Seriously, what can we possibly ask in here that wouldn't be covered in the other search engine forums? I mean, we can talk about the look, or how many adwords they are showing or how AOL is like a giant iceberg melting in the hot sun, but does it really merit it's own forum?

Indeed, I've been wondering this, too... we don't have a Looksmart forum (although contrary to AOL they do actually have their own index). But then we also have an MSN forum which is about a largely not-yet-existing search engine... And, like MSN, AOL still generates lots of traffice (even though it's just Google results).

AOL primarily has its own area because it is a huge player in the search space, in terms of US traffic (and similarly in some other countries).

While AOL web search is powered primarily by Google, they do have a few tweaks that make the results a bit different, such as inclusion of Time Warner content, better integration of ODP links and so on.

They may also make other changes going forward. But aside from web search, AOL runs its own unique AV search, local/yellow pages, shopping search and may have other offerings like these in the future.

Those are all reasons why we thought it made sense to have its own forum for now.

AOL primarily has its own area because it is a huge player in the search space, in terms of US traffic (and similarly in some other countries).

While AOL web search is powered primarily by Google, they do have a few tweaks that make the results a bit different, such as inclusion of Time Warner content, better integration of ODP links and so on.

They may also make other changes going forward. But aside from web search, AOL runs its own unique AV search, local/yellow pages, shopping search and may have other offerings like these in the future.

Those are all reasons why we thought it made sense to have its own forum for now.

I don't know Danny... while indeed a major player is "search" it is a minor topical area, and even less of a discussion area.
Why have an AOL Search forum?
AOL betas a new look
AOL Innovation - first to DEBUT Entire New TV Show
What?! - NO more e-Mails from Nigeria, or Viagra Ads
Will AOL Get Out of Search Business? ( 1 2 )
AOL's Ad Revenue Rebounds
AOL France launches Netscape.fr thumbnails
AOL Purchases Advertising.com for $435 MM
With only 1 real discussion (and that was "Will AOL Get Out of Search Business?") it seems like a shoe in for replacement or merge into "other Search Engines.

This thread does have 6% of total forum posts?

AOL is now showing pay per call ads. Ingenio provides the ads to AOL. I am seeing one ad per category for the categories I checked. Check "mortgages" and "real estate", the ads appear on the top of the results.
A new era begins!

Indeed, I've been wondering this, too... we don't have a Looksmart forum (although contrary to AOL they do actually have their own index).
AOL is still a player and is trying to "re-invent" itself. You see this with all the dial-up/broadband television commercials they have been running as well as their decision (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002229768_aolimage04.html) to move content previously available to members to the public arena.

Looksmart simply keeps throwing the dirt off of them that is being shoveled into their grave. They refuse to die but many of us have already considered them dead for a long time now.

This of course is not factual but only my opinion.