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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>EARTHLINK,&nbsp;INC.<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>58-2511877</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>1375 Peachtree Street<BR>
Atlanta, Georgia 30309</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>EarthLink,&nbsp;Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full Title of the Plan) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Charles G. Betty<BR>
Chief Executive Officer<BR>
EarthLink,&nbsp;Inc.<BR>
1375 Peachtree Street<BR>
Atlanta, Georgia 30309<BR>
(404)&nbsp;815-0770</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(Name and Address of Agent for Service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Copy
to: </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Daniel O. Kennedy, Esq.<BR>
Hunton&nbsp;&amp; Williams<BR>
600 Peachtree Street<BR>
Suite 4100<BR>
Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2216<BR>
(404)&nbsp;888-4000  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of securities<BR>
to be registered</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be<BR>
registered</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum<BR>
offering price<BR>
per share(1)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum<BR>
aggregate<BR>
offering price</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
registration fee</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock, $.01 par value</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>1,000,000 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$8.925</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$8,925,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$821.11</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Calculated
pursuant to Rule 457(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1993. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B> Explanation Statement  </B></FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 is being filed by EarthLink,&nbsp;Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Registrant"), to
register 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock, $.01 par value per share ("Common Stock"), to be issued under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_part_i_information_requ__de102243"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART I    <BR>    <BR>    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information specified in Part&nbsp;I will be sent or given to employees participating in the Plan as required by
Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). In accordance with the instructions to Part&nbsp;I of Form&nbsp;S-8, such documents will not be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") either as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424 under the
Securities Act. These documents and the documents incorporated by reference pursuant to Item 3 of Part&nbsp;II of this Registration Statement, taken together, constitute the prospectus as required
by Section&nbsp;10(a) of the Securities Act. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_part_ii_information_req__de102462"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II    <BR>    <BR>    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_3"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission are incorporated by reference and made a part hereof: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K/A for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2000 (File No.&nbsp;001-15605); </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company's Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2001 (File No.&nbsp;001-15605), the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended June&nbsp;30, 2001 (File No.&nbsp;001-15605), and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q
for the quarter ended September&nbsp;30, 2001 (File No.&nbsp;001-15605); </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company's Current Reports on Form&nbsp;8-K filed: March&nbsp;2, 2001 (File No.&nbsp;001-15605), May&nbsp;1, 2001 (File
No.&nbsp;001-15605), August&nbsp;1, 2001 (File No.&nbsp;001-15605), August&nbsp;2, 2001 (File No.&nbsp;001-15605), August&nbsp;17, 2001 (File
No.&nbsp;001-15605) and September&nbsp;10, 2001 (File No.&nbsp;001-15605); </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")
prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which reregisters all securities then remaining unsold; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)&nbsp;&nbsp;The
description of the Company's Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-4 filed on
January&nbsp;6, 2000 (File No.&nbsp;333-94177). </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_item_4._description_of_securities."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. Description of Securities.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents and its former
directors, officers, employees and agents and those who serve, at the corporation's request, in such capacities with another enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), as well as
judgments, fines and settlements in nonderivative lawsuits, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding in which they or any of them were or are
made parties or are threatened to be made parties by reason of their serving or having served in such capacity. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides, however, that such person must have acted
in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in (or not opposed to) the best interests of the corporation and, in the case of a criminal action, such person must have had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In addition, the Delaware General Corporation Law does not permit indemnification in an action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation, where such person has been adjudged liable to the corporation, unless, and only to the extent that, a court determines that such person fairly and reasonably is entitled to indemnity for
costs the court deems proper in light of liability adjudication. Indemnity is mandatory to the extent a claim, issue or matter has been successfully defended. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
amended and restated certificate of incorporation of EarthLink (the "Certificate") contains provisions that provide that no director of EarthLink shall be liable for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director except for (1)&nbsp;any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to EarthLink or its stockholders; (2)&nbsp;acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (3)&nbsp;liability under Section&nbsp;174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or (4)&nbsp;any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. The Certificate contains provisions that further provide for the indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law. Under EarthLink's Bylaws, EarthLink may advance expenses incurred by an officer or director in defending any such action if the director or officer undertakes to repay such amount if
it is determined that the director or officer is not entitled to indemnification. In addition, EarthLink has obtained directors and officers liability insurance. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, EarthLink has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is
therefore unenforceable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_item_8._exhibits."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. Exhibits.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation&nbsp;S-K: </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit No.<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="89%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Investor Rights Agreement dated January 4, 2000, between EarthLink Network, Inc. and Apple Computer, Inc. Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.7 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999&#151;File
No. 001-15605).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2001, with Sprint Corporation and Sprint Communications Company L.P. (incorporated by reference to EarthLink Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2000&#151;File No. 001-15605).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of EarthLink, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999&#151;File No. 001-15605).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By-laws of EarthLink, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999&#151;File No. 001-15605).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.5</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000&#151;File
No. 001-15605).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.6</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000&#151;File
No. 001-15605).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.7</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Certificate of Correction Filed to Correct Certain Inaccuracies in the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of EarthLink, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to EarthLink, Inc.'s Form
S-3/A&#151;File No. 333-59456).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.8</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Certificate of Correction Filed to Correct a Certain Inaccuracy in the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of EarthLink, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to EarthLink, Inc.'s Form
S-3/A&#151;File No. 333-59456).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.9</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of WWW Holdings, Inc. (predecessor to EarthLink, Inc.)&#151;File No. 333-94177).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.10</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Subordinated Debt Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.'s Form S-3/A&#151;File No. 333-74151).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.11</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
First Supplemental Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.'s Form S-3/A&#151;File No. 333-74151).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.12</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Second Supplemental Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EarthLink, Inc.'s Form S-4&#151;File No. 333-41064).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Hunton &amp; Williams.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Hunton &amp; Williams (included in Exhibit 5).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney (see signature page to this Registration Statement).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
EarthLink, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Filed
herewith </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1104_item_9._undertakings."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1104_9"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. Undertakings.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In accordance with Item 512 of Regulation&nbsp;S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes the following: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to include any
material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold in the event of the Plan's
termination. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h)&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to
the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1104_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1104_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Signatures    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta,
State of Georgia, on March&nbsp;6, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>EarthLink,&nbsp;Inc.</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>CHARLES G. BETTY</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2>Charles G. Betty<BR>
Chief Executive Officer<BR></FONT>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Charles G. Betty, Samuel R. DeSimone, Jr. and Michael S. McQuary as his or
her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing required or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, could lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons, in the capacities indicated below, on this 6 day of
March, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signatures</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>CHARLES G. BETTY</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Charles G. Betty</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LEE ADREAN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Lee Adrean</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Executive Vice President-Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>D. CARY SMITH</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> D. Cary Smith</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Vice President and Controller (principal accounting officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>SKY D. DAYTON</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Sky D. Dayton</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Chairman of the Board of Directors</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICHAEL S. MCQUARY</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Michael S. McQuary</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
President and Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Linwood A. Lacy, Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ROBERT M. KAVNER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert M. Kavner</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>S. MARCE FULLER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> S. Marce Fuller</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert M. Metcalfe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>AUSTIN M. BEUTNER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Austin M. Beutner</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>[signature
page to EarthLink S-8 Registration Statement] </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit No.<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="84%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Hunton &amp; Williams.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Hunton &amp; Williams (included in Exhibit 5).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney (see signature page to this Registration Statement).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
EarthLink, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Filed
herewith </FONT></DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><br><A NAME="02ATA1104_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_1">PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_2">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_3">Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_4">Item 4. Description of Securities.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_5">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_6">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_7">Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_8">Item 8. Exhibits.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1104_9">Item 9. Undertakings.</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1104_1">Signatures</A></FONT><BR>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "EARTHLINK INC", "cik": "0001102541", "assigned-sic": "7370", "irs-number": "582511877", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-83870", "film-number": "02568686"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1375 PEACHTREE STREET", "street2": "SUITE 400", "city": "ATLANTA", "state": "GA", "zip": "30309", "phone": "4048150770"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1375 PEACHTREE STREET", "city": "ATLANTA", "state": "GA", "zip": "30309"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "WWW HOLDINGS INC", "date-changed": "20000104"}}
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
EARTHLINK, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
58-2511877
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1375 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
EarthLink, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(Full Title of the Plan)
Charles G. Betty
Chief Executive Officer
EarthLink, Inc.
1375 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 815-0770
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy
to:
Daniel O. Kennedy, Esq.
Hunton & Williams
600 Peachtree Street
Suite 4100
Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2216
(404) 888-4000
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of securities
to be registered
Amount to be
registered
Proposed maximum
offering price
per share(1)
Proposed maximum
aggregate
offering price
Amount of
registration fee
Common Stock, $.01 par value
1,000,000 shares
$8.925
$8,925,000
$821.11
1.
Calculated
pursuant to Rule 457(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1993.
Explanation Statement
This Registration Statement on Form S-8 is being filed by EarthLink, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Registrant"), to
register 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock, $.01 par value per share ("Common Stock"), to be issued under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan").
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in Part I will be sent or given to employees participating in the Plan as required by
Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). In accordance with the instructions to Part I of Form S-8, such documents will not be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") either as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 under the
Securities Act. These documents and the documents incorporated by reference pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this Registration Statement, taken together, constitute the prospectus as required
by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission are incorporated by reference and made a part hereof:
(i)    The
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2000 (File No. 001-15605);
(ii)  The
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 (File No. 001-15605), the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 (File No. 001-15605), and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 001-15605);
(iii)  The
Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed: March 2, 2001 (File No. 001-15605), May 1, 2001 (File
No. 001-15605), August 1, 2001 (File No. 001-15605), August 2, 2001 (File No. 001-15605), August 17, 2001 (File
No. 001-15605) and September 10, 2001 (File No. 001-15605);
(iv)  All
documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")
prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which reregisters all securities then remaining unsold; and
(v)  The
description of the Company's Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on
January 6, 2000 (File No. 333-94177).
Any
statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
2
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Under Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents and its former
directors, officers, employees and agents and those who serve, at the corporation's request, in such capacities with another enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), as well as
judgments, fines and settlements in nonderivative lawsuits, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding in which they or any of them were or are
made parties or are threatened to be made parties by reason of their serving or having served in such capacity. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides, however, that such person must have acted
in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in (or not opposed to) the best interests of the corporation and, in the case of a criminal action, such person must have had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In addition, the Delaware General Corporation Law does not permit indemnification in an action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation, where such person has been adjudged liable to the corporation, unless, and only to the extent that, a court determines that such person fairly and reasonably is entitled to indemnity for
costs the court deems proper in light of liability adjudication. Indemnity is mandatory to the extent a claim, issue or matter has been successfully defended.
The
amended and restated certificate of incorporation of EarthLink (the "Certificate") contains provisions that provide that no director of EarthLink shall be liable for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director except for (1) any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to EarthLink or its stockholders; (2) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (3) liability under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or (4) any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. The Certificate contains provisions that further provide for the indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law. Under EarthLink's Bylaws, EarthLink may advance expenses incurred by an officer or director in defending any such action if the director or officer undertakes to repay such amount if
it is determined that the director or officer is not entitled to indemnification. In addition, EarthLink has obtained directors and officers liability insurance.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, EarthLink has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is
therefore unenforceable.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
3
Item 8. Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Investor Rights Agreement dated January 4, 2000, between EarthLink Network, Inc. and Apple Computer, Inc. Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.7 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999—File
No. 001-15605).
4.2
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2001, with Sprint Corporation and Sprint Communications Company L.P. (incorporated by reference to EarthLink Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2000—File No. 001-15605).
4.3
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of EarthLink, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999—File No. 001-15605).
4.4
By-laws of EarthLink, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999—File No. 001-15605).
4.5
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000—File
No. 001-15605).
4.6
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of EarthLink, Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000—File
No. 001-15605).
4.7
Certificate of Correction Filed to Correct Certain Inaccuracies in the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of EarthLink, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to EarthLink, Inc.'s Form
S-3/A—File No. 333-59456).
4.8
Certificate of Correction Filed to Correct a Certain Inaccuracy in the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of EarthLink, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to EarthLink, Inc.'s Form
S-3/A—File No. 333-59456).
4.9
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of WWW Holdings, Inc. (predecessor to EarthLink, Inc.)—File No. 333-94177).
4.10
Subordinated Debt Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.'s Form S-3/A—File No. 333-74151).
4.11
First Supplemental Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.'s Form S-3/A—File No. 333-74151).
4.12
Second Supplemental Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EarthLink, Inc.'s Form S-4—File No. 333-41064).
5
*
Opinion of Hunton & Williams.
23.1
*
Consent of Hunton & Williams (included in Exhibit 5).
4
23.2
*
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.3
*
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.4
*
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
24
*
Power of Attorney (see signature page to this Registration Statement).
99.1
*
EarthLink, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
*
Filed
herewith
Item 9. Undertakings.
In accordance with Item 512 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes the following:
(a)  (1)    To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to include any
material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.
(2)  That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide.
(3)  To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold in the event of the Plan's
termination.
(b)  The
Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(h)  Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to
the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
5
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta,
State of Georgia, on March 6, 2002.
EarthLink, Inc.
By:
/s/
CHARLES G. BETTY
Charles G. Betty
Chief Executive Officer
KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Charles G. Betty, Samuel R. DeSimone, Jr. and Michael S. McQuary as his or
her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing required or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, could lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons, in the capacities indicated below, on this 6 day of
March, 2002.
Signatures
Title
/s/
CHARLES G. BETTY
Charles G. Betty
Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer)
/s/
LEE ADREAN
Lee Adrean
Executive Vice President-Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)
/s/
D. CARY SMITH
D. Cary Smith
Vice President and Controller (principal accounting officer)
/s/
SKY D. DAYTON
Sky D. Dayton
Chairman of the Board of Directors
/s/
MICHAEL S. MCQUARY
Michael S. McQuary
President and Director
Linwood A. Lacy, Jr.
Director
/s/
ROBERT M. KAVNER
Robert M. Kavner
Director
/s/
S. MARCE FULLER
S. Marce Fuller
Director
Robert M. Metcalfe
Director
/s/
AUSTIN M. BEUTNER
Austin M. Beutner
Director
[signature
page to EarthLink S-8 Registration Statement]
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
5
*
Opinion of Hunton & Williams.
23.1
*
Consent of Hunton & Williams (included in Exhibit 5).
23.2
*
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.3
*
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.4
*
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
24
*
Power of Attorney (see signature page to this Registration Statement).
99.1
*
EarthLink, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
*
Filed
herewith
QuickLinks
PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Item 9. Undertakings.
Signatures