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In keeping with the spirit of yesterday’s anti-piracy ad post…

Here’s one that I ran across while catching up on my funnies …

click the thumbnail for a larger view

Funniest “anti-piracy” ad

Smurfed from Boing Boing:

This might just be the best send-up of the MAFIAA’s anti-piracy ads ever, making the case for buying pirate copies, rather than being stuck with DVDs that complain about piracy in unskippable, condescending PSAs. JPEG Link, Mirror (via Wonderland)

Amen!! That’s one of the things about buying movies nowadays — if you buy them LEGALLY, you’re forced to sit through unwanted previews, anti-piracy ads and skits, lame FBI warnings, et. al. and you can’t bypass the shit! WTF am I paying for then????

Screw unrated versions and extras, let me buy a DVD where I can skip through all that crap!

Loyalty and business

You know, I’m a picky customer sometimes. While it doesn’t take a whole lot to win me over, I’m more apt to stay loyal to individuals/businesses who go out of their way to win my business, or just make my day in general. I’m not talking pushy sales tactics — I’m talking general every day common sense, doing a little more than your job requires, making the customer happy.

Case in point: ever since my hairstylist of over 15 years moved, I had tried many different hair/styling places around the metro area and locally. On a whim, I tried the local beauty school: to my surprise I had the best job ever done on my hair, for just a fraction of what I normally paid far less competent (and snobbier!) businesses. The next week I went back and took Jessie. The young lady who cut her hair talked to her, fussed over her, and gave her the best time — more than any of the other places I had taken her combined! This place went out of their way to make you feel welcome: offering you something to drink, or a snack … no one else does that.

Another example: the local Burger King. Actually at the time, we had two local — one in Gardendale and one in Fultondale, about the same travel time to either depending on the route you took. (Hwy 31 vs I-65) The one in Gardendale had been rude to me several times and it seemed no matter what time of day I went, their service was slow. The one in Fultondale however was a stark contrast! I had taken Jessie once for her birthday. Both Jim and her mother were working that day, so it was just the two of us. When I ordered, I told the cashier that it was her birthday and asked if they had a crown (back when they still carried them, I don’t think they do anymore). She said she’d check and we quickly received our food and sat down to eat. A few minutes later, the manager came over to inform me that they were out of crowns, and instead brought Jessie 4 extra toys for her kid’s meal! Not only was their service quick and the establishment clean, they went out of their way to make my child’s day a little happier with a little something extra. They had my loyalty then, and I can honestly say that we have had little or no problems with their service! (I can think of maybe once or twice they’d get an order wrong, but they are quick to correct and more than compensate for it!) How many restaurants or eating establishments do that anymore?

Any place that treats my loved ones well is going to get my business — period!

My last example: Hobie. Her original vet, Dr. Allen, had retired some time ago and his clinic is now run by someone … let’s say “less than scrupulous.” The new vet apparently has no problem overcharging, and running excessive and unnecessary tests. Nevermind the fact that he and/or his staff mistreated my poor Hobie!!!!! Ever since I have filed my complaint, I have heard of dozens of stories similar to mine. From what I understand he’s soon to be investigated. Jim suggested I also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau … I just may do that.

Anyways, last week, we had finally found a new vet — someone I liked and who treated Hobie very well. On short notice, she was able to come out to see my poor little one here at my home. Both she and her assistant were very kind and professional in every way. Her name is Dr. Michelle Johnson with At Home Pet Care. To anyone in the Birmingham metro area and outward areas, I highly recommend her! Her prices were very reasonable and she explains everything she’s going to do upfront with you so that there are no surprises when the bill comes. My biggest regret is that I did not find out about her sooner!

Her info is: At Home Pet Care, P.C. – Dr. Michelle Johnson / Phone: 205-616-5184 / Email: critterfixer99@hotmail.com — she does not have a website yet, but says it is coming soon.

I had called her Sunday night and left a message letting her know that Hobie had passed away and thanked her for the service and advice. (Mostly I wanted to thank her for LISTENING TO ME — something that NO ONE at Dr. Allen’s clinic ever did!) In the mail today, I received a card from Dr. Johnson expressing her sympathies and some very kind words. Again I ask: how many businesses do that kind of thing anymore?

It may be a while before I get another pet … but at least I know what vet he/she will be seeing!

Translation: Press Statement from Mal Moore

University of Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore released this afternoon the following statement regarding the status of the search for a new head football coach:

He fucked up and needs to redirect our attention rather than taking responsibility for his actions.

“While I remain committed to not engaging in a lengthy public dialogue on the progress of our search for a new head football coach, I want all of our fans and supporters to know that we appreciate and understand the tremendous interest in this process…”

…even if I don’t give a rat’s ass what you dumb rednecks think or how much/little Bear would have approved of who I pick next.

“I am very pleased with where we are in this search. I know there have been many rumors speculating about candidates and timelines and, while I won’t get into specifics of who we are interested in, I want everyone to understand that we have not contacted any college coaches who have not yet completed their regular seasons.”

Talk about firing me, will ya? Let’s see, who can I pick next just to piss you off …

“While I do recognize the need to get a head football coach hired soon, I am less concerned with following a timeline than I am about making sure we hire the right person for the job.”

This is all about ME and the sooner you baboons realize that I’m God, I’m always right, and you’re wrong, the better off we’ll all be.

Well whaddaya know … WebRing listened!

I opened my email this morning to find another notice from WebRing:

Dear WebRing Members and Managers,

We’re revising the membership program announced in September.

* WebRing 1.0 – For all of you who have said “keep WebRing free!” we will, and without imposing significant membership or management restrictions. We’ll refer to this membership option as WebRing 1.0. It will be kept simple, free and reminiscent of the early WebRing.

* WebRing 2.0 – For those who want more from an Internet community, we’ll provide a more robust service that maximizes today’s technology and offers you the opportunity to create and participate in WebRing Communities that allow people to easily connect and share information. We’ll refer to this membership option as WebRing 2.0.

WebRing 2.0 will feature:
o A WebRing email account.
o Free blog pages.
o Customization.
o Income opportunities.
o Improved website statistics.
o Prioritized search results.
o Personalized assistance to get new websites on-line.
o Personal and priority support.

We are offering WebRing 2.0 for $36 per year!

Sign up before January 15th, 2007 and get a 30% savings!

Only $24!

We listen to you. Read a personal letter from Tim Killeen.

Sincerely,

The WebRing Team

Score one for the masses.

Sure enough! B’ham Water Works charging for online bill payments

I finally got confirmation from the Birmingham Water Works regarding the online payments and charges. This came to me this morning via email:

Dear Nicki;

There will be a service charge of $2.50 every time a customer uses the online payment system. Our automatic draft is a free service and I will send you the forms at your request. If you have any further questions or comments please contact me via reply email or the information provided below.

Sincerely,
Michelle Tims
Customer Service Representative
Birmingham Water Works and Sewer Board
email~ (REMOVED)
phone~(205) 244-4013
fax~(205) 244-4513

There you have it, right from the proverbial horse’s mouth.

Unbelievable

I really shouldn’t be, but I’m still surprised by the seemingly unending parade of idiots that run this city.

The Birmingham Water Works website has been saying “Coming Soon!” for over 2 years in regards to online bill payments. I’ve asked about every 3 months for at least the last year and half — I always received the same answer: “we don’t know.”

Someone posted to al.com earlier today stating that they were finally able to get an answer from the BWW board:

They hope to be online the first of ’07, and there will be a per transaction charge of $2.50 each time you use the online payment option.

:shock: errrrrr — WTF?

No thanks, assholes. I think I’ll just continue to mail you a check with my bill stub and make you re-type that shit in every time!

I should’ve known …

Updated my Alabama schedule Calendar to reflect latest game time/channel updates. Alabama’s Homecoming Game is pay-per-view this weekend.

Whoever made the TV deals for this year should be shot.

WebRingers leaving en masse

I’ve been watching various WebRing forums over the last day or so and have seen a LOT of rings dropping from the lists, droves of rings going up for adoption, and many WebRing members deleting their accounts altogether.

Yours truly is in the latter category.

I’ve seen several posts and letters to WebRing published. Below is one that I ran across earlier today that I think pretty well sums up how many WebRing members feel about the new “changes” …

The Day of Reckoning Is Now Here!

Dear WebRing (Andrea,Tim & Drew),

I believe that you can now hear the wise voice of the majority. I have read hundreds of posts over the last few days and have found that less than 1% of those posting to WebRing forums regarding your latest brain fart are supportive of your proposed “New WebRing Order”

Someone’s thirst for power, control and filthy lucre has brought about the beginning of the demise of WebRing.

Your “transition” and the subsequent mass Exodus has come as no surprise to me as I have seen and foretold its coming for many years.

I shall incur your retaliatory spirit just once more as I freely voice my opinion here for such has been your response to me and others in the past when we became the least bit critical of WebRing management in these forums.

Why would anyone pay anything to be your mistreated slave?

The day of reckoning is upon you although you will remain delusional and deny its existence. The level of cognitive disonance that you are manifesting and many are now witnessing may be unsurpassed in the anals of history.

You have sewn to the wind and now you must reap the whirlwind. The dikes of reason, logic and commonsense have been breached and the flooding has begun…..and the storm has not yet reached its fullest intensity. The once mere undercurrents that have laid under the ocean have been heated and hurricane WebRing is now a category 7.

As always,
Lazarst

Personally, I’ve deleted all but two of my rings, and have deleted most of my registered sites. I plan on creating several freebie accounts and distributing the links across them to keep the ones I need circulating still registered and linked up.

Unfortunately a couple of my hobby sites have done well on WebRing and their traffic depends on it.

WebRing gets greedy

I got an email from WebRing last week, but had put off reading it until today — mostly because it was huge and I could already tell that they were changing things. I didn’t realize what until I received an email last night from the manager to a ring I belong to for one of my hobby sites. Apparently WebRing has *finally* decided to start charging for ring memberships and management. This is what I received from WebRing:

From: webring@webring.com
Date: Sep 26, 2006 11:22 PM
Subject: WebRing Membership Program

Hello WebRingers!

We want you, as one of our most active and valued members, to be the first to hear about some of the new programs we are offering!

WebRing Membership Premium Levels
We are introducing a new membership program designed to help you make the most out of your participation in WebRing. We offer three levels of membership. Our basic membership is still free. For more active members we offer two affordable premium levels.

We are sending this to you first because we value you as a member. We want to give you the opportunity to take your time in checking out the different levels so that you can decide which one works best for you. Members who belong to more than 5 rings or manage more than 2 rings are asked to choose a level of membership by January 15, 2007. The different levels make it easy for you to make more money while receiving the services that are right for you.

Please read about the Member Program at http://dir.webring.com/h/benefits (page will be available by September 28, 2006) for more information about each level, options, and opportunities for you. Details regarding the transition period can he found at http://dir.webring.com/h/transition (page will be available by September 28, 2006)

We are excited about this new program and look forward to your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts about the new member policy at membership@webring.com. We want to hear from you!

WebRing Affiliate Program
Become a WebRing Affiliate Program member now and start getting paid!

We are thrilled to introduce our new Affiliate Program, a revenue-sharing partnership between you and WebRing. It’s simple: place a WebRing affiliate button on your site and earn a commission from any new member sign-up generated through your site!

What is an affiliate program?
An affiliate program is relationship-focused marketing: you attract people to your ring who are interested in your topics, your interests, your passions! Chefs, forest-fire fighters, grocery store clerks, crafters, hobbyists, soccer moms — anyone can be an affiliate. Affiliate members can now earn a referral fee for visitors who join WebRing.

We are simply asking you to do what you do every day of the week: expose your site and your content to the worldwide web. Just add the affiliate program button and tell the world you’re doing it on WebRing.

According to Forrester Research, affiliate program earnings represent $53 BILLION of all e-commerce sales in 2005. How can you earn a sizeable piece of this pie? Join now and receive some powerful tips that will get you started making money today!

By becoming a WebRing Affiliate Program member, you choose a money-making opportunity that you feel good about.

Here’s How It Works
When someone signs up with WebRing through your site:

• We’ll pay you when they join a ring.
• We’ll pay you even more if you invite new members!
• You can earn even more if they sign up for WebRing premium services.

When does it start?
The program officially starts October 1, 2006, so sign up now!

Details
Please read about the Affiliate Program by clicking the URL provided below for more information about payouts, options, and opportunities. We are excited about this new program and look forward to your success! Please let us know your thoughts by sending comments to affiliate@webring.com. We want to hear from you!

For details on the Affiliate Program, click here: http://dir.webring.com/h/affiliate (page will be available by September 28, 2006).

Thank you for all you do for WebRing and for your input, ideas, and feedback. We appreciate your participation and communication!

The WebRing Team

I checked out the website this morning and this is what I found:

Premium Level 2 Membership

$36/year (Only $24 until January 15, 2007)

Choose this level of membership and take advantage of these perks:

• Keep the largest percentage of revenue when you monetize your sites and rings.
• Add your website(s) to rings. Up to 50 ring memberships in the WebRing system.
• Manage up to 30 rings.
• Control advertising.
• Have expanded customization options.
• Get your own support representative.

Premium Level 1 Membership

$12/year (Only $10 until January 15, 2007)

Choose this level of membership and take advantage of these perks:

• Keep a large percentage of revenue when you monetize your sites and rings.
• Add your website(s) to rings. Up to 15 ring memberships in the WebRing system.
• Manage up to 10 rings.
• Control advertising.
• Have expanded customization options.

Free Membership

No annual fee

Choose this level of membership and take advantage of these perks:

• Keep a percentage of revenue when you monetize your sites and rings
• Add your website(s) to rings. Up to 5 ring memberships in the WebRing system.
• Manage up to 2 rings.

You know, I can remember when they added that “unique” rating system — people bitched and complained and it was removed from the front page. Then they added the “cost” of running the ring values — some expressed concern, but nobody complained (or at least that I saw) about the possibility of having to pay to participate and/or run rings.

Personally I knew it was only a matter of time before this would happen.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am NOT paying them 40 bucks a year just to be able to SIT on a bunch of rings, much less RUN some!

Fuck WebRing and the horse they rode in on.

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