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So that's why Netscape managing editor C.K. Sample left a cryptic message about firing an AOLer on an unrelated news story. First day on the job and all, but C.K. meant to (and did) post his comment to this Netscape story about an AOL customer service rep from hell.

Vincent Ferrari was just a normal guy with an unwanted AOL account. But when he posted a sound file of his horrible AOL-cancellation argument, he became Internet famous. The audio's great — here's the direct mp3 link. And the story went on high-traffic sites Digg, Boing Boing, and Fark.

And, of course, on Netscape Beta, where the managing editor also posted a Netscape writer's interview with Vincent.

Dakota: What happened after? Did AOL reach out to you after or anything?

Ferrari: All I got from them afterward was a survey that asked (ironically enough) if Jonathan met my needs. Other than that, I've not heard a single word from AOL.

Dakota: Did you know the guy got fired? How do you feel about that?

Ferrari: Honestly, before your e-mail, I had no idea. I don't know how I feel. Honestly? I'm not going to shed any tears for the guy. It sucks that he got fired, but maybe he'll learn from it.

Dakota: Is it just AOL, you think, or just the nature of customer service in general?

Holy leading questions, Batman! No shame in rushing to spin the story, AOL, but please, do it with subtlety.

MP3 recording: Trying to cancel AOL [Netscape]
Earlier: New Netscape already gets someone fired (It didn't.) [Valleywag]