Last Update: 11/1/98

Should you pay for Internet Access?

Last week, I found out through ZDNet that there is a company offering free Internet access with a catch - you will be the target of advertisers.  Your browser will contain a small window that cannot be removed with advertising information.

Interested? Read the full article at Red Herring Online.

Want to try it out? Jump to Netzero's site

Currently, I am testing the service.  At 6:30 pm on Sunday night, the service moved fine with my 33.6 modem.  After installing the software, it asks for your demographic info - name, address, age, income, profession, marital status, education (12 survey questions in all).  When you connect, a small window (about 1" x 3") appears on your screen.  YOU CANNOT REMOVE THE WINDOW.  It constantly displays banner ads.  I just dragged it down to the bottom of the screen and started surfing.  You can customize the window to remove the title bar and buttons.

Is this little window worth $100-250/year in Internet access? You be the judge :-)