The New York Times Launches Classified Ad Service on America Online

The New York Times has announced the launch of a searchable database for its Sunday classified advertisements on America Online, starting this week. This new service enables readers to conduct customized searches using innovative high-speed search techniques and colorful graphics. Accessible via an icon on the main screen of @times, The Times's news and information service on America Online, the database will include ads for Sunday's newspaper, posted online the Saturday prior to publication.

Key Takeaways:

• The new classified ad service is a collaborative effort between the NYT New Media unit and The Times's advertising department.
• The service uses high-speed search techniques and colorful graphics to enable users to quickly pinpoint relevant information.
• The database includes ads for Sunday's newspaper, posted online the Saturday prior to publication.
• Users can search through the database by selecting single or multiple criteria, such as employment, automotive, or real estate.
• The service provides detailed information about classified ad rates in The Times and explains how users can place ads in the paper.
• The service is available at no additional charge to advertisers or readers for a test period of approximately six months.

Statistics:

• The classified ads will appear as they do in The Times, with weekday, Saturday and display ads not included in the service.
• The database will be updated online the Saturday prior to publication in the newspaper.
• The service uses high-speed search techniques to enable users to quickly find relevant information.
• The database will include a "help" button to assist users in inserting customized search requirements.
• The service will be available at no additional charge to advertisers or readers for a test period of approximately six months.

Sources:

• The New York Times Press Release, April 10, 1995
• America Online
• New York Times Information Services Group