Cancellation hustlers

Apparently AOL still has subscribers left over from its era as an ISP, even though all its services are now free, having switched to an ad revenue model last year.

The reason they're still sticking around is that AOL has allegedly made it difficult for those subscribers trying to cancel their memberships, reports Globe and Mail. Facing complaints and a messy court battle, AOL has agreed to make it easier for subscribers to leave as part of a $3 million settlement with 48 states and the District of Columbia.

Though AOL already made cancellation available online in 2005 and 2006, the settlement made it official to maintain an online channel for cancellation processing. Prior to that, subscribers had to cancel by fax, mail or telephone. Those who called in were greeted with aggressive customer service reps that were paid bonuses to retain subscribers.

As of this March, AOL had 12 million US subscribers, down from 21 million less than two years ago. Subscribers typically retain their account for the email service, which is now free thanks to pressure from Gmail, Yahoo, and MSN.