Xbox 360

I got one, it rocks. You should get one too. As soon as I figure out the whole online thing, I have to go around finding people to 'community' with, or something. You can do oodles of stuff with this thing straight out of the box. You can even get online and start loosing badly to lots of other people.

Within nanoseconds (the plastic bags in the package hadn't even finished fluttering to the floor) you are downloading demos, and being thrashed by other people all over the world. Astounding. I can't tell you the game I purchased with it, as it's so totally uncool and shallow.

It comes with a free month of the full online service. You don't have to do anything, it just says "Oo you qualify, wanna try it?". The one that comes with it, does most things except the actual online gaming side. I used my already established hotmail address to sign up and my Xbox 360 already knew lots about me.

I don't know if putting your gamer tag up online is a good thing to do, but if it's no hassle then I am all over that one. It even comes with a headset to do your trash talkin' thang if you are so inclined. I just left it off while being left in the dust, figuring out what to press.

What to get next is the thing. You are presented with LOTS of chances to buy online points (some sort of currency) for different games or graphical aspects to the front end navigation wotsit. It was odd that I was there for quite a time before I even had to think about popping in the game I had purchased with it, as there was so much to tinker with.

As for the gameplay side of it. Luvverly.



Scrummy

AOL blocking links to Open Office?

Got an email today from someone with an AOL email address, asking where they could a cheap version of Microsoft Office, and a program to create PDF files.

Well currently Microsoft Office Student and Teacher edition is $150, and Adobe Acrobat (PDF making software) is $299 for the Mere Mortal Edition.

Open Office, is completely free, downloadable, and does both of these things.

No problem. Just reply with these details and links to Best Buy, Adobe.com and Open Office.

Yes problem. According to the great AOL machine, there are issues with the email first time around.

* 554 HVU:B1
http://postmaster.info.aol.com/errors/554hvub1.html

EXPLANATION:

There is at least one URL in your email that is generating substantial complaints from AOL members.

SOLUTION:

If you own all the domains linked to in your e-mail, please contact us to discuss more effective management of your complaint levels. You can start by setting up a free complaint loop through this form. This will allow you to receive AOL member complaints against your domain.

If you do not own the domain, please have the owner of that domain contact us.

Hmm, so I remove all reference to actual costs, and links to Adobe and Best Buy. Instantly the email is returned with the same error. Upon removal of the Open Office link, no worries, it zooms through. I tried resending the older messages but only removing the Open Office links, and it seemed to be accepted.

So let me be clear.
BLOCKED
Email 1, containing links to Best Buy pages, Adobe.com pages, and Open Office.
BLOCKED
Email 2, containing ONE link to the front page of OpenOffice.org.
ACCEPTED
Email 3, containing no links to anything at all.
ACCEPTED
Email 4, with all the links of email 1, but not to OpenOffice.org.

Make of this what you will, but it seems a little nuts NOT to be able to send these types of links to AOL users, who for the most part are just at the start of their online education.



The AOL brainiacs at work once more. Way to go guys!