CompuServe RIP: 1979-2009

After 30 years in business, CompuServe, one of the pioneering companies in Internet technology closed its doors on Monday. Or, rather, AOL shut it down. Nevertheless, it’s an interesting note, at least for me, to remember there was a time of dial-up 2800-56K modems and browser wars. (According to the source in Tom Krazit’s CNET story, “Only 7 percent of U.S. residents still use a dial-up service to access the Internet, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project.”) I lived and worked through that era which moved at a breakneck speed and was filled with innovation. Hum, similar to now with all the social media and Web 2.0.

I worked at a Seattle Internet start-up called Spry, which was bought by CompuServe for $100 million in 1996. As the PR manager, I took a position with the newly renamed CompuServe Internet Division. But CompuServe was a conflicted company. Here was a technology company based in Columbus, OH and, at the time, a subsidiary of H&R Block, the parent company.  Because of their traditional corporate culture established by H&R Block, they never had the management or leadership to foresee and make CompuServe a player beyond the dial-up market.  I remember the suits that came to Seattle to start the transition. They seemed so uncomfortable in this new, fast-moving khakis and Polo-shirt environment. They tried, but finally sold off to rival AOL that has kept the company on a respirator for many years.

Still, CompuServe was ahead of its time in the late 80’s and 90’s and should be remembered as one of the early innovators in building Internet communication so communities (they called them Forums) could form and thrive. Hum, similar to where we are now, except with a new set of clothes and a bit more speed!

Cookie Recall: Check Your Voicemail

Don't Eat This Cookie!

The business of planning, communicating, and physically executing on product recalls must be a growing and well-paid business. Today’s recall of Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough reminded me of the speed and sophistication at which recalls are now happening. And I’m not even talking Twitter’s influence!

First, I read the recall headline on my mobile device when I woke up this morning. My girlfriend emailed me later with the story, as she’s seen this same cookie dough in my refrigerator, remarking that it was interesting that I had never told her I harbored such guilty pleasures, or willingness to share the pleasure. Then, about an hour later, I get an 800 number voicemail on my mobile. I picked up and listened to a recorded voice telling me about the recall. In Costco’s customer database, they matched up that I was a Toll House cookie dough buyer (guilty) and my phone number. Here is a great use of my personal Costco customer information helping me.

If anyone knows companies or vendors who provide recall services, I would very interested to get more information about the industry, interesting strategies and tactics.  Post a comment or email me directly. Thanks!