TFARCHIVE FORUMS

First they tell their users to say goodbye to Usenet access (since they'd better use their nifty AIM program if they want to interact with each other!), and now it seems like users (like me) logging onto the AIM network via multi-function IM programs (such as Miranda, in my case) have been banned from AIM access as well (because we'd better use that nifty standard AIM program, duh!).

What's next? Banning mail contacts with all e-mail providers other than AOL? Banning access to all non-AOL sites? ****ers.

And just for the record: I've never been an AOL customer, and this convinces me even more so as to never becoming one.

The AIM thing is because protocols change, and they're also paying for the bandwidth used by non-AOL clients. Trillian will catch up. I've not used Miranda, but if it's in current development it probably will too.

The usenet thing... that's down to spam, I think. Their newsgroup servers have been sluggish and unreliable for a while, going by reports. It does seem pretty stupid, however. Other ISPs most often do offer newsgroup access, and they'll lose custom over the issue.

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,a ... g,1,00.asp

EDIT:

Whoops. Should have checked the date. However, it appears to be still relevant:

http://forums.miranda-im.org/viewtopic.php?t=23469

Restrictions on Access to or Use of AIM Products
You may access AIM Products only through the interfaces and protocols provided or authorized by AOL. You agree that you will not access AIM Products through unauthorized means, such as unlicensed software clients, and that you will only use AIM Products in conjunction with AOL authorized products and components.

I know this is kinda late and all but...

AOL HAS ALWAYS BEEN EVIL!!!!!!!