[LINK] Want Bills by Snail Mail? It Might Cost You Money

[Chirgwin, Richard]

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Indeed.
 
It's part of the technology cargo cult.
 
First, "do it online because it marks you out as cool!"
Then, "do it online because you don't have to deal with the counter clerk!"
Then, "do it online because we offer an incentive to keep you online!"
Then, "do it online because we'll penalise you if you don't."
 
The tertiary stage is that once everyone's conforming, they'll have their
charges ratcheted up anyhow - "we have created a new, more secure, more
usable online presence to serve you better!" (PS, $0.50 per transaction).
 
RC

-----Original Message-----
From: Ann Moffatt [mailto:annm@exocat.com.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 30 October 2002 09:08
To: link@anu.edu.au
Subject: [LINK] Want Bills by Snail Mail? It Might Cost You Money


Want Bills by Snail Mail? It Might Cost You Money

For years, businesses have cajoled customers to pay their
monthly bills online. Now they are getting tougher.
 <http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/29/technology/29BILL.html?todaysheadlines>
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/29/technology/29BILL.html?todaysheadlines 
 
i know this reduces cost for business & govt etc but i do worry that its the
poor, old & illiterate that often aren't on the net that will suffer. if
enterprises really do start imposing financial penalties for not dealing
on-line, hopefully welfare agencies will compensate those who are affected.
 
peace & love
 
annm

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Ann Moffatt
EXoCaT Pty Ltd
49 Raintree Avenue
BURRUM HEADS QLD 4659
tel +61 (0) 7 4129 5796
fax +61 (0) 7 4129 5916
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