Compuserve Classic ISP going bye-bye...

[terrie]

Just received the following:

"Dear CompuServe Classic Member,

After many years of providing online services, we regret to inform you that as of June 30, 2009 the CompuServe Classic service will no longer operate as an Internet Service Provider. We hope this does not cause you an inconvenience.

Note that this shutdown only relates to the CompuServe Classic service. The CompuServe 2000 service will continue to operate as it does today.

We're aware that this change may raise several questions for you. Here's what this will mean:

DO YOU NEED AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER?

* If you need dial-up Internet access, there are two options you may wish to consider.

Netscape Internet Service (as low as $9.95 per month)
+ Includes 1 month FREE trial!
+ Unlimited dial-up access
http://www.getnetscape.com

AOL ($11.99 per month)
+ Includes 1 month FREE trial!
+ Unlimited dialup access
+ 24/7 tech support
+ McAfee security software
+ Unlimited email storage
http://free.aol.com/tryaolfree/index...02&service=aol


ACCESS AND BILLING INFORMATION:

* The last day you will be able to access your CompuServe Classic account will be June 30, 2009. Your dial-up access will no longer be available after this date.

* We urge you to immediately forward, back up, move or otherwise copy to a location outside the CompuServe Classic system any stored data you wish to keep. This data will be inaccessible after the CompuServe Classic service is closed on June 30.

* The CompuServe Classic Ourworld "homepage" service (http://ourworld.compuserve.com) will also close on June 30. After that date, you will be unable to access or retrieve any images, files, or other material stored in the Ourworld service. Any content you wish to retain must be saved to a new location before June 30.

* Your final monthly charge for the CompuServe Classic service will occur on your June billing date.


EMAIL AVAILABILITY:

* We are creating a new email system where you will be able to continue using your existing CompuServe Classic email address. This new email service will be available to you at no charge - but you will need to provide your own Internet access.

* Some of the benefits of the new email system include:

+ Unlimited storage lets you keep as many messages as you want
+ Ability to receive large messages (up to 16MB per message)
+ Industry leading spam and virus protection to help eliminate threats and hassles
+ Mail filters that allow you to store and organize mail
+ Open accessibility and compatibility with IMAP & POP3
+ Seamless integration w/ AIM for instant messaging

* The transition to the new mail system will occur in mid-May. More information will be sent to you shortly concerning the migration of your mailbox to the new CompuServe Classic mail system.


ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

Member Services phone support will remain available for the CompuServe 2000 service, and can answer any billing questions about CompuServe Classic.

Should you have questions about the termination of this service, please contact CompuServe Member Services at:

Tech Support
1-800-848-8990
8 a.m. - 1 a.m. EST, Mon - Fri
10 a.m. - 10 p.m. EST Sat and Sun

Billing Support
1-800-848-8990
10 a.m. - 10 p.m. EST, Mon - Sat
Closed Sundays and all major U.S. Holidays

We thank you for being a CompuServe Classic member over the past years.

Sincerely,

CompuServe Member Services"



I about had a heart attack until I saw that apparently I will still be able to use my cserve email addy--I have a feeling that I won't be able to use WinCim anymore (oh weep and wail!) but I hope that I can continue to use Eudora--I know most of you guys don't have your cserve accounts anymore but I still consider my cserve addy as my primary...

I'm off to cserve's forums to see what they have to say...

Terrie