AOL is dumb

You know, I've said it before, and I'll say it again: AOL is dumb.

AOL is dumb not just because, well, it's just inherently dumb, but because it is and always has been a non-viable business model, and they're finally realizing that. All AOL is and has really ever been is a thin veneer over the general internet that they're trying to charge a premium for. AOL can't possibly compete with the internet as a whole for content, nor can it really compete on the basis of its user interface when people like Google and Microsoft give away their products for free. Add to that the fact that, even if you could charge for either the content or the UI, AOL is shit on both accounts.

So, basically, the only viable market for AOL is people who don't know any better, and reliance on ignorance of something as now pervasive as the internet is a fucking stupid business plan. Why the fuck would you pay AOL when you can pay any old ISP less and get essentially more unless you're a) stupid or b) ignorant?

I'm pretty sure Microsoft has realized this as well...they seem to be shifting away from MSN and towards the "Live!" brand.