Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Energy Saver Bulb will NOT WORK where regular bulb does!

I have a post light where any normal bulb works just fine, when I've tried a variety of those new energy saver bulbs - none (coil or regular type) of them would light up! The post light is connected to the same switch as an overhead front entry light and the front entry light works fine with the energy saver bulb. I've inquired at Home Depot's electrical department and one gentleman told me to put a penny on the bottom of the socket! Haven't tried that because I'm not sure how I'd get the penny out if it didn't work. Any and all ideas will be greatly appreciated. Mary Jane

DO NOT put a penny in the socket. The guy is an idiot and should fired for that.
It is possible the center tab needs to be lifted to make contact with the new bulb.
Is there a light sensor on the remote light? Some sensors won't work with CFLs.
Some CFLs won't work in cold.
It is possible the voltage drop out to the light is too high for the CFL bulb.

Thanksk for verifying the penny-repair-stupidity! Would it help to eventually just replace the post light housing as it's about 15 years old?

It might. But I can't tell from here for sure.