Donna's
Data
By Donna Gorrell
All things must come to an end. That includes the arrangement
between the computer club and an ISP. When Borg was in need of users
to purchase their services they willingly offered to give discounts
to members as well as supplying courtesy accounts for officers of the
club.
Now that Borg is part of BizOnline we are being castaway. No longer
will we receive the courtesy free accounts or member discounts, although
they will continue to host our website. That is unfortunate, but forgivable.
After all, we benefitted from this association as well as Borg did.
What is unforgivable is the manner in which Borg customers are being
treated. Many of you received notice that your payments were going to
be increased by $5 at the beginning of the next month. The courtesy
account members received no warning at all, merely a bill for services.
It is too bad that a local company had to sell out, but more importantly,
it is outrageous to be treated with such uncaring attitude.
Most ISPs got their start by offering a discount to user group's members.
Our membership swelled due to this benefit but the partnership is no
longer.
Our members remained loyal through many adverse times with the officers
of this club acting as a buffer zone. We felt that our loyalty to Borg
when they needed us meant that they would honor their original agreement,
no matter what. I always felt that when it was locally owned there was
a trust between us and management. Apparently, that trust and loyalty
does not transfer to the present ownership. There has been no discussion
between the officers of this club and the ISP company. The officers
found out the discount was being dropped through the members.
There are other ISPs in the area that offer a less expensive fee. Check
the phone book. The club can not make recommendation because there are
too many variables. Do you want to dial up and only use email? Do you
want a website? Do you want to be online all day or just a few hours?
These are things to ask yourself before you make a commitment to an
ISP. You will also have to make a decision about whether or not you
would like the convenience of a DSL connection, which may or may not
be available to you in whatever area you live. You may be thinking of
cable modem high speed access at this time, if you plan to switch providers.
TimeWarner offers RoadRunner and Adelphia offers PowerLink. Unfortunately,
you do not have a choice, but must take what is offered in your area.
It was great having an easy to remember address as donna@borg.com but
as with everything – the time has come to make changes. My email
address is now <dgorrell@adelphia.net>. If you have a problem
getting mail bounced that is sent to me, try, try again.
The Board of Directors would like to give you assistance, but this time
the help you are looking for must come from yourself. It is up to you
to check out the many possibilities that are offered. MVPCUG cannot
possibly check each and every company and what the services would be.
When there were only a few choices the officers could investigate the
proposals and give you advice. Now it is up to you to do the digging
and maybe let us know what you find out. Remember the motto "Members
Helping Members" means we all help one another.
Jerry's column this month deals with the problem he has encountered
with encrypted music CDs. Once you break the seal or unwrap the CD you
have made a purchase and some stores will not refund your money. Software
companies are trying to make you report everything on your hard drive
and also prove that you are worthy of using their products by making
you register or ‘poof' you no longer can use what you pay for.
Enough already!
I think it is time to stand up and refuse to be treated in this manner.
We are not criminals – we are the ones who are paying the salaries
of the employees of these companies by purchasing their products –
which we might not be able to use. In truth, we do not own the product,
merely a license to use that product – if we behave and do what
big brother tells us!
I am no longer a Board member, but just one of the general membership
and I feel it is time to speak out. If you agree with me, please do
not make a purchase unless you are assured of satisfaction. Consult
with a cable company [they are offering specials right now]; call all
the local ISPs and request that they give you a full disclosure of their
prices, and exactly what services they offer. If you are looking for
a free ride – well, remember the rule – you get what you pay
for. I would just like to see us all get the services that we do pay
for instead of getting fleeced. Listen to Tom Brokaw for the latest
on that . . .
Back to the top.
