Various AOL CD-ROMs with packaging removed.

AOL disk collecting is the collecting of CD-ROMs and diskettes distributed by the America Online company, containing computer software for accessing the America Online service. These CD-ROMs and diskettes are somewhat infamous for their excessive distribution. While disliked by many Americans who received them en masse during the late 1990s and early 2000s, AOL disks also provide an entertaining hobby for a few. The collector need not harbor any positive feelings toward the AOL Time Warner corporation, or even be an AOL subscriber, although some of the larger collections are held by former and current AOL employees. Various AOL CDs with packaging removed This work is copyrighted. ... Various AOL CDs with packaging removed This work is copyrighted. ... The hobby of collecting consists of acquiring specific items based on a particular interest of the collector. ... The CD-ROM (an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (ROM)) is a non-volatile optical data storage medium using the same physical format as audio compact discs, readable by a computer with a CD-ROM drive. ... A floppy disk is a data storage device that comprises a circular piece of thin, flexible (hence floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic wallet. ... America Online, or AOL for short, is a corporate online service provider and Internet service provider. ... Computer software (or simply software) refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of a computer for some purpose. ... Time Warner Inc. ...

While there are no official figures released by AOL Time Warner, it is estimated there are over 1000 disk-designs in existence and over a billion disks have been produced in total. This direct mail marketing strategy is the brainchild of Janice Brandt, who joined the company in 1993 as the Director of Marketing Operations. It was a huge success, and soon after AOL became the biggest internet service provider in the world. Time Warner Inc. ... Direct marketing is a form of marketing that attempts to send its messages directly to consumers, often without the use of intervening media. ... Traditionally, marketing has been a term applied to the craft of linking the producers (or potential producers) of a product or service with customers, both existing and potential. ... 1993 is a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... America Online, or AOL for short, is a corporate online service provider and Internet service provider (ISP). ... An Internet service provider (ISP) is a business or organization that offers users access to the Internet and related services. ...

Characteristics of AOL Disks

Collectible Bugs Bunny AOL CD-ROM in original packaging.

Various AOL diskettes with packaging removed.

Collecting of AOL disks started becoming popular as AOL introduced intricate designs on the labels of their CD-ROMs. Some of these feature references to movies and pop culture cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny. Others have marketing terms printed on the CD-ROM such as "Gold", "Platinum" or "Titanium". Still others are special themed versions for holidays such as Christmas. Finally, there is any number of disks not fitting into particular category and are apparently only the result of their designer's imagination. Collectible AOL Bugs Bunny CD This work is copyrighted. ... Collectible AOL Bugs Bunny CD This work is copyrighted. ... Various AOL floppies with packaging removed This work is copyrighted. ... Various AOL floppies with packaging removed This work is copyrighted. ... Popular culture, or pop culture, is the vernacular (peoples) culture that prevails in a modern society. ... Bugs Bunny on a United States stamp Bugs Bunny is a fictional street-smart gray rabbit appearing in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons, and is one of the most recognizable characters, real or imaginary, in the world. ... Traditionally, marketing has been a term applied to the craft of linking the producers (or potential producers) of a product or service with customers, both existing and potential. ... General Name, Symbol, Number gold, Au, 79 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 11, 6, d Appearance metallic yellow Atomic mass 196. ... General Name, Symbol, Number Platinum, Pt, 78 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 10 , 6, d Density, Hardness 21450 kg/m³, 3. ... General Name, Symbol, Number titanium, Ti, 22 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 4, 4, d Appearance silvery metallic Atomic mass 47. ... Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ...

When looking at an AOL CD-ROM or diskette, there are certain characteristics to look for besides the overall design: The CD-ROM (an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (ROM)) is a non-volatile optical data storage medium using the same physical format as audio compact discs, readable by a computer with a CD-ROM drive. ... A floppy disk is a data storage device that comprises a circular piece of thin, flexible (hence floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic wallet. ...

• Packaging - AOL disks come in various packaging options including cardboard holders, jewel cases, DVD-size boxes, tin boxes, and various plastic enclosures. Tin boxes are especially popular with collectors. It is generally not recommended to remove the packaging in order to preserve quality and value of the disk.

• Media - while AOL CD-ROMs are quite widespread, there was also a number of 3.5" AOL diskettes released, especially for older versions. These are considered more valuable. Especially coveted by collectors are 5.25" AOL floppies.

• Version Number - this would be the version number of the AOL software such as "AOL 9.0". Older version (especially 3.0 and below) disks are usually considered more valuable. It is somewhat unusual, although possible, for two or more versions to share the same design.

• Number of Free Hours - The number of free hours advertized on the CD-ROM. Often two disks with the same design will have a different number of free hours.

• Language and locality - AOL CD-ROMs come in a variety of languages and are released in several countries. Non-english CD-ROMs are considered more valuable in the United States due to the difficulty of obtaining them.

• Release Year - the year a CD-ROM or diskette was released. Usually printed above or next to the serial number.

• Serial Number - the majority (but not all) AOL disks have a serial number printed on them. Sometimes two disks with identical characteristics an designs will have different serial numbers. For all intents and purposes, only when two disks have the same serial number are they considered identical, although the true nature of the serial numbers is not known.

See also: Collector, New South Wales a town This is a list of noted collectors. ... The CD-ROM (an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (ROM)) is a non-volatile optical data storage medium using the same physical format as audio compact discs, readable by a computer with a CD-ROM drive. ... A floppy disk is a data storage device that comprises a circular piece of thin, flexible (hence floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic wallet. ... A floppy disk is a data storage device that comprises a circular piece of thin, flexible (hence floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic wallet. ... The CD-ROM (an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (ROM)) is a non-volatile optical data storage medium using the same physical format as audio compact discs, readable by a computer with a CD-ROM drive. ... The CD-ROM (an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (ROM)) is a non-volatile optical data storage medium using the same physical format as audio compact discs, readable by a computer with a CD-ROM drive. ... A floppy disk is a data storage device that comprises a circular piece of thin, flexible (hence floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic wallet. ... A serial number is a unique number applied to a product example, as opposed to a model number or type number. ...

Obtaining AOL Disks

Current version AOL disks can be obtained in several ways:

• Ordering a CD-ROM from AOL
• Found as inserts into newspapers and magazines.
• Bundled with software or hardware (modems in particular)
• In certain retail stores (computer/electronics stores in particular)

Computer software (or simply software) refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of a computer for some purpose. ... Hardware is equipment such as fasteners, keys, locks, hinges, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts, especially when they are made of metal. ... A computer is a device or machine for making calculations or controlling operations that are expressible in numerical or logical terms. ... Two digital voltmeters The field of electronics is the study and use of electrical devices that operate by controlling the flow of electrons or other electrically charged particles in devices such as thermionic valves and semiconductors. ...

See also

No More AOL CDs No More AOL CDs is an organization dedicated to stemming AOLs CD distribution methods. ...

External links

• aolcollecting.com - AOL Collectible Price Guide ebooks - A must guide for anyone receiving AOL CD items.
• Lydia's AOL Disk Collection - large collection of AOL disks, including many foreign CD-ROMs and old diskettes
• Ispdisk the #1 place to buy AOL Software - AOL Collectible Price Guide and Low cost disk for sell.