery of computer skills, AOL's user-friendliness becomes stifling. By limiting what mistakes computer-ignorant people can make, AOL limits the power of computer-savvy users. I tried AOL after having a UNIX shell account for five years - the difference was staggering. UNIX is difficult to use but at least you have the ability to do a great deal once you know how to use it.
Popularity: Yes, a lot of people use AOL, but AOL's very popularity is problematic because it makes connecting very, very difficult. I occasionally "talk" on-line to friends or relatives who use AOL. If they get disconnected, I know that, during peak hours, it will be at least 5-10 minutes before they'll be back. I personally have DSL and it takes me all of 1 second to connect, but I'm spoiled.
Instant Messenging: For me, this is the only redeeming feature of AOL. AOL Instant Messenger is available for non-AOL users as well and I use it frequently to chat with relatives on AOL. They appreciate the fact that it is built into the AOL software.
Update (9/30/00) A use for AOL disks!
I have a cousin who is an organic farmer. She told me that AOL disks are popular among organic farmers (herself included), who hang the disks in the branches of trees or in their gardens. The reflection of light from the CDs scares birds away! Apparently I'm not the only one who felt bad about throwing them all away.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
imbrium
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Member: Deborah Flores
Location: San Diego, CA
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
I love reading, languages and zoology. So many interests, so little time.
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