Mix a wrong turn and a slight misspelling, and the results may shock you. This is user-generated error, and one that AOL needs to be aware of. After learning of AOL’s program for kids that lets kids become certified toy experts by testing and reviewing them, a not-so-net-savvy parent (or kid) may land in R-rated territory.
The KOL Toy Tester Squad has over 3,000 members who enjoy the privilege of trying out toys that the company sends them and then submitting reviews. Pretty sweet gig for a kid, really.
People interested in signing up their kid for the program are directed to AOL.com to type in AOL Keyword: KOL Toy Time.
However, you if type in the search term incorrectly, or follow the press release (the release has since been corrected after calling), the keyword Toytime (no space) leads to a different result altogether.
A search for [KOL Toytime] at either Aol.com or through the KOL homepage leads to two web results. The second result, clear as day, is for FuckedCompany.com, a website devoted to companies deemed to be on the brink of failure.
Thanks to one forum poster referring to KOL, and to the author of the posting about a company named Toytime.com (which is for sale, cheap), the search results brought it back for any surprised parent or giddy kid to see.
An AOL spokesperson said the programming team is looking into the matter to see what they can do to fix it. It is emphasized that those looking for the Toy Tester Squad site spell it with the space, or search through the KOL service itself, a protected pay site.
“That’s exactly why parents pay for the KOL service,” said the same AOL spokesperson.
