Jolt Cola was introduced in 1985, merely 3 years after the Commodore 64. At the time, especially to many computer enthusiasts, it was the best cola on the market, offering twice the caffeine as Coca-Cola with a similar enough sort of taste. Similar to the c64 at the time, Jolt promised an abundance of energy over the competition, and it delivered. Its tie-in with technology was apparent both in its choice among geeks and nerds alike for staying up into the wee hours of the mornings, but also in its brand recognition, sponsoring things such as books that were published by Microsoft, getting their logo on the back of the classic book "Code Complete" by Steve McConnell.

As years went by, new caffeinated beverages started hitting the shelves, such as Josta in the mid-90s (the US's "the first legitimate energy drink") to Bawls in 1997, to the permutation of other caffeinated products such as gum and soap that were short-lived in the early aughts. Finally, the beverage market reached its peak as "energy drinks" finally broke away from sodas altogether in the public's eye, maintaining their image as a beverage for thirsty nerds and gamers.

The c64's legacy is much like Jolt's. It has since been replaced by things that are in the same spirit for the same reasons. Diet Coke was never cool, never tasted good, and was never an icon for anything like gaming, gear, or geekdom. It can take a hike.

We each have different tastes. I personally think that Diet Coke tastes like chemicals, and I vastly prefer Coke Zero.

My understanding is that Diet Coke is based on the failed "New Coke", and Coke Zero is based on "Classic" coke.

1. You're talking about your preferences

2. Diet Coke has changed its recipe eight times in the described timeline

3. There are currently six zero calorie Coca Colas. The most popular isn't Diet Coke. It's Coke Zero. They taste very different.

4. The tongue is not following the recent invention of transistors

Diet coke tastes like cleaning chemicals.

improving on the c64 is obvious - better graphics, sound, RAM, chip speed, etc. etc.

"improving" on a food/drink is highly subjective. In fact, Coke tried it themselves, ending in the "New Coke" fiasco: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Coke

I I may defer... Diet Coke is... Awful.

Diet Dr. Pepper is the only thing worth a damn.

Inertia and Just for the taste of it - apparently diet concious consumers have a weird taste for aspertame coke.

That's kind of a dumb post. But one thing I wondered (as an adult) was that even the crappiest beers ("Macro Brews" like Bud) are far superior to Colas. Cola balances its sweetness with acid, whereas beer balances its sweetness with a bitter component, usually hops. Why are there no sweet/bitter soft drinks? (Or, none that are popular...)