Comments on: Redesigned AOL.com Front Page Will Feature Third-Party Content, Global Social Net Status Updates

By: pritam

pritam — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:26:20 +0000

The AOL's new look seems to be designed strategicaly to increase totoal time spent on AOL website. Yahoo, Google mail will make these users access their accounts from AOL, while news links from extra long page will increase page views…

By: TegoV

TegoV — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:26:23 +0000

I think AOLs biggest problem is perception at this point. I think most people feel like Kenneth. AOL is over and you a looser if you still use AOL in any way.

By: dmg

dmg — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:26:50 +0000

@ Mike

Yahoo! has led the way in RSS with My Yahoo! since I can remember.

By: Kenneth

Kenneth — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:43:25 +0000

AOL is so over we need a new word for 'over.'

They have completely abandoned any content of substance, expecting that their legacy of committed users will be stick around to look at AOL's massive ad network.

There is just no there there. Very sad. They had the one thing every portal wants: a huge community — but lacked the insight to deliver value to the consumer. What a waste.

By: Johnston

Johnston — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:19:00 +0000

It paints a pretty picture but what do they have to show against it…no content to sell, finally decided to open up and include other services but the long and short of it is, if you do not have something compelling to draw someone into your portal, you do not get the people. After a year and a half of falling unique numbers, missed advertising targets, reduced EBITDA projections and then not even hitting those…I doubt this is going to save the day. As for breaking the portal model….let's see how the public react.

By: Staci D. Kramer

Staci D. Kramer — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:05:50 +0000

Thanks for the comments. AOL execs are convinced that they're breaking the portal model with this. Mike, I've added a link in the post to a jpg that shows the new screens; it's in the same section where the skins are discussed. Rachel, we'll follow up on the engagement modules.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:50:28 +0000

Wow.

Bold move by AOL here.

Agree with Mike's comments.

Like to actually know more on the new advertising capabilities and in particular the "engagement modules" highlighted in the post. AOL has done great advertising custom integration for us in the past in their content so hoping these modules on aol.com will now provide those type of capabilities in front of their biggest audience.

I am shocked this new portal experience is coming from AOL. Wow.

By: mike

mike — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:37:19 +0000

Amazing that this innovation is coming from AOL. I almost feel like they have poured everything that is a positive step forward into this new portal experience. The fact that they are the first mass portal to lean into lifestreaming, RSS, etc is shocking to say the least. Very smart.

And the design and aesthetic of the new aol.com is just as impressive as the new feature set — it is simply beautiful.

The post mentions new color schemes as well, can you gain access to those and share them?

Also to see Relegence, Sphere, Bebo and other acquisitions highlighted here is a positive business sign as well as providing consumer value as I really like what Tony has done with Sphere and also been a consumer of Relegence in AOL's Money site since it launched.

Congratulations to AOL. Time to give credit where credit is due.