People are still using AOL?

I can imagine there may be a few underlying factors as to why people still use AOL as their email provider.

Reason number one: People get stuck in their ways. Old habits die hard. However you want to put it, people will use what they always have. It is much easier than creating a new email address, moving contact information, etc.

Reason number two: Someone keep an email address like hotxbuns123@aol.com for their junk mail only, and then create a more professional account through another service. They still use the email but just for stuff they don't need to check every day.

Reason number three: Let's take a geographical look at this. The states that were featured in the article were West Virginia, Florida, New Jersey, Delaware, and Mississippi. West Virginia: most areas in W. Va. are still in the dark ages, let's admit it. Even only an hour away from Shepherd's campus, they do not receive 3G network service at all. Florida: Full of old people. Old people do not like change, at least from what I have observed. I'm not sure what New Jersey's excuse for still using AOL is. Delaware; also full of retirees who live at the beach. And Mississippi might be in the same boat as W. Va. where technology is lacking.

As for the trade-in deal for IE7, I think that idea is brilliant. It is a bit alarming that people are still stuck in the past in terms of technology. I believe that this is a great incentive to get people propelled into the present.