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Blockbuster hit by fraud lawsuit in N.J.
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The following comments relate to this news article:
article published on 19 February, 2005
Movie rental giant Blockbuster has been hit by a fraud lawsuit in New Jersey. New Jersey Attorney General Peter Harvey sued Blockbuster Inc. Friday, claiming the video rental chain is deceiving customers with its new "No More Late Fees" rental policy. Blockbuster is accused of violating the states consumer fraud laws with its new policy. "Blockbuster boldly announced its 'No More Late Fees' ... [ read the full article ]
Please read the original article before posting your comments.
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iriedawta
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19. February 2005 @ 05:37 |
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i knew when i read the fine print that they still charged something after the one week. so blockbuster is full of crap!!.i am still sticking to netflix, they don't charge anything. and blockbuster need to erase that no late fee thing, they still charge something after one week after the due date (after a month they charge full movie price on your credit card). they are full of baloney!. its good the attorney general is suing them, some customers don't read the fine print at all. some think they can keep the movie has long has they want.
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pcshateme
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19. February 2005 @ 06:31 |
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if it sounds too good to be true IT PROBOBLY IS!
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Member
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19. February 2005 @ 06:35 |
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As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I only found out the details of the program after I directly confronted a store employee about it. I was told, if you keep the movie past the one week rental, they charge you the full price of the movie. If you bring it back within 30 days, they rescind the full price charge but still charge you $1.25 processing fee. False advertisement at it's finest if you ask me. They make no effort whatsoever to inform consumers unless asked. Typical.
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djgizmo
Junior Member
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19. February 2005 @ 09:50 |
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lol, yea I saw this coming a long time ago. The truth is that you don't have any late fees but the whole program is so complicated in writing / out loud that it shuns people away. If net flix wasn't around, I'd say thats kinda kewl, but net flix imo is way better.
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aabbccdd
Suspended permanently
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19. February 2005 @ 10:51 |
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Yeah here in the Indianapolis area its like 3.17 for one movie for a week ,theres no one day price anymore. which is crap.i only want them overnight anyway,so basically theres only one price for the week and if its not returned theres a still a charge ,still sounds like a late fee to me
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daemonzx6
Senior Member
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19. February 2005 @ 13:43 |
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I've tried both Netflix and that Blockbuster get two movies as long as you want and then trade them for two different ones thing and I can say that Netflix is way better and has a much higher selection because if less than a certain amount of people rent a movie, then Blockbuster stops carrying it.
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worldrave
Junior Member
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19. February 2005 @ 15:07 |
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Oh my God people!!! How f*ckin lazy and greedy do you want to be!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!??????? What a bunch of complainers. Blockbuster isn't trying to deceive anyone. If because they got rid of late fee's, that entitles you to keep it as long as you f*ckin want!!???? As the old saying goes "Give them an inch, they want a mile" So true to all you lamers, and greedy f*cks out there. I've been a Blockbuster customer for 9 years, and i personally think it's awesome. I used to rent a shit load, and was late here and there. And it costs a lot. Now, at the WORST it only cost's me $1.25 for 37 days beyond the day I SHOULD HAVE brought it back. Other people (like me) DO want to rent a new release, but can't because some *sshole thinks he can keep it as long as he wants.
Do you think Blockbuster would be in buis. anymore if people could just keep there movies as long as they wanted with no action!!!???? And your complaining about $1.25??!???? I think it's VERY reasonable. Before i've had $7-60 late fee's (because of lazy room mates), now i pay no more then $1.25, and won't get charged the price of movie/game until 30 days after. So a 2-3 days (whatever) rental, i keep for up to max. 1 month and 8 days for $1.25 (providing i bring it back w/i 30 days after 7 days from due date). I think that's pretty good myself. Bunch of greedy clueless bastards here. Man!!!
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daemonzx6
Senior Member
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19. February 2005 @ 15:14 |
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There is no reason to shout.
I agree that people keeping a video for more than a month is sort of a non-issue, as most people watch the video before then and then take it back.
I use Netflix because it has a greater selection. Some use Blockbuster for convenience.
BUT, if they say that there are no late fees, then there should be no late fees. They should tell you that the late fees have actually only been lowered, not that they are gone completely, as it is obvious they aren't.
I also, however, think that this whole fraud thing is an overreaction.
This is sort of like that guy who spilled McDonald's coffee on his lap and sued them because it burned him, even though common sense should tell you that coffee is usually hot. Just like common sense should tell you that you don't need to rent a movie for a month.
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Gossimerg
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19. February 2005 @ 16:58 |
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Something that you might want to know about the differences in Blockbuster and Netflix. Netflix has a policy that will move a heavy user of thier service to a low priority. I actually had them inform me of this in an email. I had to correspond with them several times before they would actualy acknowledge I wasn't insane when I told them I suspected them of some sort of intentional delays in my deliveries.
I switched to blockbuster and my service has been equal to the downgraded netfilx service and the service is cheaper with 2 free walkin coupons a month.
I have noticed no differences in availability in titles between the 2 mail services, while Blockbuster stores do remove low activity titles. My wife loves all sorts of obscure stuff and we have found every title she has looked for at the Blockbuster site as well as netflix.
So, in my opinion Netflix is guilty of a little truth bending themsleves in thier 3 at a time policy unlimited titles. Seems if you push them they will try and control your renting frequency and may be indirectly steering you towards a more expensive service.
All other things being equal I'll stick with the less expensive service.
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Member
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19. February 2005 @ 17:09 |
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i have 5 friends that work for blockbuster, and i myself used to work there for a few months durring the summer. i knew this program was coming out months ahead of blockbusters offical announcement and knew there would be some troubles with the system (mostly issues with them charging your credit card after 1 week for the cost of the movie, and the restocking fee). but i was assured by my friends that blockbuster had done this for a number of years now in select test stores across the country, and that the system worked great... why else would blockbuster get rid of their largest source of income? i could just see trouble coming up ahead because there are always going to be people who dont pay attention to the fine print. while i dont think that blockbuster should charge the restocking free, it does make sense to charge someone the cost of the movie after a while (whats to stop them from returning the movie 6 months later?) but perhaps 1 week is a little too short. i dont think its really "fraud" but it is a little misleading, and perhaps it would have to take a large lawsuit for a corporationg like blockbuster (formerly of viacom) to change their ways.
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jhammer79
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19. February 2005 @ 17:12 |
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The fact that they charge a restocking fee of only 1.25 instead of a late fee based on the time that you kept the movie/game extra. In its advertisement the "No More Late Fees" is a true statement. A late fee was assesed the full price of a rental for everyday you kept it over the return time. The restocking fee is the same regardless when you return it. Does everything have to be spelled out so detailed that there is no confusion from morons who can't use common sense. Blockbuster has to protect itself from individuals that would take advantage of the system if there were no "penalty" fees at all. Based off the choice of words and how "late fee" is defined they are not in voilation of false advertisement just trying to advertise to a public which needs the government to spell out every aspect of their lives.
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ravenne
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19. February 2005 @ 18:05 |
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Oh my god people, what are you whining about?!?! Oh no, I can keep a game or a movie for a month and a half for no more than 8 bucks!! Hmmm, sounds so horrible!! Its obvious that if someone was to keep a game (or movie), Blockbuster would need to be reimbursed for it, and if you are gonna complain about the 1.25 RESTOCKING fee (not late fee, and dont try to tell me they are the same thing, ive worked in retail for years, I know the difference) Then my suggestion to you is to check the cushions of your sofa, Im sure youll find enough for the fee and maybe enough for a can of common sense.
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worldrave
Junior Member
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19. February 2005 @ 19:08 |
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Thank you to BZBOARDER, JHAMMER79, and RAVENNE for sharing my same feelings. I was a little upset (needed a nap i admit), but i also work for Blockbuster, and have also worked Mgmt in retail for over 11 years. And am in training for BB currently. It's not often someone comes in and actually complains, or makes references to "Another form of late fee's" or "another way of twisting around 'late fees' wording", i got upset because of the few 1st couple posts that all shared the same mentality.
As mentioned by the last couple posts that agree, there is a big difference of Late Fee & Restocking fee. Every retail company you shop at (except Cirtuit City as they changed there policies) have a restocking fee. It is normal. Who sue's them? It rediculous. As mentioned, it is done because it takes time and labor for someone to have to key and process a title back into the system. Labor isn't free. It's not a whole lot of effort, which is why it's only a $1.25 charge. Again, considering in the past a "Late Fee" would've costed a person by day or since then by a rental period, and some customers would have movies out for weeks, costing anywhere from $4.59-$13.77 for EACH title. And only a small % of people actually brought them back withing a couple hours late after 12pm. Now a good % of customers are all bringing them back on the avg. of between 2-5 days late. Meaning a lot of titles are not available to rent to others that want to see them, because the mentality is they can just not care to bring them back until there ready to. And as mentioned, a 2 day rental costs $4.59, and so if a user keeps a movie for an extra month and 6 days for nothing more then $1.25 extra, that's a "Late Fee" or 'Rip off'????
It just gets irritating some times when i hear people say this. That's all. I guess there's always going to be complainers, and people that want everything in the world for free.
It's designed to give what the customers wanted. No more late fees. They didn't want to be charged a fee if they couldn't get the movie back by 'Noon' or a couple hours later. Which is what the company did. Even extended that up to '7 Days' past the due date with no charges what so ever. It wasn't intented to give the impression or mislead anyone into thinking "Hey, you know what? Just keep the movie as long as you want" As if no one else is wanting to rent it. Just be considerate of others, and if anything else, next time you want to rent that great title that just came out that's not in stock anymore, and your upset about it, just remember that when thinking about bringing it back in time.
At work, we always tell customers "Remember, we've done away with our late fee's, so if you need it for an extra day or two, that's fine, we understand." We always explain when asked or questioned how it works. And ARE usually asked 'how many days till your charged', which we tell them. Sometimes, in good light, some of us joke around a little when asked "How long can i keep it past the due date?", and say "how much longer do you need it?" and they laugh. You gotta read customers, most you can tell if they are in a good mood, and depends on your personality also. But we always tell them. We never hide anything. It was only designed to not have the customer feel rushed to getting it back, not to give the illusion they can keep it til whenever. No one ever said that. Eventually you would have to do something to make sure you get your product back. More or less, the system auto-charges you after a that time (with 30 days to refund your money) because it assumes you liked it,and wanted to purchase it if you had kept it that long.
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Junior Member
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19. February 2005 @ 21:02 |
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I don't really see what all the fuss is about. Really, I feel that someone saw a loophole in a system and thought that it might be a chance to make a few quick bucks by sueing them. I am not sure how the legal system works, but I would imagine that Peter Harvey will get a few bucks out of the deal.
As to the other issues, I would have to admit that there is probably some shading on both sides of the fence. Blockbuster tries to broadcast NO LATE FEES. You hear this all the time. However, they do have to instill some protections that will keep them from going bankrupt when 4 million rentals across the US is about two years late. Of course, they do not want to burden their advertising campaigns with all the ins and outs.
As for Netflix, I have never had any problem whatsoever. I am a big anime buff and Netflix has most of the obsure ones that Blockbuster and gameznflix.com does not carry. I have never had any problem getting my shipment, it is usally a five day round trip from the time I put the DVD in the mail and get the next one. That is not too bad.
My point?
1. I think that someone is trying to find whatever they can to make money. That is why we are so sue happy anymore. "Lets make those big guys bleed"
2. Blockbuster has instutied a program that is better than what they had. Any arguments there?
3. We are so terrified of hidden hooks and cannot ever be satisified with what is before us. If you do not like the program, get over it and don't use it. (Also, make sure that you are well informed before making any agreements.)
4. Blockbust and Netfilx are totally different. Blockbust is a storefront store that dabbles in an internet service. Netfilx is only internet. Of course they will be different. Pick the one you like and get on with your lives.
5. I like to ramble, so I am going to shut up now.
6. I also like to end on even numbers. Thanks...
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Moderator
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19. February 2005 @ 21:21 |
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Blockbuster didn't implement the new policy out of the goodness of their hearts. They did it because so many people are fed up with them and have moved on to a much better thing called Netfix. It's going to bite them in the ass anyway once enough folks find out the hard way that they just bought the scratched up rental they kept too long.
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smackfrog
Junior Member
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19. February 2005 @ 21:28 |
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Netflix is better anyway, I've had it for awhile and my girlfriend decided to try blockbuster online, blockbuster takes alot longer and doesn't have as good a selection. Anyway, ya blockbuster didn't really get rid of late fees, they are just extended.
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daemonzx6
Senior Member
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19. February 2005 @ 22:45 |
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Yeah, Netflix has a way better selection. I'm real big on anime as well, and Netflix always has what I want. I actually like anime more than most hollywood movies nowadays, so it works for me.
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420ninja
Newbie
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20. February 2005 @ 07:40 |
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I'M WITH WORLDRAVE, BZBOARDER, JHAMMER79, and RAVENNE. Everyone else needs to quit their whining. Blockbuster says there is no more late fees, and it is true. They never did say that there was no more restocking fees, now did they? How much more time do you need to watch a damn movie? You get to play a video game for at least two weeks for $6.99, bring it back within another month and it cost you $1.25 more. WOW what a ripoff, NOT!!!! Either way, it's alot cheaper than buying a game, and getting bored with it in a month.
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VCDHelp!
Newbie
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20. February 2005 @ 11:43 |
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The bottom line is this...
Blockbuster no longer charges "Late Fees", but they do charge a $1.25 restocking fee if you keep the movie more than a week after it's due. This is not a means by which they're trying to get rich, but rather a gentle remindder that you -do- have to return the movie at some point.
If you keep it for more than a month, they've got to assume that you either lost it or are otherwise not intending to return it. At that "month" point (which is more than fair), they finally charge you for the video... At a reasonable and realistic price, namely what it costs them to replace it.
This program was put into place based on customer requests, since a HUGE percentage of late fes were from movies that were often only a day late, or in my case, often only several hours late. Now I don't get charged an additional $5 for being an hour late, which I usually am.
All in all, good job, Blockbuster. It's a consumer-friendly action, and one that surprised me because they're giving up a signifigant amount of money on this one.
Jake
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worldrave
Junior Member
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20. February 2005 @ 13:03 |
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Thanks a lot to Bzboarder, Jhammer79,Ravenne,420ninja,and VCDHelp! for helping me out to help others better understand things the reality of things. I appreciate it. There are tons of people that read this site, and that's why it's important to clear it up. Bad rumours are never a good thing (or confusion). Peace ya'll!! :-)
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worldrave
Junior Member
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20. February 2005 @ 13:10 |
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Also, to be fair with posts here comparing to Netflix. You can't compare in general, because Blockbuster stores and Netflix are 2 totally different markets. 'Blockbuster Online' and 'Netflix' are the same, which isn't what this topic is about. Which BTW- Netflix is $17.99 vs. Blockb. Online is $14.99 a month. And if you search (a few posted below) you'll find as many negative responses about Netflix. As in-
Howdy from Houston, TX, I'm agreeing with you that NETFLIX sucks.
I made the mistake of upgrading my membership and was effectively punished for it by not receiving DVDs 2 weekends in a row. It may well be 3.
Already I know I want to withdraw from NETFLIX membership, but I want to be sure they don't rip me off further when I do. Here we are at just about mid month, and no DVDs.
I'd just finished sending my third letter to NETFLIX about the mess when it occurred to me that if I was pissed with NETFLIX there must be others. Voila, I found your and other NETFLIX sucks sites.
I think the results are in...NETFLIX SUCKS.
Have a nice day.
posted by: Dan Lewis on February 10, 2005 07:44 PM
I have been victomized by Netflix's great two- week trial scam. It's been over a month since the trial period began and to date I haven't received one video. They are now charging my credit card a monthly fee. I have tried to cancel my account to no avail.
Do any real people work for them?
All responses to my complaints have been automated so far and ineffectual.
posted by: Art Bryant on February 14, 2005 06:31 AM
Netflix is a scam. They give you the impression that you can watch unlimited movies a month. However, as soon as they find out you are checking out 10+ movies a month they slow down sending you movies by 2 to 7 days. I asked Netflix why they did this. They claim that they wait for your next movie in the queue to become available for 2 days. This is bullshit...why have a queue...with 100+ 'Available Now' movies. Also, they will send you a survey only for a movie they know you recieved in a day after shipped. They must think the consumer is an idiot. Well...fool me once...:)) What IDIOTS!
posted by: Ron Fern on February 17, 2005 04:56 PM
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AfterDawn Addict
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20. February 2005 @ 16:22 |
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wow, so you post 3 customer complaints about netflix...big deal. like anyone out there can't find just as many complaints about blockbuster. netflix has a much better system than blockbusters online system, and once customers realize that there's better service and much bigger selection from netflix, paying 17.99 as opposed to 14.99 is well worth it.
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Moderator
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20. February 2005 @ 18:04 |
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This is just too funny. Blockbuster employees sticking up for a crooked corporation that could care less about them.
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iriedawta
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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20. February 2005 @ 18:15 |
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ha ha ha .....
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worldrave
Junior Member
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20. February 2005 @ 18:38 |
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Well, do you even know jack about the company to say they don't care a less about the employees? It's a great company to work for. Most of the people at my store an the one up the street from my house have been there for anywhere rom 3-7 year. If it was a crappy company, would you have actually stayed with them that long? Very doubtfull. And I understand i ony put 3 posts, because theres' not enough space to post every bad feedback about Netflix. My point was trying to be fair and mention that 'Netflix is by far a perfect company and also has upset customers as well. There's no such thing as a perfect company. Every place is going to have upset customers to a point. Me and others so far here have pointed out facts that explain themselves to educate people that might only know the half of it, or have listened to someone they know that doesn't know what the hell there talking about.
What have you guys responded to facts with back?? "Duh, it's still a late fee", which means your just a compete idiot. Or "Well Netflix is better" (which again is comparing apples with oranges since the stores *main title of original news message* is different then Netflix. You can only compare Netflix, first of all, with Blockbuster Online ONLY, since only they are the same type of buisiness. You can't have an intelligent debate with someone by re-stating your opinion as a response to a fact. This isn't even worth it anymore. It's like talking to a bunch of High School kids. Peace out!
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