May 21, 2001

Ummmm.....DUH!?!?! The Day the Rebates Died is an article on Wired News talking about how CyberRebate has filed for Chapter 11. And a BIG "I could have told you that!" to all the consumers who are crying and carrying on. What really aches is knowing that there are folks out there who have been willing to risk THOUSANDS of dollars at a time on this!
The Wired article pretty much says it all with regards to what CyberRebate was and what's going on, but I've just got to say that this was just so OBVIOUSLY some type of Ponzi scheme that I would never have risked more with the company than I thought I had already gained from past free purchases.
If you want to play the game, you make a small purchase and get your money back. Repeat once or twice. Now, add up the true value of those three purchases, and that's how much money you should risk at any one time in new purchases. That way, when the scam has run its course and you are out some $cash$, you at least have sufficient product to show for it.
Of course, your best bet is just NOT to play! I try never to trust a company that doesn't have a valid street address, a working telephone customer service line and a sensible business plan. All three failed when I went to look at CyberRebate.

May 04, 2001

Well, it isn't here yet, but that may not matter at all. Internet connectivity at my home PC (Road Runner on Cox Communications of Fairfax) has been on a very bad streak lately, with 5 outages this month at the Springfield/Burke routers. I've called and complained and I get NO satisfaction. If anyone has any idea where I could turn to make sure that these people get on the ball, please, let me know. Does the FCC monitor cable companies and their compliance? Would this be an FTC issue? How would you go about resolving it?

May 01, 2001

Watch this page to see when I get Ruins of Kurnak, the Everquest expansion! When I do, I'll be loading up and playing a lizardman. Recently, I've been monitoring the stores for any good computer games. I haven't found any that interest me as much or have the replayability of Everquest. It may depend on your personality, but this game is one of the most addictive and bona-fide fun things to do with your computer! I can't wait for my expansion kit to get here! Check out what's so exciting at The Everquest Home Page. If you have ever played an online MUD, be prepared to take it to the next level!