aol.com: How Steve Case Beat Bill Gates, Nailed the Netheads, and Made Millions in the War for the Web

Amazon.com

AOL's story--from its origins in a doomed gaming service through its early appearance as a much-dismissed startup to its current status as an often-maligned giant--is as irresistible as a heroic comedy. Kara Swisher chronicles the surprising growth of the world's largest online service, an organization for which everything apparently went wrong.

The company has run into obstacles at every step of the way--partners who failed to give necessary support or who even turned hostile, and competition from a multitude of corporate Goliaths (including Bill Gates, who declared that he could either buy AOL or bury it). Worst of all, AOL has created a cascading sequence of operational and technical blunders, often offending or infuriating the people they most need to survive; yet the company still manages to dominate the online service industry.

Swisher speculates that one main factor enabled AOL to succeed against overwhelming odds: the superior vision of marketing executive Steve Case. While other online services focused on games, shopping, and business, AOL worked on building community and interpersonal contacts. This service proved valuable enough to outweigh the company's mistakes and misfortunes.

However, it is this same focus that has also brought on many of AOL's problems. Swisher describes AOL's struggles with the seamier side of online life--people who use the service for criminal activities and for discussing raunchy sexual issues. Swisher also discusses the problems that come with too much success, such as the overload of users that routinely slows down or completely crashes the system, the backlash on the Internet when masses of netiquette-challenged AOLers appeared in cliquish newsgroups, and the national outrage when a technical problem brought down the entire service for many hours.

With its cast of fascinating and quirky characters, including Steve Case, Bill Gates, Paul Allen, and Alexander Haig, aol.com is a captivating look at all the human, cultural, and sometimes just plain quixotic factors that created this unlikely giant. --Elizabeth Lewis

Book Description

In 1996, Kara Swisher, then a reporter at The Washington Post, was granted unprecedented access to one of the hottest and most closely watched companies in the world, America Online, Inc.  In aol.com, Swisher has written a book that captures the secrets of how AOL beat the competition and became the world's biggest online company.  Swisher also reveals the company's behind-the-scenes dealings with Microsoft cofounders Bill Gates and Paul Allen, CompuServe, Prodigy, Netscape, and the Christian Right.

Throughout its existence, AOL has repeatedly been written off by the media and the high-tech world.  Bill Gates threatened to buy it or bury it.  Deep-pocketed competitors such as CompuServe and Prodigy thought little of their smaller rival.  And AOL made matters worse by committing a series of public-relations and technical blunders that became front page news and enraged its subscribers.

But the company--a "cyber-cockroach"--refused to die.  Now, with over eleven million subscribers, AOL is the undisputed leader in the online world, vitally positioned at the nexus of big business, high tech, advertising, and new media.  In telling  the story of AOL, Swisher also conveys the fascinating history of the online business, which has its origins in the dreams of an eccentric and little-known entrepreneur named Bill Von Meister, whose grand ideas and big spending spawned the fledgling company that would become AOL.  But it fell to a young marketing executive named Steve Case to build AOL while fending off an onslaught of wealthier competitors and suitors.  Ultimately, as Swisher vividly illustrates, AOL gained supremacy because Case possessed the best vision for his company, establishing AOL as a vibrant virtual community rather than an online shopping center or business tool.  Included in that community is an array of enthusiasts, activists, and deviants who at times clash in battles over freedom of expression and family values, a flash point best illustrated here by AOL's fight against the Communications Decency Act.

Re-creating all of the major moments in AOL's frenzied history, aol.com is a fascinating and important inside story about the birth of a new medium, the enterprising  innovators who are leading it, and the way it is changing our culture.

Customer Reviews:

Never again..........2006-08-15

I have tried the AOL's cd that gives free connection for 3 months, and when I wanted to cancel the subscription (because I changed my home address) it was impossible to stop the bank tranfers. As incredible as this may sound, AOL claims that they cannot cancel my subscription because I don't remember my password. Even when I am able to confirm all other information (credit card number, date of birth, social, etc), they refuse the cancel the subscription.
When I talked to my bank, the bank clerk told me that many people have had the same problems with AOL. I have met dozens of people in my University that faced very similar problems with AOL.
AOL has a very bad approach to business and found a easy and certain way of losing customers.

Who Would Have Thought.......2005-12-10

This is a good book. Well written with lots of information that you would have never known went on behind the scenes of aol. A real page turner.

AMAZING THE AOL IS STILL HERE!.......2002-04-22

Very fascinating and detailed look at the early and middle years of AOL (before the latest difficulties with TimeWarner merger). We see just how amazingly close we came to not having an AOL at all. Steve Case and his partners and co-horts came so close so many times to going belly up, yet the book also shows how others failed to capitalize on AOL's weaknesses and failed to understand its strengths.

It's a good read for anyone, but if you're an AOL user, it'll give you a true insight into this important company. It's an easy, fast read, too, which you might not expect. The latest issue was updated once, through 1999. I'd love to see it updated again in a few months, to cover all the Time Warner stuff and many reorganizations that have gone on just lately.

Part one of the history of America Online (AOL.com).......2002-04-02

Kara Swisher has covered AOL and the Internet for the business section of The Washington Post since 1994. Now reporting on Silicon Valley for The Wall Street Journal, she lives in San Francisco. This updated version, published in 1999, included an new epilogue by the author.

The book starts with the now legendary meeting between the world-richest man Bill Gates (founder and chairman of Microsoft) and Steve Case (now chairman of AOL) in May 1993. In this meeting, Gates makes the following proposal to Case: "I can buy 20 percent of you or I can buy all of you, or I can go into this business myself and bury you." In hindsight, we now know that Gates did not buy America Online and did not bury them either. With this conversation in the background Swisher discusses the roots, the lack of business plan, the strategy changes (through which AOl got the nickname cockroach: "... a bug you couldn't kill no matter how hard you tried."), the people involved, the battles with Microsoft, Prodigy and CompuServe, the financial problems, the legal problems, the acquisitions of Netscape and various other companies, and Steve Case's vision (the three C's - "communication, community, clarity"). Most of the information comes from inside the company itself, where Swisher has interviewed the numerous people involved, but as a Washington Post-journalist there is plenty of external information.

Although this excellent book is about one of the best-known brands in cyberspace, it is perfectly readable for non-Internet geeks (like me). Yes, yes, I know, there are plenty of names and Internet terms around, but that doesn't even make this a bad and difficult read. I see this book as the first part in the history of America Online (AOL), from pre-startup through to late-1998. But plenty has happened since 1998 and I do expect the author to write another book on those events?!?

To dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free.......2002-03-14

Karen Swisher weaves a compelling tale of America Online, a company saga that is remarkable in the annals of American business history. She recounts at the outset of this tale how Steve Case paid proper tribute to Bill Von Meister, the founder and visionary techie responsible for AOL becomming a commercial possibility.

Von Meister (VM) attracted some of the finest venture capitalists in the nation to his vision of sending video games into individual homes for a fee. While this dream did not pan out as commercially viable Von meister revealed a keen grasp of the future of the internet as long ago as the late seventies. Steve Case was not only intellectually curious when he met Von Meister, but immediately grasped the significance of his vision. Because VM was lax with his corporate spending habits while ignoring the rivers of red ink produced by a product without a market, Frank Caufield of Kleiner Perkins brought in his friend and investor in CVC, Jim Kimsey, to be his eyes and ears at the company.

As CVC tanked Quantum ne Aol was begun and Kimsey fought off the creditors while Case ran the business. As the company struggled thru the 80's Kimsey provided adult leadership while searching and finding enough capital to sustain AOL thru its bleakest times. As the microchip revolution caused a faster and more powerful computer base to grow up and around the company, Aol surpassed its resident competitors, Prodigy and Compuserve, as Case's clever marketing ideas continued to build a virtual community online.

When alex Brown took Aol public in 1992 the stock actually drifted below its IPO price for a couple of months before beginning its remarkable accent. Kimsey, who was older than Case and who had suffered more from opportunity cost than his younger counterpart, was in favor of selling out to Bill Gates in 1993. This didn't fly well with Case who eased Kimsey out in 1995, but what a way to go. Kimsey amassed one of the more significant fortunes in Washington DC business history and he did it largely by having the sense to know "which horse to ride", one Steve case.

Case went on to perform one of the more remarkable records of business timing any of us will ever witness. This series of correct moves included adding the right executives to the mix, the ones who could lead Aol "thru the iceburgs", and culminated in his buyout of Time Warner. The timing could not have been more deft.

This is a fascinating book about the best America has to offer. All aspiring businessmen should read it.

Average customer rating:

A Must Read

A modern day classic...

Great way for kids to learn humaneness from animal friends

Tales From Elisa's Garden
N. Stan
Manufacturer: BookSurge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1419652001
Release Date: 2006-11-30

Product Description

Tales from Elisa's Garden by N. Stan is a classic children's tale that examines the meaning of friendship. In a prose both lyrical and diverse, distinct lessons on sacrifice, tolerance and determination are explored as a young émigré finds her way when her family moves to North Carolina. Immensely original, nature is a vivid playground and animals help teach valuable life lessons.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Read.......2007-01-29

This is a must read for anyone that can read! It isn't just a children's book. We can all learn from Elisa's experiences and will come away with a deeper appreciation for our world and the creatures that walk, fly, crawl and swim in it.

A modern day classic..........2007-01-13

Tales from Elisa's Garden by N. Stan is a modern day classic and the author has blended his narrative to ensure that while the contents are both appealing and also impart distinct life values to children.

The story is woven around the arrival of a family to North Carolina and the lessons learnt by the young emigre as she settles down in her new locale. It is also an interesting read-aloud book, and will appeal to people of all ages.

Great way for kids to learn humaneness from animal friends.......2007-01-07

This is a well written children's book discussing how Elisa makes friends with the animals living and visiting her garden. She learns valuable life lessons from the snake couple, Angie the turtle, Einstein the owl, the squirrel family, the cardinal family, Charlie the Canadian goose, Saddy the cat, Jinko the deer and a variety of feathered friends. She helps in resolving conflicts and making peace. A must read book for kids of all ages. It is a great read-aloud book too!

Average customer rating:

More than just an Author
Wonderful legacy
Great book for parents who want to leave a legacy
A must have!
A must have for every parent

Answers
Joanne C. King
Manufacturer: BookSurge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Child Care | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1419649442
Release Date: 2006-11-16

Product Description

An award winning workbook that easily guides and motivates parents to express the depth of their unconditional love, wisdom and experience for their children regarding parental love, relationships, faith, education, and more. Inside you will find: Thought provoking questions with space for answers, inspiring stories, multiple choice questions, creative exercises and plenty of extra writing space. King makes the entire process heartfelt and remarkably easy. The result is an emotional keepsake that is sure to be the most treasured gift of your child's lifetime. King states, "Take the time today for your children's tomorrows". Perfect for Moms, Dads, moms to be, guardians and caretakers of children at any age. "Each and every parent should take advantage of this wise and wonderful little book. I know I certainly intend to."--New York Times Best Selling Author Ellen Tanner Marsh "Answers, endorsed by family/health expert, Jodie Lynn, is a proud winner of the 2007 Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award the only award program to ever by honored by Disney.com and PBS Kids/TV." Answers has the distinction of winning this award in four separate categories.

Customer Reviews:

More than just an Author.......2007-04-18

Joanne,

Provided over 15 signed copies of her book for me to send to my daughter and her Company who are currently stationed in Iraq. I received numerous emails and thank you notes from not only women but the men in her company that shared this book with their spouses. I must admit I too kept a copy for myself in order to provide my 4 children with a better understanding of who I am. I am now back online once again to purchase 4 more books for co-workers with children. This book is a must have for anyone - man or woman- with children. I have a daughter who is about to marry and a son entering elementary--Time is priceless and Joanne's book has given me a tool to be a better "mom" and one could say I am paying it forward for my children and many more generations to come. My only wish now would be that my mother had given me such a timeless gift. Hats off to Joanne and a big thank you for your generous donation to our troops!!! Kudos

Wonderful legacy.......2007-03-24

What a wonderful legacy to leave your children. No matter who you are, some day your children will wonder what Mom or Dad would have thought about certain situations in their lives. If you follow this very user friendly book they will always have your wisdom and experience to refer to. Mrs. King's vivid imagery in the prompting questions is extremely helpful in evoking the feelings you want to capture on the page. I will be giving this special book to friends and family!!

Great book for parents who want to leave a legacy.......2007-02-16

I loved this book! My wife passed away a couple of years ago and I wish we would have had this book then for our children. It gives a great format for beginning a journal for your children. This book will help you leave a legacy for your children. I plan on using it for my writings but also to put some things down that I know my wife would have wanted to say. God bless the author for writing it!

A must have!.......2007-01-06

This book is fabulous. I have wanted to journal for my son so many times but wasnt sure how to begin. This book does it for me. It asks the questions that I want to answer. The perfect way to get started. I only wish that my grandmother was alive so I could get her "Answers"

A must have for every parent.......2007-01-03

A beautiful way to build a child's self esteem. Extremely easy to use and lovingly written, it's a must have for any parent who wants their children to know their thoughts on life and how much they are valued in this world.
A unique, sure to be treasured guide for children filled with unconditional parental love and advice on many of life's situations.

Uses:

Gift for parents of children of any age.

Parents to give to their children whether they are toddlers, teenagers or adults.

Great going away to college book from parents or any time parents are away from their children.

Unique way to offer advice to your child during difficult teenage years.

A treasures gift from parents to their children at any stage of their life.

Add and subtract.(dot com news)(Brief Article): An article from: St. Louis Journalism Review

Average customer rating:

Add and subtract.(dot com news)(Brief Article): An article from: St. Louis Journalism Review
Joe Pollack
Manufacturer: SJR St. Louis Journalism Review
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from St. Louis Journalism Review, published by SJR St. Louis Journalism Review on February 1, 2001. The length of the article is 565 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Add and subtract.(dot com news)(Brief Article)
Author: Joe Pollack
Publication: St. Louis Journalism Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2001
Publisher: SJR St. Louis Journalism Review
Volume: 31 Issue: 233 Page: 6

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Average customer rating:

excellent!!!!
It's done for AOL what dianetics has done for the brain!

AOL Keywords
Jennifer Watson
Manufacturer: Mis Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Directories | Catalogs & Directories | Reference | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Navigate with ease and save time on America Online by learning their best-kept secret: keywords. Jennifer Watson is the keywords keeper at America Online, and in this updated book she shares her insiders knowledge with you. So just what are keywords? Keywords allow members to go quickly and directly to a forum or service online without wasting valuable time navigating. There are currently over 7,000 keywords, many of which were unknown or unpublished -- until now. AOL Keywords, 2nd Edition is your directory to the thousands of areas on America Online -- all organized and cross-referenced by keyword.

Included are two completely updated keyword lists (thats over 7,000 keywords in each list, indexed and cross-referenced for you). The main list is sorted alphabetically, and the other is organized by category using AOLs new channel structure. In addition, over 100 of the latest and greatest keywords are rated and reviewed for you by AOLs community leaders. AOL Keywords, 2nd Edition is the ultimate reference for those who wish to get the most out of America Online and really go places.

Over 7,000 keywords, indexed and cross-referenced New and hot keywords -- all rated and reviewed How to use keywords and other navigation techniques Fast lookup through a variety of keyword lists Special keyword lists just for kids, parents, lovers, and more Tips and tricks to help you get the most out of America Online A glossary of America Online lingo for keyword lovers Keyboard shortcuts for fast, efficient use How to access the most up-to-date keyword lists on America Online

Customer Reviews:

excellent!!!!.......1999-01-21

I had the 2nd, edition of Miss. Jennifer Watson's "AOL KEYWORDS", I think if anyone is new or old to AOL community needs this book. I just love it, I am sure you do too! Why? Because, you'll have more fun when you are armed with this book. It gives you the sense of security, knowledge, and lot more... It is my "AOL-press" "don't go on AOL without it". Have fun to you all. Yours, Gita

It's done for AOL what dianetics has done for the brain!.......1996-09-16

AOL Keywords is my online bible, I never travel without it! If you want to get there quick, get a copy of this book. My favorite keyword is TIE THE KNOT

Average customer rating:

Aol.com How Steve Case Beat Bill Gates
Kara Swisher
Manufacturer: RANDOM HOUSE @ TRADE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q2YHH4

Business Wire : StockPickReport.com Announces Stock Evaluation Ratings: New Ratings on Aol Time Warner, Tyco International Ltd New, Siebel Systems Inc, Qualcomm Inc, Broadcom Corp Cl A.

Average customer rating:

Business Wire : StockPickReport.com Announces Stock Evaluation Ratings: New Ratings on Aol Time Warner, Tyco International Ltd New, Siebel Systems Inc, Qualcomm Inc, Broadcom Corp Cl A.

Manufacturer: Business Wire
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Wireless Networks | Networking | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Word count: 372.

CNN.COM TO BE PREMIER BROADCAST NEW PROVIDER ON NETSCAPE NETCENTER & ON ICQ.(Company Business and Marketing): An article from: EDP Weekly's IT Monitor

Average customer rating:

CNN.COM TO BE PREMIER BROADCAST NEW PROVIDER ON NETSCAPE NETCENTER & ON ICQ.(Company Business and Marketing): An article from: EDP Weekly's IT Monitor

Manufacturer: Millin Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Web Marketing | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, published by Millin Publishing, Inc. on February 28, 2000. The length of the article is 391 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: CNN.COM TO BE PREMIER BROADCAST NEW PROVIDER ON NETSCAPE NETCENTER & ON ICQ.(Company Business and Marketing)
Publication: EDP Weekly's IT Monitor (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 28, 2000
Publisher: Millin Publishing, Inc.
Volume: 41 Issue: 8 Page: 4

Distributed by Thomson Gale

"Estoesunalocura punto com".(internet en España)(TT: "Thisismadness dot com".)(TA: internet in Spain): An article from: Epoca

Average customer rating:

"Estoesunalocura punto com".(internet en España)(TT: "Thisismadness dot com".)(TA: internet in Spain): An article from: Epoca
Jesús Cacho
Manufacturer: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008GVBRC
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Epoca, published by Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA) on January 24, 2000. The length of the article is 1050 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: "Estoesunalocura punto com".(internet en España)(TT: "Thisismadness dot com".)(TA: internet in Spain)
Author: Jesús Cacho
Publication: Epoca (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 24, 2000
Publisher: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
Page: 18

Distributed by Thomson Gale

MONSTER OF A CHANGE IN ON-LINE.(AOL Time Warner, Microsoft Corp. replace partner Monster.com with CareerBuilder.com): An article from: NewsInc

Average customer rating:

MONSTER OF A CHANGE IN ON-LINE.(AOL Time Warner, Microsoft Corp. replace partner Monster.com with CareerBuilder.com): An article from: NewsInc

Manufacturer: The Cole Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008E1B3I
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from NewsInc, published by The Cole Group on August 11, 2003. The length of the article is 633 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: MONSTER OF A CHANGE IN ON-LINE.(AOL Time Warner, Microsoft Corp. replace partner Monster.com with CareerBuilder.com)
Publication: NewsInc (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 11, 2003
Publisher: The Cole Group
Volume: 15 Issue: 29

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

You can make up to $100,000 a year as a desktop publisher if you know where to find clients, how much to charge, and how to manage your business efficiently.

Whether you would like to strike out on your own or have been operating a business for years, this book is full of helpful advice on how to run an efficient and profitable desktop publishing business - from registering a business name, to producing artwork, to invoicing and collecting your fees. Samples, worksheets, and checklists complete this package for the desktop publisher.

Topics include: basics of starting a business, pricing your work, equipping your office, marketing your business, managing a studio, working efficiently, dealing with suppliers, opportunities on the Internet, and the future of desktop publishing.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book.......2003-03-12

This book tells a beginner everything about starting a desktop publishing business at home. It includes many ready-to-use letters and business forms, not just the basic invoices and sales letters but also check lists for printer's proofing approvals, printing instructions, printing bids, production schedules,proof reading, etc. The author discusses the various services your business can offer, beyond newsletters and advertisements; how to attract clients, how to price your service, etc. This book is well organized and informative.

Working from Home.......2001-06-26

This book gives reader's the pro's and con's of working from home in the desktop publishing industry. There are step-by-step calculations to help you figure out daily costs and what to charge for your work. It gives an overview of the different types of computer software that you will need to use. There is helpful advice on dealing with suppliers and finding the right printshop. My friend bought me this book for my birthday and it is one of the most useful presents I have ever received!

Own a Desktop Publishing Business? You NEED this Book!.......2000-06-18

As the owner of a home-based desktop publishing company, this book was a lifesaver! After applying the techniques given in this book my profit margin has increased each month! The tips given will really help increase sales. The numerous sample letters and forms helped make my business even more professional! The sample letter for "collecting outstanding accounts" made collecting late payments easy without being offensive! From intro and follow-up letters to tips on pricing, marketing and taxes, this book will answer all of your questions. Buy it...Read it... Wear it out... You will want to highlight every page. You'll want to start implementing your new ideas right away. Barbara Fanson makes the day to day business and marketing techniques fun and exciting. This book is easy to read and will energize you into launching a very successful desktop publishing company!

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