November 19, 2003
Why do good companies do despicable things?
I love my TiVo, but this just really annoys and disappoints me.
For the past few days the un-requested marketing blurb that they've downloaded onto my system has been labelled: "Watch the Rolling Stones perform in concert."
I usually ignore these. I don't like to reward this invasive use of my property, so I almost never watch them. But this one was too alluring. So I clicked to see the Rolling Stones.
I was presented with a banner ad saying, "Rolling Stones Four Flicks Best Buy", and the single choice of, "Get more info from Best Buy."
I clicked this choice and was now presented with these three choices. "Sign up here to receive marketing communications from Best Buy. #1 No thanks. #2 Sure, sign me up! and #3 Read the TiVo Privacy Policy."
I just wanted to see the Rolling Stones that they offered me, so I clicked "No thanks". But that took me back to the first screen, "Four Flicks... Get more info..."
The privacy policy says that I'd be giving TiVo permission to share my contact info with Best Buy. I don't want to do that.
So apparently, in addition to hijacking my personal property to download and store unwanted material, they won't even let me look at it unless I give them permission to further invade my private life.
I really love my TiVo, but this is just so disappointing. I wish they would behave better.
Don't have Tivo -- this is just another reason why.
My hatred is for dvd makers who won't allow you to fastforward thru their studio promos and stuff like that. Hate Hate Hate.
Yes and also DVD makers are trying to control the market. Movies are usually available on DVD weeks before VHS. I still refuse to buy one for that reason...they arent going to make me buy one by keeping vhs tapes unavailable for a longer period. I totally agree with Sherm.