Subscribe Anandtech - get ripped off for $1

[nekote]

My apologies.
I love this "Hot Deals" forum here at Anandtech.

I just renewed my Subscriber status with Anandtech via ibill (ibillcs.com).

ibill has an OPT-OUT policy to contribute $1 to the "International Foundation for the Protection of Children", whatever that really is.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS TO MAKE THE ***DEFAULT*** TO CONTRIBUTE $1 TO THE "International Foundation for the Protection of Children" !!!! IT IS WRONG TO HAVE AN OPT-OUT (EXPLICIT DECLINE), RATHER THAN AN OPT-IN (EXPLICIT SELECTION / ELECTION). THIS IS WRONG!!! PLEASE CHANGE IT ***ASAP*** !!!

"I agree to a One Time Tax Deductible $1 Donation to the International Foundation for the Protection of Children.
The charge on your Credit card Statement will appear as WebPldg.org."

OPT-OUT or OPT-IN, that is the issue.

---

I believe you have raised a valid issue. I have forwarded your comments to Anand.

AnandTech Moderator

 

[dizyblond]

ummmmmm...... yeah....
chill...
peace...

 

[Trevelyan]

Yeah, it is only one dollar, but still, I don't neccessarily think that's Anandtech's fault. You could probably get them to change it, however.

 

[MTVsucks]

i do agree, that it should be a option to pay instead of, to not pay.
but............wrong forum

 

[Doomer]

They're just milkin' the cows... mooooo.

 

[XFreebie]

but don't u want to protect the children (of employees of ibillcs.com)

 

[Osyris]

Kinda like when you do your taxes isn't there an "Optional" "Contribute $1 to the presidential candidate fund" or something to that effect?

 

[XFreebie]

are you suggesting the president has the mindset of a child?

 

[badtz42]

No Osyris, it is 3 dollars and it doesn't come from you, it comes from the government (well in the long run it comes from tax payers but it doesn't come from you specificly). In effect that line says would you like us to donate 3 bucks in your name.

 

[Fritzo]

They changed it. It used to be "Donate $1 to the 'Human Fund'" (For all you George Castanza fans )

 

[geekender]

You know, for all Anand does here I think that even if we were being forced to donate a dollar, it still would be a good deal. However, I didn't get billed extra when I subscribed, and this post isn't doing anything for the good of the AT community except creating a stir. Take it to OT.

 

[cardboardbox]

<< are you suggesting the president has the mindset of a child? >>



lol, good one

 

[Salvador]

It's more like line the pockets of some charity. Look at Red Cross.. The most respected charity around and look what they did with the WTC funds. I will only give money when I know exactly where it's going.

BTW.. It's only a buck though and if AT set it up that way, so be it.

Sal

 

[Bob151]

Hey Senior Member,

You know the guidelines here, right?

Take it to "Forum Issues." That's were the mods and admins hang out.

 

[jonnashville]

Man! Somebody needs to switch to decaf. Or is John McEnroe a subscriber here?

(I feel an ad for 10-10-220 coming on...)

 

[Carl Uman]

I agree with nekote. I'm sick of all this default crap. If I forget to uncheck a box I get but loads of email or extra charges. That is underhanded BS.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

<< Man! Somebody needs to switch to decaf. Or is John McEnroe a subscriber here?

(I feel an ad for 10-10-220 coming on...) >>

10-10-220

 

[pyonir]

i don't know about you guys, but when i purchase something i go over the page to make sure i am getting what i want. the check box for donating a dollar is pretty plain and obvious. those are the first things i look for when i subscribe to something online, or sign up for something. i always uncheck the box if applicable. maybe instead of complaining you should just pay closer attention.

 

[Anand Lal Shimpi]

nekote

I understand your concern, unfortunately this isn't something that I have control over. iBill, our authorized billing agent, is the one who has the opt-out policy. I agree that it should be an opt-in donation and I will do my best to plead the case to iBill however they hold the final decision as to whether or not it will continue.

I apologize for the inconvenience and I'll try my best to get our rep to do what she can but I can't offer any promises unfortunately.

Take care,
Anand

 

[nekote]

Hi Boss (Anand),
Thanks for your personal attention.

*** You've *** got the choice, authority and responsibility.

If those ibill bone heads can get away with this, there is absolutely no reason they can't select other, multiple, "worthy" charities for this OPT-OUT scam. What's next, tiny small print OPT-OUTs? Invisible OPT-OUTs? $2 ... $10 OPT-OUTs?

I used ibill to pay for the subscriber service from Anandtech.
Anandtech should decide *if* and *which* charities to "offer" Anandtech payers such an election.

If ibill.com does not *at least* go to OPT-IN, my $.02 is to discontinue using them as a payment vendor.
Please.
Select somebody who is going to stick to business.
I'm your (Anandtech's) customer - not ibill's.
Do my utilities offer me an OPT-IN, or does my bank have a check box on my checks?
The payment vendor should present themselves as your agent, doing your business - not theirs.

Apologies for the intensity.
Don't remember when I last used UPPERCASE.
This obviously struck a nerve, for me.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Defintely not a fan of Opt-Out policies, regardless of the intent (The money would be going to a "worthwhile cause"). Under the guise of "convenience", all sorts of folks get their wallets tapped and/or personal info "shared" with partners. Two words: Bad ju-ju.

 

[Trevelyan]

whoa, personal response. Now that is pretty cool, I feel honored. It's nice to know Anand cares about this, that's really cool of him.

 

[Staver]

I knew my distrust of Ibill was warranted after reading their privacy statement, but I'd join in a second if I could mail my payment in.

 

[DIRTsquirt]

This link wil get you a refund Link

 

[littleman]

whoah, I just have to say that face in the refund page is rather frightening :Q