How LOW can you go?

I just read an article talking about a neat back to school deal where you can buy a computer from curcuit city for as little as 199.99. It comes with a free 17 CRT Monitor and printer. The catch? You have to sign up for a whole year of AOL service.

It seems that AOL is becoming desperate for promoting their service and software. I mean, just by the fact that you get bombarded every month with at least one or two promotions from them in the mail, plus you get ads on tv. And if you buy any kind of new software, it always seems that AOL is weasleing their way onto your desktop with icons and offers. And now to take the cake they corner you into deals of signing up for their service for a full year in order to get a new computer that is probably LOADED with AOL software. Come on, AOL! Give it up. Your marketing strategy is doomed to annoy and not to gain customers. The world of customers that needs your type of help and support is waning by the day.

I once bought a PC and the person who sold it to me told me that I HAD to sign up for the 6 months of free AOL even though I didn't want it or need it. I told him that I didn't want to, and he told me that he couldn't give me the "best" deal unless I did. I remember cancelling that trial service with AOL (like the same day) and after the usual harassments from them about why I should want their service, I told the rep about being forced to sign up for it. They were surprised that a store would do that. Why? Their company does it all the time! Go figure.