In order to be able to group chat you must have the Non-Member
version of AOLs Instant Messenger and a Non-AOL e-mail address.

First if you don't have a Non-AOL e-mail address get one, Yahoo or Hot Mail work fine.

Then go to http://aim.aol.com/ and click on the "New Users Click Here" button.
(DO NOT at any time click on the "Already an AOL member? Please click here")

Choose a new screen name and use your Non-AOL e-mail addy to finish the form.
(see the bottom of this page for hints on getting a screen name)

Once you have your new screen name you will be taken to a page were you can
download the non-member version of the IM program.
(if you can Not download programs see the bottom of this page)
Download and install it. You should disconnect from the Internet and close all programs
before installing the new IM program, it simply makes life easier, trust me.

After installing reconnect to the Internet and start up the new IM program.
Use your new screen name with the new IM program.

Once you have that done you should be able to start up your AOL member version
of  IM as well. This has all been tested and is in use be several Howl members at this time.

Screen Name Hints: If you are having problems getting a screen name that is not already in-use here are some things to try. Unique spelling i.e.... "Y" instead or "I" or "Z" instead of "S" or "snoh" instead of "snow" or "Treatt" instead of "Treat" you get the idea. Also adding numbers works.

Can't Download: If you can't download programs you may still be able to chat by using the AOL Quick Buddy program. Go to http://www.aol.com/aim/quickbuddy/about.html and click on "Click here to begin" Quick Buddy doesn't require the AOL software! You may still need a Non-AOL Screen Name in order to chat with the Howl group. Just use a Non-AOL e-mail addy to get a new Screen Name before using Quick Buddy