?) then looking at the OLDEST file on the site (1.html dated 11/17/98) doesn't hold up to the claims... Sept hummmm...>>>>>> AOLSearch was created 6/22/98, work commenced in Spet. 98 and th esite was deleted and transfered to Amercia Online 5/13/99......
An acquaintence forwarded this to me..... This person and a lot of other people who couldnt view the blocked webmasterfx site called aol and had the oh so bizzare experience (coincidence ?) of being able to suddenly access the site when one of the people in charge of the tech guys got involved........hmmm
AOLTechKTN: Welcome to Member Help Interactive. Please present your question, and I will be with you in just a moment.:) AOLTechKTN: Welcome to Member Help Interactive! How may I help you today? =) FreddiePal: hello KTN are you there? FreddiePal: there is a very serious problem. My business has been trying to access a website through AOL and has been unable to since yesterday FreddiePal: hello? AOLTechKTN: Yes. FreddiePal: hi AOLTechKTN: Hello.:) AOLTechKTN: Can you access any other web sites?:) FreddiePal: yes, it appears this one is being blocked AOLTechKTN: Ok, what error are you receiving?:) FreddiePal: i notified AOL last night, and they gave ME access, but not anyone else, because my employees still cant get through FreddiePal: the site is www.webmasterfx.com AOLTechKTN: What did AOL do with you last night, please?:) FreddiePal: last night I wasnt able to access this site, which is critical to my business... FreddiePal: i wasnt able to access it for a couple hours until i told the tech FreddiePal: then suddenly it started working for me... but not for my employees on other screen names FreddiePal: Its my understanding that AOL does not by policy block sites, so this one should be unblocked ASAP please, as ive said its important for my business FreddiePal: can you please see to it that the site is given open access to any screen name? AOLTechKTN: We do not block this site, no. What happens when they try to go to that site, please? FreddiePal: they get a no DNS entry error AOLTechKTN: What did you do with the AOL techs online last night, please? FreddiePal: Forgive me, but i am fairly knowledgable about AOL from people i know on the inside, and I know for a fact that AOL has the capability to block sites... FreddiePal: in the middle of the conversation I was booted off, coincidentally FreddiePal: the fact remains that most AOL subscribers cannot access that site currently, though i can now AOLTechKTN: I cannot get to this site either.. what happens when you try to get to the site by launching the browser externally? FreddiePal: it is accessible through all ISPs except AOL FreddiePal: thats how I know the block lies with AOL AOLTechKTN: Checking one moment, please.:) AOLTechKTN: Ok.. after asking teh experts here, this is what they told me.. "Okay, that means that the DNS server does not have an entry for that page. They need to email webmaster@aol.com to report that." =) FreddiePal: no no, i told you *i* am able to access it, other screen names are not FreddiePal: that means AOL is selectively allowing certain names through FreddiePal: anyone knows that... AOLTechKTN: I know... but we'd need to have you, being a member, report this to the webmaster for all of the others, I am not able to report this.:) FreddiePal: and I was only able to access it after I reported it last night FreddiePal: obviously anyone who complains is being let through, but everyone else is being intentionally blocked FreddiePal: if thats whats happening that isnt right, AOL advertises itself as giving full internet access AOLTechKTN: We do not block access to any specific sites from specific members.. honestly. AOLTechKTN: If you'd like more information o this.. I can have you speak with a Supervisor on this issue if you call us. FreddiePal: i am in the computer business, that seems to be the only explanation AOLTechKTN: We may not have the DNS entered for all sites, and we're trying to correct this.. this is why we may ask you to report things like this to us.:) FreddiePal: but it IS entered for my screen name, just not for the rest of the people using AOL!! FreddiePal: Are you saying AOL cannot provide access to this site for all members? FreddiePal: because my business advertises on this site, and that means that we will have much less response, and you realize that that is AOLs responsibility to correct AOLTechKTN: I'd be happy to refer you to someone here with more detailed information, as we cannot transfer in this area, I'd have to ask you call us and speak to a Supervisor, they will have more information on this. AOLTechKTN: As far as I am able to check AOL does not block any internet sites for any reason. FreddiePal: sorry, but they arent telling you the truth then FreddiePal: ok why is it you cannot help? FreddiePal: do you not have the power to allow full access to this site? AOLTechKTN: I can only ask you to report this to teh webmaster, no, I don't have the power to allow this site for any particular member. AOLTechKTN: (the) FreddiePal: ok can you pleunderstand the seriousness of this FreddiePal: hello? AOLTechKTN: Sure, I am sorry that I cannot assit more than this. My name is Jamie, Laura is my Supervisor, her screenname is LauraOAZ. I honestly don't have her direct dial number, FreddiePal: you just said i could call her, how may i reach her personally by phone then? AOLTechKTN: but I can give you our callcenter number, and then you can ask to speak to a supervisor. I cannot gaurentee you'll get Laura. FreddiePal: well im sorry but i need to be able to contact the person who is aware of the problem FreddiePal: ive just spent 10 minutes of my time trying to remedy the situation FreddiePal: im not going to start over again FreddiePal: either you can take care of it personally, or put me in direct contact with someone who can, thank you! FreddiePal: as i said, maybe AOL doesnt care that much, but this is critical to my business, and muyst be remedied at once! AOLTechKTN: Any Supervisor who you spoke to would be able to assist.. I'm not able to reach Laura right now myself to inform her of this issue. I cannot assis with this any more than requesting you please email the webmaster here at AOl.com, I have double checked with my help support staff and this is the correct path for me to offer. FreddiePal: what is your last name and your supervisors last name? AOLTechKTN: I am sorry that I cannot do more for you personally, but I am offering all that I can. FreddiePal: then please either give me the name and number of someone who CAN help me, not give me a dead end FreddiePal: please tell me your full name and laura's so i may ask for her in person, and refer our conversation FreddiePal: then you can be rid of me:) AOLTechKTN: I am sorry Sir, but we are not able to give out our last names, you are welcome to reference my screenname and AOL can find me by that immeadiately. I apologize for this inconvience.. if you like, I can email this conversation to Laura, and explain to her that you would like to have her call you? AOLTechKTN: WIth your permission, of course. FreddiePal: hmm thats a strange policy, seems like it makes it more difficult to get things resolved... FreddiePal: but thats fine, if you like she can call me FreddiePal: and you can email her this conversation if you like FreddiePal: my # is with my account info AOLTechKTN: I just got a hold of her.. asking her now if she can call you.. can you hold one more moment? AOLTechKTN: She also may come over to my desk and talk here.:) FreddiePal: that would be fine FreddiePal: (dont call my home number, i am not there currently) AOLTechKTN: Certainly. =) AOLTechKTN: Just waiting for Laura to respond.. sorry if this is taking a minute.:) FreddiePal: shall i wait for her here, or would she like to contact me later? FreddiePal: oh ok FreddiePal: thank you for understanding the importance of this situation AOLTechKTN: I do.. I am sorry for the frustration. I wish there was more I could do to assist with this. FreddiePal: like i said, it appears AOL may not be telling you everything you need to know to do your job properly:) FreddiePal: perhaps laura would prefer to email me about this later? AOLTechKTN: She is reading our conversation now, would you prefer to talk to her in this interactive area, or on the phone?:) FreddiePal: this is just fine AOLTechKTN: Ok, it'll be just a moment.;) FreddiePal: actually, after all this, im sorry to say im being called into an important meeting AOLTechKTN: I understand.. may I have her call you later this afternoon then?:) FreddiePal: can laura please email me back her what to do about this situation? FreddiePal: if she would prefer to call that would be fine also FreddiePal: as long as i have some way to get back in touch with her! AOLTechKTN: I will have her do one or both then. Thank you for your patience. FreddiePal: ok thank you very much for your help AOLTechKTN: The number to reach you is the daytime number listed on your acount?:) FreddiePal: XXX-XXX-XXXX FreddiePal: yes FreddiePal: i will be there in about an hour AOLTechKTN: Thank you very much, she will be in touch. =) AOLTechKTN: Again, I'm sorry for the frustration. FreddiePal: thats ok thanks again AOLTechKTN: Thank you, have a good afternoon.:)
the oldest file I could find was 11/17/98, NOW that is AFTER SEPT... It looks like another scam to me... >>>>>AOLSearch.com (currently residing on its original backbone IP at http://216.71.85.176/ was originally created 6/22/98....The first work was commenced in Sept. 98.....It was simultaneously deleted and transferred to America Online by NSI on May 13th 1999.
aaolsearch ? sounds like it'd be alcoholics anonymous online search......Thanks , but no thanks......... And i'm 'bitching' because principles are at stake here..... Ill say it one more time......What has happened me can happen to ANYONE (and I've heard hundreds of stories of poepl getting scr*wed over by NSI and sometimes AOL ) Me voicing my opinions is to warn others online...... Not to promote myself....I have lost several thousand dollars because I've opted to spend the last week and a half responding to people who've gone thru stuff like me and trying to start a grass roots effort to change things..... PAX, Cybele
Yes that is the HEART OF THE MATTER.......America Onlien likes to tout itself as a ''full service internet service" If they selectively blocks websites that are putting up negative press about them, then they are going against their own policy and are making fraudlent claims that they don't ever block domains, when in fact they do.... The really really important stuff regarding AOL blocking website access, NSI giving AOL my website in unauthorized, against their own policy is the EFFECT it could have on everyone else online.....Here's the point, they screwed me over and you may be next.....People's rights online and the web community's collective power is being usurped by these big monoliths who think they can make their own rules up as they go along.......I don't care if you agree with my name selection for my site African-American Online Search (because we're not talking about trademark disputes here, we're talking about illegal, unethical domain transfers) and whether you like my website webmasterfx.com or not, the point is is that AOL is lying and deciding what sites its members will see or not.....
Sincerely yours, Cybele Roberts Emanuelle Megaspark/SupermodelWeb/AOLSearch.com wirednetfx@aol.com
Following email certifying that webmasterfx.com was blocked by AOL.
FWD: Subj: Re: AOL is even more corrupt.....New News ! Date: 6/29/99 8:19:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time From: brian@PC-radio.com (Brian McWilliams) To: WiredNetFX@AOL.com
Cybele,
I was able to confirm that your site is inaccessible from AOL but IS accessible from another ISP.
Send me another email this morning when you are available before 11:00a ET.
Brian
At 01:46 AM 6/29/99 , you wrote: >Hi, > I just found out that America Online is now blocking access to my >website that you mentioned in your piece on me last week........My site >http://www.webmasterfx.com is blocked from aol internet access.......I called >AOL about it and spoke to a tech guy named Steve , he told me that AOL never >blocks domain names and that "they are a full access internet community"... >I told him that I could reach my site outside of aol and he told me that was >impossible....He tried pulling up my site on AOL and admitted he couldn't >view it....I then spoke to everyone else I know who has AOL and they told me >that they can't access my site either....They also told me that AOL told them >that AOL never blocks a website.... ARGH ! This is reallly bad Brian..I am >losing a lot of business now.... Many of my clients come from AOL........Do >you have any advice ? Can you believe that they do this and lie about it ? > Cybele
________________________________________________ __ Brian S. McWilliams Host/Reporter, InternetNews Radio internet.com LLC Voice: (603) 742-9401 http://www.internetnewsradio.com PGP fingerprint 1DDA 43FA 99EC A252 BEF4 708B 9A2A 72DE B81B A748 ICQ #4116051
----------------------- Headers -------------------------------- Return-Path: Received: from rly-yc02.mx.aol.com (rly-yc02.mail.aol.com [172.18.149.34]) by air-yc01.mail.aol.com (v59.51) with SMTP; Tue, 29 Jun 1999 08:19:00 -0400 Received: from chmls06.mediaone.net (chmls06.mediaone.net [24.128.1.71]) by rly-yc02.mx.aol.com (vx) with SMTP; Tue, 29 Jun 1999 08:18:43 -0400 Received: from bmcw (bmcwhsd.ne.mediaone.net [24.218.89.189]) by chmls06.mediaone.net (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id IAA07837 for ; Tue, 29 Jun 1999 08:18:37 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: X-Sender: bmcw@pop.ne.mediaone.net X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Pro Version 4.2.0.58 Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999 08:18:11 -0400 To: WiredNetFX@AOL.com From: Brian McWilliams Subject: Re: AOL is even more corrupt.....New News ! In-Reply-To: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>>>> WebmasterFX's Cybele here...... No WHY in the world would I want to drive traffic to THAT site ? I have another newer site that I'd love to drive traffic to, that is a zillion times better than my kaplunkt, old webmasterfx site..... I was very wary of NSI knowing where my MAIN business site is when the reporter from Internet.com asked me what my main site was , I was kinda fearful that NSI would fabricate another technicality and delete another domain of mine.....Now though, I'm less afraid of them since everything is out in the public arena...... FYI, I most porbably will upload my current website form my other site and upload it to webmasterfx just so people don't misunderstand and think i'm some kinda hack.....argh*%@$$%X#!&^%...... Anyway, the real reason aol wanted to block webmasterfx.com is because of all the stuff i have up there incriminating them AND Network Solutions...I posted on AOL's stupid investing boards on Saturday and on Sunday my site was suddenly inaccessible..Coincidence ? yeah, right..... Check out http://www.webmasterfx.com/aolsearch.htm to see proof positive to back my case and fry NSI/AOL. PAX - Cybele Roberts Emanuelle
Glad to see that this attempt to confuse and deceive users into mistakenly wandering into her site failed due to her own screw-up (giving an incorrect address). Cheers to NSI!>>>>>>
No one would misconstrue a webguide devoted to Black empowerment and culture on the web to a private online BBS service called AOL. 180 degrees apart from one another.
The domain information in the WHOIS database for AOLSearch.com was 100% correct and verifiable. Screenshots were taken of the WHOIS database when it was last updated for AOLSearch July 28th, 1998 as proof.... Other domains are registered to the same address and prove irrefutably that the address of record was correct..In fact domain billing mail was received 2 days before NSI claims to have received returned mail. NSI refuses to show any proof they even sent mail or received it returned to them (they say they don't have to prove anything for themselves) To see more proof NSI abusing it's own policy, please go to http://www.webmasterfx.com/aolsearch.htm
This is Cybele Roberts Emanuelle, AOLSearch's original creator... Thanks to all of you for writing great, intelligent posts about this lunacy.... To clarify some things: AOLSearch.com is the name for African-American Online Search because #1: African-American is a hyphenated word..Not words, word....One word...#2: AAOLSearch.com seems like it'd be for Alcoholics Anonymous Online Search. #3: AAOLSearch.com would be a tongue tripper....My oldest domain site WebmasterFX is not easy to understand when spoken and I've learned the hard way not to confuse people with the domain names I create now... Next order of business, Regarding trademark infringement, there are 16 categories for trademarks, not one. Since there is just one little ole dot com available, it confuses things greatly. That's why it will be a lot fairer for the average joe when new domain extensions are finally added...Also, AOL does not currently have a trademark for AOLSearch as far as I know. And according to NSI's policy trademark infringement is only for an identical, letter for letter trademark dispute. Not just because a domain name "contains" part of a trademark. Regarding NSI's guilt in covering up things royally, that's a given. I've racked up a huge phone bill calling their Virginia headquaters. ( they don't have a 1-800 number) The runaround they gave me there would make your head spin. They have better cover-up and manuevering tactics than the CIA . But most of you already seem to know that...... Regarding America Online's culpability, they have had AOLSearch in the works for a good while..Which is surprising, AOLSearch is a very lame, unoriginal name for their multi million dollar search engine to be named..It's not cool sounding like hotbot or yahoo. And this isn't something they just dreamed up yesterday. In fact for those of you who have AOL 4.0 you will have noticed an annoying little pop up box sitting for weeks now in the lower right hand of your welcome screen that says "AOL Search preview" So they've planning to develop a site that they didn't own...That alone makes them seem suspect and capable of doing anything to get the domain....Additionally, NSI officials have been very defensive of AOL in tone and protective of AOL's rights......Which is odd considering that AOL is set up to be a domain registar too and would be NSI's biggest upcoming competitor. Perhaps they're both sleeping with the enemy and may join forces soon....Wouldn't surprise me after this. Anyway, if you are truly incensed at it all, feel free to write me and I'll let you know who you can write to further to get some action (justice) going ! wirednetfx@aol.com or investigation@post.com
Network Solutions has authorized an illegal transfer (breaking their own policy) and hijacked my domain AOLSearch.com and handed over its ownership to America Online.
Subj: Network Solutions Policy Breach Date: 6/22/99 11:19:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: WiredNetFX To: sabel@fenwick.com
Dear Sally Abel, I understand that you are involved in overseeing an ongoing investigation of Network Solutions. The situation that I find myself entangled regarding NSI and their practices in on a small scale compared to the scope the Justice Deparment's case must involve. But it does have far reaching implications for the integrity of NSI's business ethics regarding its customers. I'm writing to tell you about Network Solutions (NSI) arrogantly abusing it's power. If you canoffer any advice, assistance or pass this along to others who might be ina position to help, I would greatly appreciate anything you have in your power to do. Thank you............. What happened to me is a cautionary tale that of what may befall other businesses who register domain name through NSI. In June of '98, my grandmother, Nancy Roberts, registered a domain for me so that I could build a website for the black community called African-American Online Search. {AOLSearch.com) The website was considered a standout page which garnered critical acclaim and attracted a thriving audience until mid-May of 99; when NSI approved a simultaneous deletion and transfer to America Online. [note* I wasn't surprised that AOL was trying to sneakily steal my site away because America Online had sent me a threatening letter mid-April telling me to turn my site over to them because they wanted to use it for a new search site they're putting up.]
When I was notified of this unauthorized attempt to have my domain name hijacked away form me and promptly called NSI headquaters where they assured me that no one could take away my domain without my written approval via email. Unfortunately, the website transfer went through inspite of my vocal protest and NSI's empty assurances.
My website hosting company, PrimeGen, wasn't notified of the transfer and subsequently have billed me to continue hosting AOLSearch.com. They unsuccessfully tried to transfer my domain back to their servers and have been told by NSI, that I approved the transfer. Untrue.
I spent over a month trying to get a straight answer from NSI president Jim Rutt and business office head Dave Graves as to why the domain was deleted and transferred.
Finally, Dave Graves presented me with a reason why. He said that AOL "supposedly" couldn't contact me at my legal business address and that NSI sent me a piece of snail mail giving me 30 days to make my information in the WHOIS database current. He said that that piece of mail was (oh so convienently) returned to them...He says that NSI waited 30 days for me to update and when i didn't he had the right to delete my domain name and give it to AOL. I never received email and/or anything by registered/certified mail asking to make the WHOIS info current; so it was 100% impossible for NSI to say they gave me 30 days notice, when they didn't actually contact me. They contact'd me by email for ten other reasons, why couldn't they contact me for something so important ? Very fishy. And just so you know my business address information was and is correct and current in the whois database. It's verifiable by many sources, including bills from NSI themselves (one bill in my possession is dated two days apart from when Dave Graves said NSI sent me mail and had it returned ! ) Also my certified business registration is on file with the postmater in New York City. Mr. Graves actually admitted that my information was current and correct himself, but he officially refuses to rightfully return my domain to me. As you can see, this means that if the postal service loses mail, that NSI will not bother to even email the contact that they have 30 days to comply; instead they will know its impossible for the registrant to update the info and will simply let time run out and delete their entry. According to NSI's past and present rule policy, a domain can only be deleted in the whois information is not current or correct. And since my information was correct and the domain was deleted and transferred through no fault of my own, NSI has no real excuse not to transfer my domain back to me. It's obvious that they'd rather butt heads with me than a big competitor such as America Online. I have started up dialogues online and on the phone with various organizations who oversee a/or keep an eye on NSI's activities. ICANN's Mike Roberts and Esther Dyson's assistant have both told me that ICANN doesn't yet have the power to mediate on the actions of NSI. Dept. of Commerce Internet Head Becky Burr has written me that there's not much she can do to change NSI decisions. If the goverment and agencies for the goverment are powerless to right NSI's wrongs the public needs to know right away what a big problem NSI is turning out to be........ I am attaching all vital correspondences at the bottom of this email for your perusal. The website for African-American Online Search still resides on its original I.P. address and can be found at http://216.71.85.176/ , also the original ftp site is still up and shows that aolsearch was operational until May 99 ftp://216.71.85.176/.banner. Additionally, you can visit http://www.webmasterfx.com/aolsearch.htm for updates and full info on this story.... Sincerely yours, C. Emanuelle WebmasterFX/MegaSpark/AOLSearch Web 201-656-8524 investigation@post.com & wirednetfx@aol.com
Subj: No surprise here......... Date: 6/22/99 11:43:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: WiredNetFX To: bburr@ntia.doc.gov, krose@ntia.doc.gov To: brian@PC-radio.com
AOL developing search engine By Jim Hu Staff Writer, CNET News.com June 21, 1999, 4:00 a.m. PT America Online is quietly testing a search engine that will list results from its proprietary service and the entire Web, in an effort to expand on its "keyword" and directory-type services.
The new service, called AOL Search, will launch later this fall, AOL said. AOL is previewing it in its proprietary service and expects to use it throughout its other Web-based properties, including Netcenter and CompuServe.
Until now, getting to specific areas within AOL required typing in a "keyword" or clicking on a specific channel on the navigation bar. But with AOL Search, finding areas in the online service more or less resembles finding content on the Web.
"It's a redesign of the overall search function," said Wendy Goldberg, an AOL spokeswoman.
She added that AOL Search will combine internal search technology and outside search partnerships.
Already, AOL has signed on Inktomi as one of its external search partners. Excite has been powering AOL's Web search products, such as AOL NetFind. But with the Inktomi partnership signed last week, Goldberg said Inktomi's search technology will replace Excite's.
AOL has changed its relationship with Excite given cable Net access firm @Home's acquisition of Excite and AOL's acquisition of Netscape Communications. AOL is embroiled in a battle with @Home and others over high-speed Internet access over cable.
AOL wants to offer a high-speed cable access service to its members. But cable companies argue that they built the networks and don't want to open them up to their competitors.
A court recently upheld a ruling in Portland, Oregon, to require cable operators to open their lines to outside competitors. AT&T, the largest cable provider in the country, and the largest shareholder in @Home, appealed the ruling last week.
Slashdot Mirror
One last time:
AOLSearch.com
Born June 22nd 1998
Kidnapped May 13th 1999
?) then looking at the OLDEST file on the site (1.html dated 11/17/98) doesn't hold up to the claims... Sept hummmm...>>>>>> AOLSearch was created 6/22/98, work commenced in Spet. 98 and th esite was deleted and transfered to Amercia Online 5/13/99......
An acquaintence forwarded this to me..... This person and a lot of other people who couldnt view the blocked webmasterfx site called aol and had the oh so bizzare experience (coincidence ?) of being able to suddenly access the site when one of the people in charge of the tech guys got involved........hmmm
:) :) :) :) :) ... but not for my employees on other screen names :) :) .. this is why we may ask you to report things like this to us. :) :) :) :) :) :) ;) :) :) :)
AOLTechKTN: Welcome to Member Help Interactive. Please present your question, and I will be with you in just a moment.
AOLTechKTN: Welcome to Member Help Interactive! How may I help you today? =)
FreddiePal: hello KTN are you there?
FreddiePal: there is a very serious problem. My business has been trying to access a website through AOL and has been unable to since yesterday
FreddiePal: hello?
AOLTechKTN: Yes.
FreddiePal: hi
AOLTechKTN: Hello.
AOLTechKTN: Can you access any other web sites?
FreddiePal: yes, it appears this one is being blocked
AOLTechKTN: Ok, what error are you receiving?
FreddiePal: i notified AOL last night, and they gave ME access, but not anyone else, because my employees still cant get through
FreddiePal: the site is www.webmasterfx.com
AOLTechKTN: What did AOL do with you last night, please?
FreddiePal: last night I wasnt able to access this site, which is critical to my business...
FreddiePal: i wasnt able to access it for a couple hours until i told the tech
FreddiePal: then suddenly it started working for me
FreddiePal: Its my understanding that AOL does not by policy block sites, so this one should be unblocked ASAP please, as ive said its important for my business
FreddiePal: can you please see to it that the site is given open access to any screen name?
AOLTechKTN: We do not block this site, no. What happens when they try to go to that site, please?
FreddiePal: they get a no DNS entry error
AOLTechKTN: What did you do with the AOL techs online last night, please?
FreddiePal: Forgive me, but i am fairly knowledgable about AOL from people i know on the inside, and I know for a fact that AOL has the capability to block sites...
FreddiePal: in the middle of the conversation I was booted off, coincidentally
FreddiePal: the fact remains that most AOL subscribers cannot access that site currently, though i can now
AOLTechKTN: I cannot get to this site either.. what happens when you try to get to the site by launching the browser externally?
FreddiePal: it is accessible through all ISPs except AOL
FreddiePal: thats how I know the block lies with AOL
AOLTechKTN: Checking one moment, please.
AOLTechKTN: Ok.. after asking teh experts here, this is what they told me.. "Okay, that means that the DNS server does not have an entry for that page. They need to email webmaster@aol.com to report that." =)
FreddiePal: no no, i told you *i* am able to access it, other screen names are not
FreddiePal: that means AOL is selectively allowing certain names through
FreddiePal: anyone knows that...
AOLTechKTN: I know... but we'd need to have you, being a member, report this to the webmaster for all of the others, I am not able to report this.
FreddiePal: and I was only able to access it after I reported it last night
FreddiePal: obviously anyone who complains is being let through, but everyone else is being intentionally blocked
FreddiePal: if thats whats happening that isnt right, AOL advertises itself as giving full internet access
AOLTechKTN: We do not block access to any specific sites from specific members.. honestly.
AOLTechKTN: If you'd like more information o this.. I can have you speak with a Supervisor on this issue if you call us.
FreddiePal: i am in the computer business, that seems to be the only explanation
AOLTechKTN: We may not have the DNS entered for all sites, and we're trying to correct this
FreddiePal: but it IS entered for my screen name, just not for the rest of the people using AOL!!
FreddiePal: Are you saying AOL cannot provide access to this site for all members?
FreddiePal: because my business advertises on this site, and that means that we will have much less response, and you realize that that is AOLs responsibility to correct
AOLTechKTN: I'd be happy to refer you to someone here with more detailed information, as we cannot transfer in this area, I'd have to ask you call us and speak to a Supervisor, they will have more information on this.
AOLTechKTN: As far as I am able to check AOL does not block any internet sites for any reason.
FreddiePal: sorry, but they arent telling you the truth then
FreddiePal: ok why is it you cannot help?
FreddiePal: do you not have the power to allow full access to this site?
AOLTechKTN: I can only ask you to report this to teh webmaster, no, I don't have the power to allow this site for any particular member.
AOLTechKTN: (the)
FreddiePal: ok can you pleunderstand the seriousness of this
FreddiePal: hello?
AOLTechKTN: Sure, I am sorry that I cannot assit more than this. My name is Jamie, Laura is my Supervisor, her screenname is LauraOAZ. I honestly don't have her direct dial number,
FreddiePal: you just said i could call her, how may i reach her personally by phone then?
AOLTechKTN: but I can give you our callcenter number, and then you can ask to speak to a supervisor. I cannot gaurentee you'll get Laura.
FreddiePal: well im sorry but i need to be able to contact the person who is aware of the problem
FreddiePal: ive just spent 10 minutes of my time trying to remedy the situation
FreddiePal: im not going to start over again
FreddiePal: either you can take care of it personally, or put me in direct contact with someone who can, thank you!
FreddiePal: as i said, maybe AOL doesnt care that much, but this is critical to my business, and muyst be remedied at once!
AOLTechKTN: Any Supervisor who you spoke to would be able to assist.. I'm not able to reach Laura right now myself to inform her of this issue. I cannot assis with this any more than requesting you please email the webmaster here at AOl.com, I have double checked with my help support staff and this is the correct path for me to offer.
FreddiePal: what is your last name and your supervisors last name?
AOLTechKTN: I am sorry that I cannot do more for you personally, but I am offering all that I can.
FreddiePal: then please either give me the name and number of someone who CAN help me, not give me a dead end
FreddiePal: please tell me your full name and laura's so i may ask for her in person, and refer our conversation
FreddiePal: then you can be rid of me
AOLTechKTN: I am sorry Sir, but we are not able to give out our last names, you are welcome to reference my screenname and AOL can find me by that immeadiately. I apologize for this inconvience.. if you like, I can email this conversation to Laura, and explain to her that you would like to have her call you?
AOLTechKTN: WIth your permission, of course.
FreddiePal: hmm thats a strange policy, seems like it makes it more difficult to get things resolved...
FreddiePal: but thats fine, if you like she can call me
FreddiePal: and you can email her this conversation if you like
FreddiePal: my # is with my account info
AOLTechKTN: I just got a hold of her.. asking her now if she can call you.. can you hold one more moment?
AOLTechKTN: She also may come over to my desk and talk here.
FreddiePal: that would be fine
FreddiePal: (dont call my home number, i am not there currently)
AOLTechKTN: Certainly. =)
AOLTechKTN: Just waiting for Laura to respond.. sorry if this is taking a minute.
FreddiePal: shall i wait for her here, or would she like to contact me later?
FreddiePal: oh ok
FreddiePal: thank you for understanding the importance of this situation
AOLTechKTN: I do.. I am sorry for the frustration. I wish there was more I could do to assist with this.
FreddiePal: like i said, it appears AOL may not be telling you everything you need to know to do your job properly
FreddiePal: perhaps laura would prefer to email me about this later?
AOLTechKTN: She is reading our conversation now, would you prefer to talk to her in this interactive area, or on the phone?
FreddiePal: this is just fine
AOLTechKTN: Ok, it'll be just a moment.
FreddiePal: actually, after all this, im sorry to say im being called into an important meeting
AOLTechKTN: I understand.. may I have her call you later this afternoon then?
FreddiePal: can laura please email me back her what to do about this situation?
FreddiePal: if she would prefer to call that would be fine also
FreddiePal: as long as i have some way to get back in touch with her!
AOLTechKTN: I will have her do one or both then. Thank you for your patience.
FreddiePal: ok thank you very much for your help
AOLTechKTN: The number to reach you is the daytime number listed on your acount?
FreddiePal: XXX-XXX-XXXX
FreddiePal: yes
FreddiePal: i will be there in about an hour
AOLTechKTN: Thank you very much, she will be in touch. =)
AOLTechKTN: Again, I'm sorry for the frustration.
FreddiePal: thats ok thanks again
AOLTechKTN: Thank you, have a good afternoon.
the oldest file I could find was 11/17/98, NOW that is AFTER SEPT... It looks like another scam to me... >>>>>AOLSearch.com (currently residing on its original backbone IP at http://216.71.85.176/ was originally created 6/22/98....The first work was commenced in Sept. 98.....It was simultaneously deleted and transferred to America Online by NSI on May 13th 1999.
aaolsearch ? sounds like it'd be alcoholics anonymous online search......Thanks , but no thanks......... And i'm 'bitching' because principles are at stake here..... Ill say it one more time......What has happened me can happen to ANYONE (and I've heard hundreds of stories of poepl getting scr*wed over by NSI and sometimes AOL ) Me voicing my opinions is to warn others online...... Not to promote myself....I have lost several thousand dollars because I've opted to spend the last week and a half responding to people who've gone thru stuff like me and trying to start a grass roots effort to change things.....
PAX, Cybele
on the other aolsearch.com someone posted this....
unreacable from AOL
by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday June 29, @02:03PM EDT (#147)
This is what I got in the AOL-Browser
for http://www.webmasterfx.com
==============================
Unknown Host
Description: Could not resolve the host "www.webmasterfx.com" in the URL
"http://www.webmasterfx.com/".
Traffic Server version 1.1.7
==============================
Greetings!
Yes that is the HEART OF THE MATTER.......America Onlien likes to tout itself as a ''full service internet service" If they selectively blocks websites that are putting up negative press about them, then they are going against their own policy and are making fraudlent claims that they don't ever block domains, when in fact they do.... The really really important stuff regarding AOL blocking website access, NSI giving AOL my website in unauthorized, against their own policy is the EFFECT it could have on everyone else online.....Here's the point, they screwed me over and you may be next.....People's rights online and the web community's collective power is being usurped by these big monoliths who think they can make their own rules up as they go along.......I don't care if you agree with my name selection for my site African-American Online Search (because we're not talking about trademark disputes here, we're talking about illegal, unethical domain transfers) and whether you like my website webmasterfx.com or not, the point is is that AOL is lying and deciding what sites its members will see or not.....
...
_ __
Sincerely yours,
Cybele Roberts Emanuelle Megaspark/SupermodelWeb/AOLSearch.com
wirednetfx@aol.com
Following email certifying that webmasterfx.com was blocked by AOL.
FWD:
Subj: Re: AOL is even more corrupt.....New News !
Date: 6/29/99 8:19:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: brian@PC-radio.com (Brian McWilliams)
To: WiredNetFX@AOL.com
Cybele,
I was able to confirm that your site is inaccessible from AOL but IS
accessible from another ISP.
Send me another email this morning when you are available before 11:00a ET.
Brian
At 01:46 AM 6/29/99 , you wrote:
>Hi,
> I just found out that America Online is now blocking access to my
>website that you mentioned in your piece on me last week........My site
>http://www.webmasterfx.com is blocked from aol internet access.......I called
>AOL about it and spoke to a tech guy named Steve , he told me that AOL never
>blocks domain names and that "they are a full access internet community"
>I told him that I could reach my site outside of aol and he told me that was
>impossible....He tried pulling up my site on AOL and admitted he couldn't
>view it....I then spoke to everyone else I know who has AOL and they told me
>that they can't access my site either....They also told me that AOL told them
>that AOL never blocks a website.... ARGH ! This is reallly bad Brian..I am
>losing a lot of business now.... Many of my clients come from AOL........Do
>you have any advice ? Can you believe that they do this and lie about it ?
> Cybele
_______________________________________________
Brian S. McWilliams
Host/Reporter, InternetNews Radio
internet.com LLC
Voice: (603) 742-9401
http://www.internetnewsradio.com
PGP fingerprint 1DDA 43FA 99EC A252
BEF4 708B 9A2A 72DE B81B A748
ICQ #4116051
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Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999 08:18:11 -0400
To: WiredNetFX@AOL.com
From: Brian McWilliams
Subject: Re: AOL is even more corrupt.....New News !
In-Reply-To:
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>>>>
WebmasterFX's Cybele here...... No WHY in the world would I want to drive traffic to THAT site ? I have another newer site that I'd love to drive traffic to, that is a zillion times better than my kaplunkt, old webmasterfx site..... I was very wary of NSI knowing where my MAIN business site is when the reporter from Internet.com asked me what my main site was , I was kinda fearful that NSI would fabricate another technicality and delete another domain of mine.....Now though, I'm less afraid of them since everything is out in the public arena...... FYI, I most porbably will upload my current website form my other site and upload it to webmasterfx just so people don't misunderstand and think i'm some kinda hack.....argh*%@$$%X#!&^%...... Anyway, the real reason aol wanted to block webmasterfx.com is because of all the stuff i have up there incriminating them AND Network Solutions...I posted on AOL's stupid investing boards on Saturday and on Sunday my site was suddenly inaccessible..Coincidence ? yeah, right.....
Check out http://www.webmasterfx.com/aolsearch.htm to see proof positive to back my case and fry NSI/AOL.
PAX - Cybele Roberts Emanuelle
Hey NSI nice to see you posting on slashdot.org...... I have such warm and fuzzy feelings for you too.
LOL
Glad to see that this attempt to confuse and deceive users into mistakenly wandering into her site failed due to her own screw-up (giving an incorrect address). Cheers to NSI!>>>>>>
No one would misconstrue a webguide devoted to Black empowerment and culture on the web to a private online BBS service called AOL.
180 degrees apart from one another.
The domain information in the WHOIS database for AOLSearch.com was 100% correct and verifiable.
Screenshots were taken of the WHOIS database when it was last updated for AOLSearch July 28th, 1998 as proof.... Other domains are registered to the same address and prove irrefutably that the address of record was correct..In fact domain billing mail was received 2 days before NSI claims to have received returned mail. NSI refuses to show any proof they even sent mail or received it returned to them (they say they don't have to prove anything for themselves)
To see more proof NSI abusing it's own policy, please go to http://www.webmasterfx.com/aolsearch.htm
This is Cybele Roberts Emanuelle, AOLSearch's original creator... ......
Thanks to all of you for writing great, intelligent posts about this lunacy....
To clarify some things:
AOLSearch.com is the name for African-American Online Search because #1: African-American is a hyphenated word..Not words, word....One word...#2: AAOLSearch.com seems like it'd be for Alcoholics Anonymous Online Search. #3: AAOLSearch.com would be a tongue tripper....My oldest domain site WebmasterFX is not easy to understand when spoken and I've learned the hard way not to confuse people with the domain names I create now...
Next order of business,
Regarding trademark infringement, there are 16 categories for trademarks, not one. Since there is just one little ole dot com available, it confuses things greatly.
That's why it will be a lot fairer for the average joe when new domain extensions are finally added...Also, AOL does not currently have a trademark for AOLSearch as far as I know.
And according to NSI's policy trademark infringement is only for an identical, letter for letter trademark dispute. Not just because a domain name "contains" part of a trademark.
Regarding NSI's guilt in covering up things royally, that's a given. I've racked up a huge phone bill calling their Virginia headquaters. ( they don't have a 1-800 number) The runaround they gave me there would make your head spin. They have better cover-up and manuevering tactics than the CIA . But most of you already seem to know that
Regarding America Online's culpability, they have had AOLSearch in the works for a good while..Which is surprising, AOLSearch is a very lame, unoriginal name for their multi million dollar search engine to be named..It's not cool sounding like hotbot or yahoo.
And this isn't something they just dreamed up yesterday. In fact for those of you who have AOL 4.0 you will have noticed an annoying little pop up box sitting for weeks now in the lower right hand of your welcome screen that says "AOL Search preview"
So they've planning to develop a site that they didn't own...That alone makes them seem suspect and capable of doing anything to get the domain....Additionally, NSI officials have been very defensive of AOL in tone and protective of AOL's rights......Which is odd considering that AOL is set up to be a domain registar too and would be NSI's biggest upcoming competitor. Perhaps they're both sleeping with the enemy and may join forces soon....Wouldn't surprise me after this.
Anyway, if you are truly incensed at it all, feel free to write me and I'll let you know who you can write to further to get some action (justice) going !
wirednetfx@aol.com or investigation@post.com
Network Solutions has authorized an illegal transfer (breaking their own policy) and hijacked my domain AOLSearch.com and handed over its ownership to America Online.
Subj: Network Solutions Policy Breach
Date: 6/22/99 11:19:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: WiredNetFX
To: sabel@fenwick.com
Dear Sally Abel,
I understand that you are involved in overseeing an ongoing investigation of Network Solutions. The situation that I find myself entangled regarding NSI and their practices in on a small scale compared to the scope the Justice Deparment's case must involve. But it does have far reaching implications for the integrity of NSI's business ethics regarding its customers.
I'm writing to tell you about Network Solutions (NSI) arrogantly abusing it's power. If you canoffer any advice, assistance or pass this along to others who might be ina position to help, I would greatly appreciate anything you have in your power to do. Thank you.............
What happened to me is a cautionary tale that of what may befall other businesses who register domain name through NSI.
In June of '98, my grandmother, Nancy Roberts, registered a domain for me so that I could build a website for the black community called African-American Online Search. {AOLSearch.com)
The website was considered a standout page which garnered critical acclaim and attracted a thriving audience until mid-May of 99; when NSI approved a simultaneous deletion and transfer to America Online.
[note* I wasn't surprised that AOL was trying to sneakily steal my site away because America Online had sent me a threatening letter mid-April telling me to turn my site over to them because they wanted to use it for a new search site they're putting up.]
When I was notified of this unauthorized attempt to have my domain name hijacked away form me and promptly called NSI headquaters where they assured me that no one could take away my domain without my written approval via email. Unfortunately, the website transfer went through inspite of my vocal protest and NSI's empty assurances.
My website hosting company, PrimeGen, wasn't notified of the transfer and subsequently have billed me to continue hosting AOLSearch.com. They unsuccessfully tried to transfer my domain back to their servers and have been told by NSI, that I approved the transfer. Untrue.
I spent over a month trying to get a straight answer from NSI president Jim Rutt and business office head Dave Graves as to why the domain was deleted and transferred.
Finally, Dave Graves presented me with a reason why. He said that AOL "supposedly" couldn't contact me at my legal business address and that NSI sent me a piece of snail mail giving me 30 days to make my information in the WHOIS database current. He said that that piece of mail was (oh so convienently) returned to them...He says that NSI waited 30 days for me to update and when i didn't he had the right to delete my domain name and give it to AOL.
I never received email and/or anything by registered/certified mail asking to make the WHOIS info current; so it was 100% impossible for NSI to say they gave me 30 days notice, when they didn't actually contact me. They contact'd me by email for ten other reasons, why couldn't they contact me for something so important ?
Very fishy.
And just so you know my business address information was and is correct and current in the whois database. It's verifiable by many sources, including bills from NSI themselves (one bill in my possession is dated two days apart from when Dave Graves said NSI sent me mail and had it returned ! )
Also my certified business registration is on file with the postmater in New York City.
Mr. Graves actually admitted that my information was current and correct himself,
but he officially refuses to rightfully return my domain to me.
As you can see, this means that if the postal service loses mail, that NSI will not bother to even email the contact that they have 30 days to comply; instead they will know its impossible for the registrant to update the info and will simply let time run out and delete their entry.
According to NSI's past and present rule policy, a domain can only be deleted in the whois information is not current or correct. And since my information was correct and the domain was deleted and transferred through no fault of my own, NSI has no real excuse not to transfer my domain back to me.
It's obvious that they'd rather butt heads with me than a big competitor such as America Online.
I have started up dialogues online and on the phone with various organizations who oversee a/or keep an eye on NSI's activities. ICANN's Mike Roberts and Esther Dyson's assistant have both told me that ICANN doesn't yet have the power to mediate on the actions of NSI. Dept. of Commerce Internet Head Becky Burr has written me that there's not much she can do to change NSI decisions.
If the goverment and agencies for the goverment are powerless to right NSI's wrongs the public needs to know right away what a big problem NSI is turning out to be........
I am attaching all vital correspondences at the bottom of this email for your perusal.
The website for African-American Online Search still resides on its original I.P. address and can be found at http://216.71.85.176/ , also the original ftp site is still up and shows that aolsearch was operational until May 99 ftp://216.71.85.176/.banner.
Additionally, you can visit http://www.webmasterfx.com/aolsearch.htm for updates and full info on this story....
Sincerely yours,
C. Emanuelle
WebmasterFX/MegaSpark/AOLSearch Web
201-656-8524
investigation@post.com & wirednetfx@aol.com
Subj: No surprise here.........
Date: 6/22/99 11:43:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: WiredNetFX
To: bburr@ntia.doc.gov, krose@ntia.doc.gov
To: brian@PC-radio.com
AOL developing search engine
By Jim Hu
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
June 21, 1999, 4:00 a.m. PT
America Online is quietly testing a search engine that will list results from its proprietary service and the entire Web, in an effort to expand on its "keyword" and directory-type services.
The new service, called AOL Search, will launch later this fall, AOL said. AOL is previewing it in its proprietary service and expects to use it throughout its other Web-based properties, including Netcenter and CompuServe.
Until now, getting to specific areas within AOL required typing in a "keyword" or clicking on a specific channel on the navigation bar. But with AOL Search, finding areas in the online service more or less resembles finding content on the Web.
"It's a redesign of the overall search function," said Wendy Goldberg, an AOL spokeswoman.
She added that AOL Search will combine internal search technology and outside search partnerships.
Already, AOL has signed on Inktomi as one of its external search partners. Excite has been powering AOL's Web search products, such as AOL NetFind. But with the Inktomi partnership signed last week, Goldberg said Inktomi's search technology will replace Excite's.
AOL has changed its relationship with Excite given cable Net access firm @Home's acquisition of Excite and AOL's acquisition of Netscape Communications. AOL is embroiled in a battle with @Home and others over high-speed Internet access over cable.
AOL wants to offer a high-speed cable access service to its members. But cable companies argue that they built the networks and don't want to open them up to their competitors.
A court recently upheld a ruling in Portland, Oregon, to require cable operators to open their lines to outside competitors. AT&T, the largest cable provider in the country, and the largest shareholder in @Home, appealed the ruling last week.