sneeboo: In search of the latest and greatest "killer app," the Web's marketing mavens have seized on the idea of free, Web-based e-mail. Of course it's advertiser-supported, so anyone receiving a message is subjected to plugs for software, mouthwash, panty shields, whatever. Further, the explosion of such services (HoTMaiL, NetAddress, FreeMark, et al.) begs one question: "Why?" Anyone surfing the Web would rather obvioulsy seem to have Internet access (and thus, e-mail) already. So why do they really need another e-mail address? For spamming? For typing "anonymous" sweet nothings to the objects of their stalking desire? To get some geeky kick out of having half a dozen e-mail addresses? Who knows. The worst part is that the services are often just plain unreliable: Messages don't get through as often as not because the Web-based mail software doesn't cope well with misaddressed mail or server problems. While those of us using Eudora or other "real" mail clients get a message informing us when we've screwed up, or when the 'Net has had a line fart and been unable to deliver our mail, those using these Web accounts are blithely unaware that their words are lost in the electronic ether. So, is free-mail the wave of the future? It is worth noting that the much-hyped FreeMark has already closed up shop...

Elsewhere, the death and re-emergence of Web Review has sullied the reputation of a once-proud online publication. They pulled the plug without warning this spring, did a lot of loud belly-aching about their lack of ad revenue, tried unsuccessfully to hit loyal readers up for paid subscriptions, then re-launched several months later with a new "business model" based on partnerships. Gosh, swell, great. Thanks for sharing. Couldn't you have worked out those partnerships without interrupting service or trying to blame your problems on your readers? By the time Web Review returned, other Web Mags had jumped in to fill the void they left, and the world yawned. The new "frame nightmare" layout (which would seem to contradict the Review's own advice for designing attractive and functional pages) doesn't help either....