Death of a Blog

When AOL put banner ads across the top of our blogs, it was an affront.  It was as though someone stuck an ad in the center of the page of a book.  We weren't asked or even warned.  They just showed up one day.

The thing is that bloggers PAY for their subscription (even though blogging is a bonus, a free opportunity.)  You cannot blog on AOL if you are not a subscriber.

The company was using the attention bloggers get to bring in revenue.

A bunch of bloggers (me included), some of them noted for their blogs (myself not included), left AOL for that reason.  Thus, this blog is left to slowly die.

Just recently, they increased our subscription price.

They didn't offer any consideration to the bloggers.  Some of those options might have been whether to have an ad on their blog or not and maybe some subscription price reduction for agreeing to carry an ad.

I don't buy t-shirts or other clothing that advertises itself or anything else unless it is something I support.  Why should my personal thoughts be sublet to advertise cell phones and banks? 

And if a bloggers thoughts are used in such a way, with or without their consent, shouldn't they get some consideration?

AOL advertises "Your Thoughts.  Your Blog."

There ought to be a proviso.  Something like: "Your thoughts, used for profit."

 

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Alas.

It doesn't look like we'll be coming back to AOL to blog, I'm sorry to say.

AOL did post a disclaimer under the ads.  I guess they thought that was big of them.

The funny thing is, if they had asked, we might have responded with what ads we would accept and they might have made even more profit from the diversity and good will from those who chose to advertise for charities and non-profit organizations.

Judi's blog alone gets some 2,000+ hits a month.  Tsk tsk  That makes her pretty darn popular as bloggers go.  In fact, I'd almost call her famous... and AOL just let her and her friends split.

Don't you miss the old-fashioned way of doing business?

 

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Enough already

I am getting mail from people trying to tell me how to get action from AOL.

You know, I like AOL.  I just don't like the ads.

I can't imagine moving to any other server.  The customer service has been OUTSTANDING; a model for other companies.

I left primarily in support of my friends.  I understand the nature of advertising.  Almost everything you see when you open AOL is advertising something, football, movies, recipes, ways of living, cars...

I'd like to come back here.  That's the honest truth.

I also do not CARE if they delete my journal.  Really.  If you have ever read it, you know that I believe in the transient nature of things.

I'm leaving the trail of my life inside the people who have read and been affected by me.  The physical evidence of all people eventually fades.  Think of all of the people throughout history.  Very few names have stayed on our tongues.  Maybe this journal is as close as I ever get to 15 minutes of fame.  Still if we passed in the street, you wouldn't know me... and I am SO okay with that. I am content to be unimportant to the masses.

I have appreciated AOL for the Freedom of Speech it has afforded me.  They have never scolded or censored me.  I got some strange TOS (Terms of Service) message once, but I still have no idea what it was about.

I have made a few suggestions about how to get noticed in our complaint.  Hopefully, they weren't too mean.  I don't think we should resort to viciousness.  I've said it before.  I'd like to be able to come back... with my friends.

I would stand with my friends in a legal complaint.  I would sign my name to a petition... in fact, I'm pretty sure I did so already.

It behooves AOL to give us an ear.  In these days of cold business machines, listening to your customers is still an effective way to promote yourself and your good will. 

I guess I need to welcome suggestions but I really just want a peaceful resolution, no matter what the outcome.

 

My blog is worth $4,516.32.
How much is your blog worth?

Check this out

http://journals.aol.com/journalseditor/magicsmoke/

 

If we can choose not to receive these, then why not allow us to block ads on our journals?

"America Online extends a variety of marketing offers for valuable merchandise that are specially selected for our members.  We've created this area to let you know more about these marketing offers, and to provide you with the option of not receiving such offers, if this is your preference.

Our special relationships with other companies often allow us to offer these products to you at significant discounts. 

Some examples of the types of products include:
  • The newest and fastest modems
  • Digital cameras
  • Scanners
  • Computer software
  • Electronics and more

If you would prefer, you can choose not to receive these marketing offers by telephone, e-mail, U.S. mail, or pop-up screens. To do so, just click on the appropriate button to the right, then follow the instructions provided.  You may choose not to have your name and address included on the mailing lists we provide to other companies, as well as other AOL companies, by clicking on the button labeled "U.S. Mail from Other Organizations".  Please note that from time to time AOL may still contact you to deliver important information about AOL features and services or your account."

AND

"Mail Preference Service

For many people, advertising mail is informative and provides value, convenience and fun.  However, direct marketing companies recognize that some people do not like to receive advertising mail.

If you want to reduce the amount of national advertising mail you receive at home, send your name and address to the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service (MPS):

DMA Mail Preference Service
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512

After a few months, the MPS will reduce the amount of advertising mail you receive.  You will continue to receive mail from companies with which you do business.

Names remain part of the MPS for five years.  After five years, you will need to register with the MPS again.

If you continue to receive unwanted mail after a few months, the Direct Marketing Association suggests that you write directly to the mailer to request that your name be removed from the mailer's list.

Telephone Preference Service

If you want to reduce the amount of national advertising calls you receive at home, send your name, address, area code and telephone number to the Direct Marketing Association's Telephone Preference Service (TPS):

DMA Telephone Preference Service
P.O. Box 1559
Carmel, NY 10512

After a few months, the TPS will reduce the amount of advertising calls you receive from national marketers such as credit card and magazine subscription companies.  Some local organizations and charities may not participate.

Names remain part of the TPS for five years.  After five years, you will need to register with the TPS again.

If you continue to receive unwanted phone calls after a few months, the Direct Marketing Association suggests that you request your name be removed from a company's list when they call."

These two items are from Marketing Preferences in "Privacy and Marketing Settings" within the "Settings" here on AOL.

I'm thinking... I'm thinking...

Ooo, that hurts.

 

 

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I like this about AOL.  Easy to stick a picture here.

It worked.  Didn't work in Blogger.  (sigh)