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Free webcam!

  • 29-05-2004 12:13am
    #1
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭


    So i signed my mom up for the IOLBB offer, and there is NO connection charge. You don't pay any installiation feee. Not only that, but even if you cancel the broaband after say 2 1/2 months you get to keep the webcam.

    Cool...i am gonna snatch the webcam for myself as mom already has one, i mean...it's a great offer.

    You can't loose, it's totally free...you don't pay a penny, after 2 1/2 months is up just cancel and keep the webcam and send back the modem.

    I wish we had more freebies like this... :D


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 885 ✭✭✭clearz


    It seems like a good offer but then again its because of people like you that we dont get more freebes.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Excuse me?...."people like me"?, care to explain that little statement/flame??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 786 ✭✭✭center15


    after 2 1/2 months is up just cancel and keep the webcam and send back the modem.
    You're clearly just out to screw IOL, which is the reason there's not more freebies because people take advantage of the situation.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,461 ✭✭✭Frank Grimes


    Originally posted by Richard Dower
    I wish we had more freebies like this... :D
    Like the others said, we probably would if less people took the piss.
    Do you not think it's a lot of hassle to go through just to get a webcam?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 597 ✭✭✭bambam


    where does it say no connection charge, I can't see it on the website


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  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by center15
    You're clearly just out to screw IOL, which is the reason there's not more freebies because people take advantage of the situation.

    How exactly am i "out to screw" IOL?...dude, that's the offer they are making. Even IOL know that people can sign up and cancel, and get free broadband for three months and a free webcam.

    They are aware of this, fact is IOL consider this a positive thing as they may retain many custmers once they try broadband, and also the minister is happy as the broadband European average will shoot up.

    I even said to the sales rep., what's to stop people signing up and cancelling?, he said nothing...they don't care, they care about making up the numbers and hopefully retaining some customers.

    That is what this offer is all about, to have on paper the number of broadband users in Ireland be the European average.

    So i am not screwing anyone here sunshine, IOL have an offer and you'd be utterly stupid not to take advantage of it.

    And sunshine, i PAID for my broadband from the very start, i signed up last July when it first launched, i was there right from the start, i paid €283 for the whole setup.

    When did YOU join?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by Frank Grimes
    Like the others said, we probably would if less people took the piss.
    Do you not think it's a lot of hassle to go through just to get a webcam?

    Taking the piss is what IOL and Eircom are doing, with their high prices for broadband access. Taking the piss is a broadband service that is piss poor compared to the rest of Europe.

    We never get offers like these, in Europe and the UK it's the norm...we're YEARS behind the European average in every aspect of broadband.

    So this is a welcome change, and it's zero hassle for me...i have broaband, my mom dosen't...she's getting three months for free and i get a little gift and compensation for the piss poor "broadband" we have compared to the rest of Europe.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by bambam
    where does it say no connection charge, I can't see it on the website

    I called yesterday to confirm it's no connection charge, i mentiioned that the webiste say's nothing about this and is misleading. I spoke to a supervisor and he said that the issue, concerning the website, would be addressed and the webpage updated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,821 ✭✭✭Xcellor


    Originally posted by clearz
    It seems like a good offer but then again its because of people like you that we dont get more freebes.

    You need to get off your high horse. It's three months free no obligation,,, so what if Richard is taking advantage of that.

    Only a fool wouldn't.... ahem.

    X


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 885 ✭✭✭clearz


    Originally posted by Xcellor
    You need to get off your high horse. It's three months free no obligation,,, so what if Richard is taking advantage of that.

    Only a fool wouldn't.... ahem.

    X


    High Horse LOL. I aint judging anybody I dont do that. I am simply stating a response to Richards statement
    I wish we had more freebies like this...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,638 ✭✭✭Iago


    ok first of all there is a connection charge, it clearly states that you will be charged a connection charge if you decide to go past the 3 month free trial...

    Secondly if you don't return ALL equipment before the end of thd 3 months it is assumed that you wish to continue using the service and will therefore be liable for a 12 month contract on the service.

    If a sales rep told you differently they were either misinformed or setting out to deceive you. If you cancel and don't return the webcam you will be charged €150, seems a bit expensive for a webcam to me.


    BTW I got this information from a mate of mine who works in Esat, as I've mentioned before in other threads I already have the IOL service and have paid full whack for it, but my parents were considering getting it so I looked into it for them.

    It is a FREE TRIAL with the emphasis being on TRIAL if you don't want to continue you have to return everything that you have been trialing...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 786 ✭✭✭center15


    after 2 1/2 months is up just cancel and keep the webcam and send back the modem
    "Sunshine",
    To me this statement by you came across as saying you intended to cancel after 3 months from the outset.
    And sunshine, i PAID for my broadband from the very start, i signed up last July when it first launched, i was there right from the start, i paid €283 for the whole setup.
    When did YOU join?
    I joined when the new IOL Advantage Plus offer came out, so I paid the setup charges. What do you want? A prize for paying €283 just because there was no better offer when you signed up?


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 28,536 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cabaal


    Originally posted by center15
    "Sunshine",
    To me this statement by you came across as saying you intended to cancel after 3 months from the outset.

    Agreed, this type of thinking is very much scum bag'ish imho
    All you are is a bloody cheap skate....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,243 ✭✭✭zoro


    And he probably started this thread expecting wave after wave of "oh I never thought of that! what a great man you are, ripping off a company - wow, I'm in awe"

    :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,821 ✭✭✭Xcellor


    Bloody hell people. Stop moaning.

    If they are offering 3 months free with no obligation then ANYBODY can take advantage of that. No obligation means just that... NO OBLIGATION... And for pities sake, it's not about being a cheap skate...

    Haven't you ever seen a FREE TRIAL cd from AOL... where you get like a month free? Are people that take advantage of those cheapskates? By my understanding of how some of you think,,, anyone who doesn't enter this trial with the intention of signing a contract at the end is a scab/cheapskate etc etc. That is BS.

    I would imagine once most people have tasted broadband, even if they had no intention of staying connected at the outset will at the end of the 3 months be happy with dial up again. In fact this is the whole purpose of the promotion.

    And as for a free webcam... Hmm. Last time I checked they sell for about 20-30$ and im sure if you are doing a promotion like IOL you will have a few hundred/thousand thus reducing cost of them even further. So if you join up for the sake of a free webcam you are somewhat sad...

    X


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,478 ✭✭✭GoneShootin


    Yiz are all pussies. Richard took the advantage and he's dead right. If IOL were handing out free money would ye take just enough so that everyone would have some ? Bollox ye would.....

    Wan Richard, more power to ye


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by Iago
    ok first of all there is a connection charge, it clearly states that you will be charged a connection charge if you decide to go past the 3 month free trial...

    Secondly if you don't return ALL equipment before the end of thd 3 months it is assumed that you wish to continue using the service and will therefore be liable for a 12 month contract on the service.

    If a sales rep told you differently they were either misinformed or setting out to deceive you. If you cancel and don't return the webcam you will be charged €150, seems a bit expensive for a webcam to me.


    BTW I got this information from a mate of mine who works in Esat, as I've mentioned before in other threads I already have the IOL service and have paid full whack for it, but my parents were considering getting it so I looked into it for them.

    It is a FREE TRIAL with the emphasis being on TRIAL if you don't want to continue you have to return everything that you have been trialing...


    You'll be charged a connection fee IF you go over the three months, if you cancel BEFORE the three months you are not charged anything....did i not say as much in my other posts?, because i think i did.

    I was told by Esat only yesterday that the webcam is FREE, no matter what. If you cancel before the three months is up you can still keep the webcam, but you must return the modem.

    So who is right?...your mate or the reps at Esat sales?, are you saying then that Esat staff are blatantly lying to people about this?

    Tell you what, i'll call a few times on Monday and speak with different reps, see if the story is straight from one person to another. But the webcam only costs €35...so how the hell do you get the €150 price tag?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by center15
    "Sunshine",
    To me this statement by you came across as saying you intended to cancel after 3 months from the outset.

    I joined when the new IOL Advantage Plus offer came out, so I paid the setup charges. What do you want? A prize for paying €283 just because there was no better offer when you signed up?

    Hell yes, woudln't you?...it's a free trial, why in gods name would you not take advantage of it?

    I am a PAYING customer with IOLBB since last July, i pay for my broadband no matter what, but my mom has never experienced broadband and this offer allows her to do this.

    And you joined very late in the game when the prices and setup charges drop. Us old skool paid through the nose from the start.

    And it's interesting, folks slamming me because of a new IOLBB offer, yet YOU availed of another offer from Esat yourself, as have many others.

    So check yourself mate.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by Cabaal
    Agreed, this type of thinking is very much scum bag'ish imho
    All you are is a bloody cheap skate....

    How is that type of thinking scumbagish?...a company makes an offer for broadband, and people take advantage of it...yet that makes them scumbags?

    So what about the many people who will sign up, are they scum?
    And cheap skate....dude, i pay for my broadband, think before opening your mouth.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by zoro
    And he probably started this thread expecting wave after wave of "oh I never thought of that! what a great man you are, ripping off a company - wow, I'm in awe"

    :rolleyes:

    How am i ripping off a company?, explain that?
    IOL are offering FREE broadband to anyone who has not had a previous installation of broadband in their home. I don't qualify as i HAVE broadband.

    So how can i rip off Esat exactly?, by your logic anyone who signs for this offer is ripping off Esat.

    So you're saying, by your logic, that anyone who signs for this...on IOL or Eircom are ripping them off? You guys are bonkers...a company puts out a promotion and is offering free broadband for three months, a trial....but somehow people are scamming them.

    Do you EXPECT people to take up a contract?, do you expect EVERYONE who signs to stay with IOL?...even IOL don't expect that.

    It's a promotion, a freebie...it's a trial, you're under NO obligation to stay with them and can cancel if you want. And if it happens you do get a free webcam then even better.

    I am gonna call again and speak to a supervisor about the webcam, if in fact you can keep it no matter what. And if i am right about what i was told i'll be back hear to make people eat my words.

    If i am wrong then i'll swing for the rep at Esat who was either lying to me, or dosen't know his job. Either way i was only reporting what i was TOLD by a member of Esat staff.

    And again, freebies from companies like IOL and Eircom are rare...you're damn right people should jump on it.


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  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by Xcellor
    And as for a free webcam... Hmm. Last time I checked they sell for about 20-30$ and im sure if you are doing a promotion like IOL you will have a few hundred/thousand thus reducing cost of them even further. So if you join up for the sake of a free webcam you are somewhat sad...

    X

    No, i am signing my mom up to experience broadband for three months, for free. The webcam, if it's true, is just a cool little bonus for me. She's giving it to me because she already has Creative webcam.

    So all round the Dower household is happy, mom gets three months free broadband, and i get a webcam for nothing.

    :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,821 ✭✭✭Xcellor


    Originally posted by Richard Dower
    How is that type of thinking scumbagish?...a company makes an offer for broadband, and people take advantage of it...yet that makes them scumbags?

    So what about the many people who will sign up, are they scum?
    And cheap skate....dude, i pay for my broadband, think before opening your mouth.

    Here here,,, agree completely.

    I think some ppl here cant tell which hole to speak out of, the hole in their arse or the hole in their head....


    Free Trial (No Strings attached). Are you bl**dy stupid?? What does that say?

    Definition of trial for ye muppets: The act or process of testing, trying.
    Definition of No Strings attached: No limiting or hidden condition. Often used in the plural: a gift with no strings attached.

    Seriously,, some people here should really think about what they are posting before posting it...

    X


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,892 ✭✭✭bizmark


    Think this thread is vergeing on a locking tbh


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by Xcellor
    Seriously,, some people here should really think about what they are posting before posting it...

    X

    Amen.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by bizmark
    Think this thread is vergeing on a locking tbh

    If you must Biz...but i didn't start anything. If attacked for no reason, i react.

    But lock it up if you must.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,821 ✭✭✭Xcellor


    What? You lock threads when people disagree?

    Forgive me for asking this question, but what exactly is a bulletin board for if not for exchanging opinions and alternative viewpoints?

    I'm just shocked by the idiocy of some and I'm not willing to sit back and say nothing when they flame people like Richard for doing nothing other than availing of a FREE TRIAL.

    X


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,243 ✭✭✭zoro


    Richard Dower
    You can't loose, it's totally free...you don't pay a penny, after 2 1/2 months is up just cancel and keep the webcam and send back the modem
    How am i ripping off a company?, explain that?
    IOL are offering FREE broadband to anyone who has not had a previous installation of broadband in their home. I don't qualify as i HAVE broadband.
    So how can i rip off Esat exactly?, by your logic anyone who signs for this offer is ripping off Esat
    So you're saying, by your logic, that anyone who signs for this...on IOL or Eircom are ripping them off?
    a company puts out a promotion and is offering free broadband for three months, a trial....but somehow people are scamming them
    You said (or at least implied pretty damn hard) that after 2 and a half months, you intended to cut off the service, and keep the camera. Whether IOL are aware of this possibility - either it being a oversight or bad wording of the contract - or you being told true/false information is not the point. The point is that you are setting out to screw the company. I'm aware that you haven't actually said that you would do this for certain, but you made out as if you would.

    I have NO quarrels with anyone who takes up on any offer at all, and then decides it's not for them - for whatever reason. What I do have a problem with is people signing up for the three month trial specifically for the sake of getting a webcam. Another possibility, as I read in another thread, is if you have your line ceased by Eircom, and then reactivated. This would give you a new CLI, which in turn would entitle you to yet another 3 months of free broadband - providing that the offer is still running at that time (the whole ceasing/renewal/broadband setup is a lengthy process)

    Zoro


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,243 ✭✭✭zoro


    Originally posted by Xcellor
    What? You lock threads when people disagree?
    ...I'm not willing to sit back and say nothing when they flame people like Richard for doing nothing other than availing of a FREE TRIAL.
    I think he thought about it as the thread appears to be degrading into a flame war - rather than a "good" thread, if you know what I mean.
    ...
    As I said in my previous post, it's not the "availing of a free trial" thing that some of us have a problem with, its the mentality that "Richard Dower" put across regarding it - that being that he intended to get the three months free trial specifically for getting the webcam


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,846 ✭✭✭✭eth0_


    Originally posted by zoro
    (the whole ceasing/renewal/broadband setup is a lengthy process)


    It's not anymore, I believe it can be done in a matter of hours rather than weeks now.

    But i'm sure the ISP's are limiting this to one offer per HOUSEHOLD. Also, you have to pay a reconnection fee to Eircom if you cease your line and then get it connected again so I doubt anyone would try this!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,243 ✭✭✭zoro


    Really? Well I had bloody hell with it recently :)

    Although the household thing sounds about right - but it was from a good source, erm, can't remember who though! :) I think he has a "bender the robot" avatar, COL_LOKI maybe? :)

    terrible memory, sorry :)


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by zoro
    You said (or at least implied pretty damn hard) that after 2 and a half months, you intended to cut off the service, and keep the camera. Whether IOL are aware of this possibility - either it being a oversight or bad wording of the contract - or you being told true/false information is not the point. The point is that you are setting out to screw the company. I'm aware that you haven't actually said that you would do this for certain, but you made out as if you would.

    So what?...if they put a promotion up and it's open to anyone to sign up, cancel and get a free webcam then that is on the company, not me.

    Damn right i am gonna sign mom up, she wants to experience broadband but has no intention of staying in a 12 month contract. The promotion is their...so why not take advantage of it?

    It's not abuse, the company are making this offer...they are aware that people can avail of it and get out, that's the whole point of the damn promotion.

    Eircom's offer locks you into a 12 month contract, IOL don't...IOL DESIGINED this offer dude.
    I have NO quarrels with anyone who takes up on any offer at all, and then decides it's not for them - for whatever reason. What I do have a problem with is people signing up for the three month trial specifically for the sake of getting a webcam. Another possibility, as I read in another thread, is if you have your line ceased by Eircom, and then reactivated. This would give you a new CLI, which in turn would entitle you to yet another 3 months of free broadband - providing that the offer is still running at that time (the whole ceasing/renewal/broadband setup is a lengthy process)

    Zoro [/B]

    They are signing up for a webcam + three free months, why?...because THAT IS THE OFFER, if your bank was offering you free money would you refuse it?

    If people want to sign up for a free webcam or three free months then it's their choice, Esat are offering this promo...so why the hell shoudln't people take advantage of it?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,821 ✭✭✭Xcellor


    Originally posted by zoro
    I think he thought about it as the thread appears to be degrading into a flame war - rather than a "good" thread, if you know what I mean.
    ...
    As I said in my previous post, it's not the "availing of a free trial" thing that some of us have a problem with, its the mentality that "Richard Dower" put across regarding it - that being that he intended to get the three months free trial specifically for getting the webcam

    A webcam under 50€ isn't worth crap. Richard's mother will make use of the free trial... It's not like she will leave the modem in a box... It will be used. As far as I'm concerned if IOL are giving away a webcam for trying them out then what is wrong with Richard highlighting that fact. It's not wrong that he is getting the trial.. and it's not wrong he is getting the webcam. IOL are giving him both.

    The only reason IOL are giving away a free webcam is so people choose them rather than say UTV or any other companies that resell Eircom services. They will gladly give anyone a webcam if there is even a chance that that person will then subscribe to a years contract.

    If Richard is wanting this free trial just because of the webcam then I think IOL's marketing tactic has worked... Let me make this point, he isn't getting the webcam free at all.... he has to avail of a trial which will prevent him from then using any other BB provider (without a lot of hassle) for the next 3 months or so. He may not be paying IOL for those months but at least he isnt paying their competitors and since he now already have seen IOL BB work well... he has their modem, all the configurations, the line set up everything... he is much more likely to sign into a contract.

    Nothing is free in the true sense of the meaning. Free has many different perceptions.

    X


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by zoro
    I think he thought about it as the thread appears to be degrading into a flame war - rather than a "good" thread, if you know what I mean.
    ...
    As I said in my previous post, it's not the "availing of a free trial" thing that some of us have a problem with, its the mentality that "Richard Dower" put across regarding it - that being that he intended to get the three months free trial specifically for getting the webcam

    Yeah...and?, if it's being offered by Esat why not jump on it?
    I see no problem taking up an offer that gets me something for free. I get free CD's with magazines all the time.

    How many of you download for free off the net?, how many of you use bittorrent and other warez sites?, y'all be getting oodles of free, and illegal, stuff everyday.

    And even if i didn't have broadband myself i'd sign up for the offer...why?, i am being offered three months free broadband + a webcam, sounds good to me....won't cost me a penny.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    In fact, it's Eircom that are paying Esat. The minister wants Ireland to be at the European average for broadband uptake within the next 18 months or whatever. Comreg instructed Eircom to do this and the other service providers are using this to their advantage.

    You could say that Esat and UTV are scamming Eircom, by some of the logic applied around here. They are using this €120 rebate to snatch customers from Eircom, they have sweetened the deal by giving a free webcam + not locking you into a contract.

    IOL win no matter what, the three free months is covered by the €120 rebate from Eircom, the webcam is probably bought for pennies on bulk...even if 10% of people who signed up for the offer stays they make back the anything spent.

    So it's Esat who are taking advantage of Eircom's freebie, are they scum also?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by Xcellor
    A webcam under 50€ isn't worth crap. X

    No doubt it'll be ****e, but hey....it's free!

    :D


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,188 ✭✭✭Ripwave


    Originally posted by Richard Dower
    You could say that Esat and UTV are scamming Eircom, by some of the logic applied around here. They are using this €120 rebate to snatch customers from Eircom,
    They're not snatching customers from eircom. The rebate is from eircomwholesale, and every single iol and utv customer who benefits will be generating income for eircomwholesale. According to Comreg, eircomwholesale and eircom retail are separate businesses.
    IOL win no matter what, the three free months is covered by the €120 rebate from Eircom
    Wrong again - IOL will have to pay the connection fee and 3 months rental before they get the €120 rebate. They'll lose money on anyone who doesn't sign up at the end of the trial.
    So it's Esat who are taking advantage of Eircom's freebie, are they scum also?
    ESAT are getting a rebate, and are using it to promote the takeup of broadband. Which is exactly what the rebate scheme is desgned for.

    It's a "trial" - if you're not trying the system out, with a view to keeping it, but just signing up in the full knowledge that you don't intend to keep it, then people are perfectly entitled to consider you a scumbag. You're not doing anything illegal, ESAT and UTV have counted a certain number of scumbags into their calculations, but that doesn't change the fact that some people will consider you, and people like you, to be part of the problem, not part of the solution.

    If it bothers you that some people feel that way, maybe you shouldn't brag about your behaviour in public.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by Ripwave
    They're not snatching customers from eircom. The rebate is from eircomwholesale, and every single iol and utv customer who benefits will be generating income for eircomwholesale. According to Comreg, eircomwholesale and eircom retail are separate businesses.


    According to Comreg dosen't mean much, Eircom and the wholesake dept. are one and the same, they may be different companies on paper..but it all goes into the coffers of Eircom.

    Wrong again - IOL will have to pay the connection fee and 3 months rental before they get the €120 rebate. They'll lose money on anyone who doesn't sign up at the end of the trial.
    ESAT are getting a rebate, and are using it to promote the takeup of broadband. Which is exactly what the rebate scheme is desgned for. [/B]

    But they will still get the rebate, no matter what...no matter if people leave or stay after the three months. Promote the takeup, and also hoping to snatch customers from Eircom and UTV, let's be clear that the promotion is designed to get more people to sign up with them and to make more money.

    It's a "trial" - if you're not trying the system out, with a view to keeping it, but just signing up in the full knowledge that you don't intend to keep it, then people are perfectly entitled to consider you a scumbag. You're not doing anything illegal, ESAT and UTV have counted a certain number of scumbags into their calculations, but that doesn't change the fact that some people will consider you, and people like you, to be part of the problem, not part of the solution.[/B]

    Alot of companies offer free trails of software, in the hopes people will buy it. A trial is designed to attract people and hopefully they will stay, not everyone will. Even if some people simply take up the offer to get a freebie it does not make them anything but people who see an oppertunity and take it.

    And what problem do we speak of?, i am a paying customer so don't talk to me about being scum. And as you say...people taking advantage of a freebie/trial/offer is factored in. They are aware people will sign up and cancel...there is nothing wrong with that at all.

    It dosen't make them scum, it makes them smart and availing of an offer that is free. I get free samples of shampoo and butter in Dunnes Stores every other week, but i don't buy the products...does that make me scum?

    I see offers like buy one get one free...am i scum for picking it up?

    Do people who sign up for a free book or a free magazine make them scum?, i see alot of free offers in the papers and tv...are those people scum?

    I think not, i think people have a right to do what they want and get something for free.



    If it bothers you that some people feel that way, maybe you shouldn't brag about your behaviour in public. [/B]

    What behaviour exactly?...doing what everyone does in life, doing what people do at the supermarket each week?, taking advantage of a freebie is not a crime, illegal nor does it imply someone is scum.

    All it say's that you're smart to take advantage of that offer, and pretty stupid not too.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,188 ✭✭✭Ripwave


    Originally posted by Richard Dower
    What behaviour exactly?...doing what everyone does in life, doing what people do at the supermarket each week?, taking advantage of a freebie is not a crime, illegal nor does it imply someone is scum.

    All it say's that you're smart to take advantage of that offer, and pretty stupid not too.
    You're obviously not smart enough to get the message that some people consider your "I'm all right, Jack" attitude scummy. If that bothers you, then don't do it. If it doesn't bother you, then why are you getting so defensive about it?

    The notion that it's only scummy if it's illegal is part of your problem. Nobody said that what you're planning to do is illegal. In fact, nobody would have much to say at all about what you intend to do if you hadn't amde such a big deal about how "smart" you are.

    You consider yourself smart, other people consider you scum - let's just agree to differ, why don't we?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 21,634 ✭✭✭✭Richard Dower


    Originally posted by Ripwave
    You're obviously not smart enough to get the message that some people consider your "I'm all right, Jack" attitude scummy. If that bothers you, then don't do it. If it doesn't bother you, then why are you getting so defensive about it?


    Because anyone who thinks like that is an idiot or thick. The "jack the lad" thing is nonsense as anyone with a brain could see there is nothing wrong in anything i have said or done. Fact remains that i can guarantee all of you at one stage or another have availed of a freebie. Wether you tell the world about it nor not.


    The notion that it's only scummy if it's illegal is part of your problem. Nobody said that what you're planning to do is illegal. In fact, nobody would have much to say at all about what you intend to do if you hadn't amde such a big deal about how "smart" you are.

    You consider yourself smart, other people consider you scum - let's just agree to differ, why don't we? [/B]

    How i am smart?, it's not rocked science to anyone who reads and learns about the offer. Anyone with a brain could see there was a good freebie going. Even Esat themselves say that anyone can sign up, no matter what their intentions are.

    I do consider myself well smart, as only a fool would turn down an offer like this. I consider myself smart in the context that a company is offering a trial, and i am taking advantage of that trial...as they intended and hoped people would do. They don't expect everyone who avails of it to stay on, nor do they prohibit anyone, no matter if they want to get a freebies or not, from signing up.

    You're under the deluded assumption that only people with an eye to having broadband after the three months will sign up - or should sign up, then you sir are not living in the real world.

    Who are you to say who and why people should sign up?, it's not your offer nor anyones, save for Esat. Do you seriously think only people with genuine interest will sign up?...if you do you've got blinkers on.

    Fact is people will sign up for whatever reason they choose, if fact...Esat don't care the reason. The aim and hope is to get more customers and make some money, and keep the minister happy to raise the numbers with broadband on paper.

    If signing up for a trial makes me scum then so be it, my mom will still get to experience the benifits of broadband as i have experienced, as well as me getting a free webcam.

    The fact she dosen't intend to stay after three months does not make her scum, it makes her a person who is availing and taking advantage of an trail being offered by a company.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,888 ✭✭✭ozmo


    Originally posted by Richard Dower
    Because anyone who thinks like that is an idiot or thick. The "jack the lad" thing is nonsense as anyone with a brain could see there is nothing wrong in anything i have said or done. Fact remains that i can guarantee all of you at one stage or another have availed of a freebie. Wether you tell the world about it nor not.
    ..
    The fact she dosen't intend to stay after three months does not make her scum, it makes her a person who is availing and taking advantage of an trail being offered by a company.

    I think its a question of attitude. Its not a Trial if you take it knowing that you will not accept it. Thats just deception.
    A Fair and true Trial is accepting something where there is a possibility, even remote, that you will keep it. There seems a definite decision on your behalf that you just want 3 months for free - imb that is scummy.

    “Roll it back”



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,821 ✭✭✭Xcellor


    Originally posted by ozmo
    I think its a question of attitude. Its not a Trial if you take it knowing that you will not accept it. Thats just deception.
    A Fair and true Trial is accepting something where there is a possibility, even remote, that you will keep it. There seems a definite decision on your behalf that you just want 3 months for free - imb that is scummy.

    That is BS Ozmo.

    A trial is to evaluate if a service/product is any good or it's worthwhile. A person can say "I really don't think I'll extend my service past the trial" at the outset and there is nothing at all wrong with that. The trial should convince the person they want to spend 30 bucks a month on DSL. Sure there is a small chance that Richards mum will continue... but so what. Doesnt that fall under the whole no obligations.

    What is the point of a trial? Is it not to ascertain whether or not you require the service. Perhaps Richards mum will decide the benefits of DSL are worth spending 30 bucks on. Perhaps she won't. Irregardless she is participating in the trial and if IOL BB does not offer her estimation of value, then she is quite within her right to hold to her predisposed thoughts that DSL was not for her.... Why are so many people having problems understanding that concept? She is giving IOL the chance... she is expending time trying their service out... she is also tying her line to a provider for 2 or 3 months. In fact I think IOL are getting far more out of Richards mum than they are giving to her even if she doesn't sign on the dotted line.

    People are trying to make this out to be a matter of conscience and that it's so wrong to take a trial without serious intentions to sign on the dotted line. Again what does "No Strings attached" mean? This is IOL promotion. They thought it through. They know they will make money out of this. They also know that not all people who sign up with a trial will continue on. However they have accepted this by offering the trial with webcam without need to commit to contract. If they have no problem with this (in fact it's an integral part of their marketing plan...) then why the hell have some of you guys taken it upon yourselves to coin Richard scummy/cheapskate

    Richard I would say just to ignore the comments placed here. They are put here by people who have very small minds and can't see the bigger picture and the fact that it really isn't a free webcam at all....


    X


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,027 ✭✭✭alleepally


    I can't believe what I'm reading.

    Day after day we as consumers put up with ever increasing prices and hand over our money knowing full well we are being ripped off.

    And I read here a lot of people seemingly defending poor old defenseless Esat BT?

    Question to all of those who think the original poster is a "scumbag":

    Let's say tomorrow that Meteor (for example) are desperate to win another 20% of the mobile market. They offer a 3 month free trial of meteor with all calls paid to the value of lets say €20 each month.

    Would you or would you not sign up for the free trial in order to avail of the free calls and in the full knowledge that you have no intention of staying with Meteor at the end of it.

    You may say this is not a valid comparison but I believe it is.

    Those defending Esat BT and calling the poster a scumbag are doing so on the basis of misplaced high minded principles.

    Save the high principles for more worthy causes.

    The guy is availing of a trial service for his mother. Regardless of the intent, there is nothing wrong in doing it. Esat BT have put the offer out there and why anyone tries to defend a large company like this when we live in a rip-off country, is totally beyond me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,243 ✭✭✭zoro


    I'm already with meteor :):D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,461 ✭✭✭Frank Grimes


    Originally posted by alleepally
    The guy is availing of a trial service for his mother. Regardless of the intent, there is nothing wrong in doing it. Esat BT have put the offer out there and why anyone tries to defend a large company like this when we live in a rip-off country, is totally beyond me.
    He's signing up to get a free web cam and he's expecting a collective pat on the back for doing it. Are people not entitled to have an opinion of it? (without posters resorting to name calling?)
    I've signed up to IOL last week (my line started passing just in time for the offer, but I would have ordered anyway), but I have the intention of staying on. I don't care about a free webcam, I'm just sick of dialup.
    What annoys me is that IOL will incorporate the costs (read losses) they will incur from people like him signing up to this offer and then dumping the service into the prices they charge.
    Bottom line, it costs IOL money for setting up people like him on their service, which they will (like any business would) have to pass back the costs to existing customers.
    Sorry if I don't want to pat him on the back, but he's screwing things up for others with that sort of carry on.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,027 ✭✭✭alleepally


    Originally posted by Frank Grimes
    What annoys me is that IOL will incorporate the costs (read losses) they will incur from people like him signing up to this offer and then dumping the service into the prices they charge.

    Sorry if I don't want to pat him on the back, but he's screwing things up for others with that sort of carry on.

    If your logic were true, why don't they dispense with the trial offer and simply reduce the price of the product? Yes, a trial offer may get more customers in a concentrated period, but surely cheaper access would grow the market quicker than these sort of promotions.

    I can see your point about "it would be cheaper if....." - but deep down, you know it won't happen. Look at the mobile phone operators for example. Ireland is still the most profitable market for O2 and Vodafone. Why - small market, lack of real competition. They make out it's because "we talk more" - it just doesn't wash. We suck it up as consumers.

    I notice you didn't answer if you would avail of a special offer like the Meteor example I gave.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,461 ✭✭✭Frank Grimes


    Originally posted by alleepally
    I notice you didn't answer if you would avail of a special offer like the Meteor example I gave.
    I didn't see that when I read the post ;)
    Actually, no I wouldn't. I've been with o2 for about 6 or 7 years now and am happy with the service.

    I would prefer no freebies and a cheaper service tbh, but the only reason I'm objecting to "grab as much for nothing" mentality is the people who advocate it are the same people who moan non-stop about the prices of DSL here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,821 ✭✭✭Xcellor


    Originally posted by Frank Grimes

    Bottom line, it costs IOL money for setting up people like him on their service, which they will (like any business would) have to pass back the costs to existing customers.
    Sorry if I don't want to pat him on the back, but he's screwing things up for others with that sort of carry on.

    The amount of customers they will get from this promotion will far exceed the amount of "free loaders".

    The more people who take up BB the more likely the technology is to evolve as customers demand faster BB services. I think this promotion is excellent, not because I will benefit from it in anyway but because it will cause an influx of BB users which will in turn require more investment from companies like Esat and Eircom.

    I seriously doubt IOL will lose any serious amount of money with this promotion. Maybe short term but not long term. Isn't it Eircom Wholesale that are making this promotion possible? If IOL had any serious concerns that they would lose money they wouldn't make the offer. IOL may be a lot of things.... but they have been in business for years now, they must be doing something right.

    X


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,188 ✭✭✭Ripwave


    Originally posted by Xcellor
    A trial is to evaluate if a service/product is any good or it's worthwhile.
    Exactly. And that's exactly what Richard has stated he will NOT be doing.
    Why are so many people having problems understanding that concept?
    I've been wondering that myself.

    As you seem to be having the same difficulty that Richard does understanding the notion that you can be entitled to do something, and yet still be considered a scumbag if you do it let me say it again - what Richard is patting himself on the back for doing isn't illegal. He won't be the only one doing it. Nobody here is even trying to talk him out of doing it. But, as he decided to dazzle us all with his brilliance in coming up with this little scheme (sarcasm alert), we're entitled to consider his behaviour as devious and underhand. And other ESAT/IOL customers are aware that, ultimately, he's taking money out of their pockets. The fact that he's not the only person doing it doesn't change any of that.

    If the opinion of other people bothers him so much that he has to keep posting to defend his stance on the matter, he should consider either changing his behaviour, or not making such a song and dance about it in the first place.


  • Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Nobody here is even trying to talk him out of doing it. But, as he decided to dazzle us all with his brilliance in coming up with this little scheme (sarcasm alert), we're entitled to consider his behaviour as devious and underhand.

    Oh my god. Its only a web cam thats pobably costing Esat €10

    If its devious and underhand it would be in the same ball park as eating grapes in a supermarket.

    /me smells a troll


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,314 ✭✭✭Nietzschean


    For one thing, the only reason this is happening is because of an offer from eircom wholesale. - so in essence they couldn't re-direct it at cheaper prices.

    Second i don't quite agree with richard, i certainly don't agree with his apparent spaming requireing 4 posts for his response in a row. If he feels its worth all the effort of signing up and cancelling for a webcam let him work away, personally i've thrown away any webcam i've ever gotten, don't have/see a need for it, its dsl not a 10meg line - any vid conferencing would be useless on 128k upstream.


    Though i think one person put it well, he did start the thread looking for a pat on the back in which case he's just a job ****e imo. But thats just my opinion, and o please do lock this thread.


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