(AOL executives testified against Microsoft in the federal antitrust case.)

Schafer was replaced by the former AOL executive Michael Sherrod in February 2008.

After a series of bizarre meetings and endless promises from the AOL executive, the deal evaporates.

According to the indictment, PurchasePro, with the help of the AOL executives, committed securities fraud by misleading the public about its revenue.

Mr. Coffey spent a day recently with AOL executives plotting possibilities.

The AOL executive said cable and phone company partnerships had been negotiated and were likely to be announced in coming weeks.

Swisher's book's title is taken from a joke President Reagan liked to tell, later adopted by an AOL executive.

Silva, a former AOL executive, said that some of the site's feedback indicates that fans want an unfiltered entry into the sports they love.

Ms. Skruzny, the AOL executive, recalls a scene on the tarmac after one such flight.

(The AOL executives spoke on the condition of anonymity because the plan is not scheduled for public announcement until Aug. 2.)