Every business has the right to charge whatever the market will bear for their services. Dirty pool refers to unsportsmanlike conduct.
While there are all kinds of dirty pool in the digital marketplace, some burn more than others... In this case, IMO, the New York Times.
Today's email had an offer for NYT access for 12 weeks for $5. Since the regular weekly price is $3.75... this sounded like a good deal. Why not try it our. Here's the offer...The New York Times: Get a Digital Subscription
Why not sign on for the 12 weeks... save the $45, then cancel? I can't afford $195/yr, for sure.
For the next 45 minutes, I did some clicking on the many legal links, and have come to the conclusion that the "contract"... doesn't allow cancellation, is open ended, and will result in a $3.75 monthly credit card charge ad infinitum, after the 12 weeks.
Now, a lawyer reading the terms may come to a different conclusion, and perhaps there are some ways get around the contract, but I gave up trying to read the many pages of "terms".
I could find no way of cancelling the subscription, nor any period of time for expiration.
I used to say "My momma had an ugly child, she didn't have a stupid child". Dunno, maybe I was wrong, and coulda been both. Anyway, end of NYT rant...
So, either the NYT, or perhaps some other on-line offer that you perceive to be a little unfair... Caveat Emptor --- Dirty Pool
While there are all kinds of dirty pool in the digital marketplace, some burn more than others... In this case, IMO, the New York Times.
Today's email had an offer for NYT access for 12 weeks for $5. Since the regular weekly price is $3.75... this sounded like a good deal. Why not try it our. Here's the offer...The New York Times: Get a Digital Subscription
Why not sign on for the 12 weeks... save the $45, then cancel? I can't afford $195/yr, for sure.
For the next 45 minutes, I did some clicking on the many legal links, and have come to the conclusion that the "contract"... doesn't allow cancellation, is open ended, and will result in a $3.75 monthly credit card charge ad infinitum, after the 12 weeks.
Now, a lawyer reading the terms may come to a different conclusion, and perhaps there are some ways get around the contract, but I gave up trying to read the many pages of "terms".
You must sign up/sign on to the subscription page, with billing information and go to the "I have read..." part. That leads to these pages.TRY IT TODAY FOR JUST $5 for 12 weeks
NYTimes: Web + Smartphone App
Unlimited access to NYTimes.com and the NYTimes smartphone app.*
That's $0.42 / week for the first 12 weeks
($3.75 / week thereafter)
Your subscription will be billed every 4 weeks thereafter
Each a substantial read.Terms of Sales, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Cancellation and Refund Policy.
I could find no way of cancelling the subscription, nor any period of time for expiration.
I used to say "My momma had an ugly child, she didn't have a stupid child". Dunno, maybe I was wrong, and coulda been both. Anyway, end of NYT rant...
So, either the NYT, or perhaps some other on-line offer that you perceive to be a little unfair... Caveat Emptor --- Dirty Pool
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