“AOL fired off a semi-ominous message — combined with a pitch
for AOL’s own software — to users accessing its chat system with
Microsoft’s competing instant messaging software.”
“Please be advised that you are currently accessing the AOL
Network using unauthorized software. You can download a FREE,
fully featured, and authorized client, here,” the message said.
“The message, a unique form of targeted instant spam, then
linked Messenger users to a site for downloading AOL’s competing
instant messaging software.”