Confirming rumors that it itself spread, America Online formally announced plans to give away email and other previously subscriber-only service for free at AOL.com.

A splash page for the refurb says, “In the beginning AOL was where you went for your Internet connection. But the online world has continued to evolve quickly — so we are reinventing ourselves. Say hello to the new AOL.”

The company will still offer $26 a month dial-up accounts, but will no longer market them. Or presumably, try very hard to stop you from from cancelling them.

Nail, meet coffin.

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