AOL is banned entirely from Anandtech Forums?

[kylef]

I have been a member here for several years now, but I just recently read the FAQ, and I was amazed to learn the following:

all of AOL's system is banned from the forums; this includes their IP addresses. This means that even if you sign up with a different E-mail address, you will not be able to post if you connect to the internet using their service.

Why? Doesn't this seem a bit harsh? My parents, for instance, use AOL. If I were to visit them and attempt to log onto the Anandtech Forums, I would not be able to participate?

This just seems really odd... Why isn't an ISP just an ISP? What does the ISP have to do with a user's credentials, or ability to participate?

 

[olds]

AOL would not cooperate with AT when AT had some problems with AOL users. So, AOL was banned.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
AOL would not cooperate with AT when AT had some problems with AOL users. So, AOL was banned.

What oldsmoboat said!

 

[TreyRandom]

Originally posted by: kylef
I have been a member here for several years now, but I just recently read the FAQ, and I was amazed to learn the following:

all of AOL's system is banned from the forums; this includes their IP addresses. This means that even if you sign up with a different E-mail address, you will not be able to post if you connect to the internet using their service.

Why? Doesn't this seem a bit harsh? My parents, for instance, use AOL. If I were to visit them and attempt to log onto the Anandtech Forums, I would not be able to participate?

This just seems really odd... Why isn't an ISP just an ISP? What does the ISP have to do with a user's credentials, or ability to participate?

Because AOL isn't just any old ISP. The way they do business is deplorable for multiple reasons. I can provide many real-world examples, if you truly want them and can't find a million others on your own.

Besides... if someone was *truly* interested in technology... they'd not use AOL to begin with.

If my parents had AOL, I'd move heaven and earth to get them off that system.

 

[Ryan]

Sorry, but AT would REALLY suck if AOL members had access.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: kylef
This just seems really odd... Why isn't an ISP just an ISP? What does the ISP have to do with a user's credentials, or ability to participate?

Well.. it's AOL. 'Nuff said.

 

[LordPhoenix]

"Besides... if someone was *truly* interested in technology... they'd not use AOL to begin with. "

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: LordPhoenix
"Besides... if someone was *truly* interested in technology... they'd not use AOL to begin with. "

:thumbsup:

 

[Gurck]

I always thought it was due to most AOLers being complete asses, didn't realize it was an compatibility issue... *shrug* if you can find 5 people who care across all of AT's members I'll personally give you a

 

[shilala]

I knew there was something special about this place.

 

[kylef]

Wow. So it really is a generalization of AOL ISP users being unworthy to participate.

OK, so riddle me this: what about known good users logging in from an AOL IP address? Why is *that* banned?

For instance, why wouldn't I be permitted to log in with my user account despite the fact that my IP address is owned by AOL?

Just prevent AOL users from creating an account. Tell them they need to get a better ISP. What's wrong with that?

 

[slick230]

Originally posted by: kylef
Wow. So it really is a generalization of AOL ISP users being unworthy to participate.

OK, so riddle me this: what about known good users logging in from an AOL IP address? Why is *that* banned?

For instance, why wouldn't I be permitted to log in with my user account despite the fact that my IP address is owned by AOL?

Just prevent AOL users from creating an account. Tell them they need to get a better ISP. What's wrong with that?

Although most on here belittle the typical AOL user, the perception that all AOL users are dolts is NOT the reason why the entire AOL network is blocked. The forums had a BIG problem with spammers and such connecting through the AOL network, and when AOL was asked for assistance in stopping the spammers, AOL basically said "tough sh!t". THAT'S why AOL is banned. Because they refused to help and did nothing solve the problem. So the easiest thing to do was ban the whole network.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: kylef
Wow. So it really is a generalization of AOL ISP users being unworthy to participate.

OK, so riddle me this: what about known good users logging in from an AOL IP address? Why is *that* banned?

For instance, why wouldn't I be permitted to log in with my user account despite the fact that my IP address is owned by AOL?

Just prevent AOL users from creating an account. Tell them they need to get a better ISP. What's wrong with that?

Read my answer.
And go ahead and mark it as the answer.

 

[kylef]

OK, thanks for the responses. I won't pursue it any further.