Slashdot Mirror
Netscape-Branded ISP Launching February 2004
Guppy06 writes "I'm too lazy to change my homepage in Netscape 7 to something else, and that's where I discovered an ad leading towards what appears to be a trial run of a new Netscape-branded ISP. While this isn't as momentous as, say, Netscape bundled with AOL would be, they seem to be aiming at Juno and NetZero with their price of $9.95/month ($1.00/month to participate in the trial run ending in February). This may just end up being a fizzle, or it could be part of a two-pronged attack on MSN by AOL."
Ironically, the browser software included in the sign-up package is a Netscape-branded version of Internet Explorer.
Pretty sad when your browser sucks so much you don't trust yourself enough to use it.
"Brand Necrophilia"
...but is there anyone who associates Netscape with anything other than ugly bloatware? If you want to sell a product, is plastering the Netscape logo all over it the best way to go? When someone says "Netscape", images of "RealPlayer" and a bunch of crappy "Subscribe to AOL Now!" icons come to mind.
By doing this, AOL not only gets to split their already-fleeing-like-rats-from-a-drowning-ship userbase, but they also get to cash in on the incredibly lucrative and growing dial-up internet market. And of course, the crowning touch, capitalizing on the Netscape namebrand, which everyone associates with fast, quality service. Good move, AOL!
This may just end up being a fizzle
Fo shizzle, my nizzle.
... they're going to offer sub-standard service, and then blame Microsoft for having an MSN shortcut on their desktop when they tank.
Especially if they could figure out some way to download images in the background, and maybe throw in some chat rooms. Linux types would also appreciate a command line interface, so they could just jump directly to any part of the service by typing in a keyword. Yeah, that'd be cool.
During the latter part of Albert Einstein's tenure at the Institute of Advanced Study at Princeton, management decided to ramp up its hiring efforts. One day a slew of new hires were brought in to be introduced to the great man. "Dr. Einstein, this is an amazing honor", said the first newbie. "I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work with you because, while I'm not half as brilliant as you are, I do happen to have an IQ of 180". "Outstanding", replied Einstein. "I'm sure we can have many profitable discussions regarding quantum mechanics". The second hire revealed that his IQ was 150. "Excellent", said Einstein. "There are many research areas in relativistic mechanics where we can work together". The third man stepped forward and admitted his IQ was only 110. "But you do enjoy the arts, that is quite satisfactory", said Einstein. "I myself enjoy playing the piano, rather badly I'm afraid". Finally the fourth man stepped forward and said, "Dr. Einstein? Uh, like, my IQ is only 60! So what now?" Einstein paused for what seemed to be a full minute, cupping his jaw with his hand, occasionally stopping to mutter "hmm... I see". Finally he smiled at the man and said, "So Mr. ----, have you heard of any exciting new branding strategies in corporate America?"
That's not something one would normally brag about in this forum.
Much to my amazement, after moz on osx fscked up, as mentioned above, thought i'd see how it coped....amazed that they're suporting lynx on *bsd but not moz on mac os :)
gw@archer: -->uname -a
FreeBSD archer.xxxx776.org 4.8-RELEASE-p4 FreeBSD 4.8-RELEASE-p4 #2:
gw@archer: --> lynx http://isp.netscape.com/software/index.jsp
++++
Netscape Netscape Preview
Netscape [tan_line.gif]
Welcome to the Beta preview of the Netscape Internet Service.
Sign up to Beta test the new Netscape Service for $1.00 per month through February 2004.*
We need your help Beta testing the following features for the upcoming Netscape Service:
o Unlimited Internet Access
o Personalized E-mail Addresses
o Nationwide Access
o Access e-mail anywhere, from any Internet connection
o Top-rated Search, enhanced by Google
o 2-minute download to get started
Netscape - Just the Net You Need.
If you are new to the Netscape Beta preview, please select 'Create a Preview Account' to get started.
Create Preview Account
If you already have a Netscape Beta preview account, please sign in below with your assigned screen
name.
Enter Your Screen Name:
http://milkshake.dexy.org
I've talked to people before who thought Netscape was their ISP. Not quite as common as thinking Yahoo is their web browser, but not terribly unusual. Now imagine how annoying it will be for tech support reps when they talk to a customer who's using Internet Explorer with Netscape's ISP and insists their browser is Netscape...
$x='S24;r)>63/* h@<5+oZ)32"5cz';$me='phroggy'x$];
$x=~y+ -xz+\0-Tx+;print$_^chop$me for split'',$x;
I hope Steve Case is rolling over in his heated indoor swimming pool!