AOL TIME-WARNER Dilemma Reneges & Reaches Into The Cracks & Crevices In A Desperate Scourge For Cash New York, NY

January 30, 2003

AOL/TIME-WARNER Dilemma Reneges & Reaches Into The Cracks/Crevices In A Desperate Scourge For Cash

COMPLAINT/S:
No AOL Browser Internet access or keyword access for help. Why? Does not even work since downloading the new version 8.0.

I spoke with a rather rude and argumentative young gentleman this morning about some billing and technical problems whereas, AOL has again debited an unauthorized amount of $95.60 from my US BANK ACCOUNT. This was originally done back in November of 2002 amongst a myriad of other homeland security stemmed issues.. I contested it and spoke with AOL to ask for credit (3 months) for services promised that I had not yet received. This appears to be a serious communications (possibly cultural in nature) flaw? I was told via telecon that this would be done (credited back to my account).

My bank says that it was never done even though I filed an affidavit and sent documented proof and a detailed explanation of the error for investigation. Therefore, they forced posted a withdrawal on 1-20-03 overdrafting my account once again. Since I am on AOL auto deduction, one of the few payment methods offered to an individual of my economic and racial status, I strongly feel this is unjust.

I have in the past discussed this with numerous AOL reps such as Steve Case, Rebecca Padilla, just to name a few. I've had nothing but problems with AOL Service and thought by my participation in this beta testing, it would help identify and eliviate some of these problems, if not all. BOY, was I WRONG!

I am at wits end now and have no choice but to follow the recommendation of my bank and cancel my subscription to AOL as my ISP that I have maintained since 1995.

It saddens me to hear national news of the dilemma of a 100 billion dollar deficit and feel the ripple at my end with such unethical conduct by a formerly trusted entity. I will be submitting documented evidence of all transactions to the appropriate authorities as well as, notifying all of my friends, recent referrals, contacts, and Internet associates about this so as not to have them encumbered in a mess that I lead them to over the years.

Yes, this seems to be what one would consider ENRON, WORLDCOM magnitude when corporations results to such unscathed tactics in a scourge for cash from the very people that made it what it became, successful. The number one INTERNET service provider for many years under the competent and capable leadership of the Steve Case executive management team. I suppose, all good things will come to an end eventually? But, I never imagined it would impact so many with so little and even plunder them further into debt via a service provider association.

I was promised FREE complimentary service for the inadequacies of the service whenever I could show proof. I have logged errors almost every time they occurred and voluntarily worked with AOL techs in providing feedback to remedy problems in the service for many years. It appears, this is the form of payment or retribution I am going to get. Is this NOT THE CASE?

I would seriously and honestly urge any/all users to seek alternate AOL ISP Services NOW, before it's too late and the impact on lifestyles developed via this medium are damaged beyond recourse. I am considering a switch to NetZero/Juno or MSN. Even though MSN has their own share of problems, they have never resorted to such unethical marketing, customer service, billing and business practices as lying and deceit, to my knowledge and experience. "All money ain't good money," and, it certainly is not worth sacrificing a good name and reputation in an effort to recoup lost revenue such as the GIANT AOL is attempting to do in my opinion.

I would like to have this issue resolved? However, there comes a point of no return. Once you've crossed that threshold and breached the trust established over many years of doing business, it is not in one's best interest to pursue such lost causes. It appears, Its so much for, and, so long to the INTERNET world of AOL... God Bless!

Yours Truly,

Min. W.D. Patterson (Retrofit1@aol.com) OutReach_Min@netzero.com
OutReach Ministries, USA
P.O. Box 30505
Seattle, WA 98103-0505
eMail to: OutReach_Min@yahoo.com
FaxWave: 775-242-3349

Min. W. D.
Seattle, Washington
U.S.A.

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