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FREE... for only $60 plus shipping

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  • #1

    FREE... for only $60 plus shipping

    Have you seen the infomercial for the Magic Jack? Apparently, it is some device you hook up to your computer that allows you to make phone calls anywhere for "free". I put free in quotes because the device is $39.95 plus shipping and handling. Then, there is a $19.95 annual fee for the service. I'm not exactly sure which part of that deal they are calling free. I guess they mean it is free except for the sixty-some dollars it will cost you.
    Steve

    * Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
    * Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
    * There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.
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  • #2
    Originally posted by disneysteve View Post
    Have you seen the infomercial for the Magic Jack? Apparently, it is some device you hook up to your computer that allows you to make phone calls anywhere for "free". I put free in quotes because the device is $39.95 plus shipping and handling. Then, there is a $19.95 annual fee for the service. I'm not exactly sure which part of that deal they are calling free. I guess they mean it is free except for the sixty-some dollars it will cost you.
    That reminds me of the commercial for Net Zero (I think that's the company) where a superhero is saying "It's not free if they are charging you $50!" and the monster says (in a zombie tone), "But nights and weekends are free...but nights and weekends are free."

    People seem to be mesmerized by the word "Free".

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Cassandra View Post
      That reminds me of the commercial for Net Zero (I think that's the company) where a superhero is saying "It's not free if they are charging you $50!" and the monster says (in a zombie tone), "But nights and weekends are free...but nights and weekends are free."

      People seem to be mesmerized by the word "Free".
      The cell phone companies do it all the time. Ours (AT&T) says we get "free" nights and weekends and "free" cell to cell calls. Now do you really think they haven't worked that into the plan price? If those things weren't "free" I'm sure we wouldn't be paying nearly as much for the service.

      A notable exception is hotels that offer free breakfast. Anytime I've made travel arrangements, comparable hotels with and without breakfast included always seem to run about the same price, so the breakfast really is free. Same goes for internet access.
      Steve

      * Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
      * Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
      * There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.

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      • #4
        I looked into it months ago and found that for normal home use it was not worth having. It would be ok for someone who travels alot.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by maat55 View Post
          I looked into it months ago and found that for normal home use it was not worth having. It would be ok for someone who travels alot.
          I have no idea if the product itself has merit. I was just commenting on the very misleading use of the word FREE in their advertising. You pay for the product. You pay an annual fee for the service. There is nothing at all free about it.
          Steve

          * Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
          * Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
          * There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.

          Comment

          • #6
            I think commercialism has redefined the word "free" to mean, we say you are getting a deal so believe it. Sort of like those other commercials for the razor that lasts a lifetime, but wait, they'll throw in something else "free" if you pay the shipping and handling. Bah humbug!

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            • #7
              I agree it is ridiculous.

              Also, you see adds that have Buy this and get this FREE GIFT. Like they didn't work it into the price to begin with

              Also, grocery stores do this often. They will mark an item Buy One Get One Free, but really it is just half off. I noticed this because if I get a BOGO of something I only really need one of, then notice that it scans at half price for the first one I just put the second one back.

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