E-Mail Access May Not Live Up to Expectations

Well, I guess “Many On-Line Users Not All That Hooked on Cyberspace” (Oct. 16), about what people are seeking in an on-line service, certainly explains the large number of disconnects. If e-mail is the primary interest, it would seem many are probably disappointed and surprised to find it can only be used to correspond with others who are connected and have access as well.

Perhaps, upon discovering the limitations of e-mail and the dearth of other products, which cannot also be found in other sources around the home, they become disenchanted and disconnect. On-line information certainly has its place, and having an e-mail address, which may be separate from one used on a local network, has business advantages. However, the user who sees on-line as a social function may make new contacts but find it is useless in terms of communicating with many in their circle who are not connected and without access to a PC.

MICHAEL D. SOLOMON

Los Angeles