And, number 194 on the list of “Reasons to not have Comcast”
A few days ago, I wrote about Comcast’s intentions to put viewer monitoring cameras in their DVRs, allowing them to directly target their audiance with ads and such.
If you go to that article, you’ll see comcast was nice enough to reply. And I ain’t buying it.
First they deny the technology is capable of monitoring viewers. Its only going to allow for motion-based control, similar to the Wii. Of course, thats crap. It will still be using a camera (as opposed to how the Wii does it). If there’s a camera in the box, then even if it can’t get the detail level we fear, it certainly will SOONER OR LATER.
Second, Comcast (virtually all media) believes that advertising benefits its customers. Well, thats not completely true. They talk as if, somehow, having commercials that meet your parameters is beneficial. They know the real beneficiaries are the advertisers and, of course, Comcast. We, the customer, are simply the rubes.
Third, Comcast has a history of treating its customers like cattle. It took us over a month to get our cable cards working for our Tivo. I’ve spent hours upon hours on the phone with Comcast support. I’ve had to pay the entire, OUTRAGEOUS bill even if I lose service for a day or more. Comcast believes that they are still the only game in town. And, as virtually all monopolies do, they think they can behave however they like. Obviously, they aren’t the only players anymore, and haven’t been for a long time. We eventually went with DirecTV and haven’t been happier! Their DVR is actually pretty good, as compared to that box of junk Comcast dumps on you. And now, with the advent of FIOS, they won’t be the only high-speed internet provider either (sure, there’s DSL, but I’m no fan).
Fourth, they limit your internet usage. This isn’t a big deal for the average surfer, but it is HUGE for some people. You can’t control how much bandwidth a person gets based on what they are using it for. ‘Unlimited internet’ is advertised, but its only unlimited if you use a limited amount. Kind of a contradiction, ain’t it?
Dear Comcast,
If you want to survive for another 10 years, I seriously suggest you stop trying to treat your customers like they are product.
Love,
Moleboy (and a gazillion other people)
Sphere: Related Content