Netzero: Don't Put "Zero" in the Title, it Makes it Way too Easy...
Written: Aug 05 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: it is cheap.
Cons: if you want to connect to the internet, it's not all that helpful.
The Bottom Line: If computers could scream, they would now be screaming...
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| lemon_lime's Full Review: NetZero |
I've never written an 'online services' review. And there is a reason: I've never had a reason to. You see, on this technological highway, I don't expect all that much. I'm a struggling twentysomething with a clear understanding that DSL is not, and perhaps never will be, in my budget. Which is fine, I've accepted that and tried my best in a world filled with people who can somehow afford cable modems or DSL connections. Hell, even AOL was getting to be a bit much for us. Thus, I reached out for Netzero. And I drowned.
I'm sure you've seen the commercials. Netzero is cheaper than AOL, cheaper than MSN, cheaper than just about everything. At first, I didn't believe it. Then, noticing it had been around for more than three years - and realizing that we were running quite short on funds (graduate school has a way of sucking out a potential life of luxury, at least in the present) - I cancelled AOL and cast my lot with Netzero. It would have taken next to nothing to impress me. And I'm still not impressed.
Now don't get me wrong, Netzero is all fine in practice and theory. It's affordable, it's seemingly easy to use, and...well...it's affordable. The first time I used it I thought I was heaven. Each and every time since then, it's been nothing but hell. You see, the folks at Netzero apparently don't put all that much stock in actually connecting you to the information superhighway. Actually, maybe I should amend that - they do like to connect you (I've connected about 62 times just tonight alone), but they seem to have something against keeping you connected. Silly me, I wanted to surf and browse around. What kind of crazy kook am I?!
You pay for what you get. That's the bottom line in most business endeavors, and for the most part it holds true. But with Netzero, you actually seem to pay them to screw you over. Have an important email that you've spent precious time composing? Sorry, disconnected! Been waiting for that rare MP3 from your favorite band to download? Sorry, disconnected! Trying to access any internet site in the entire world? Sorry, disconnected! The fact that it's taken me nearly three hours to log on enough to get this damned review published should be indicator enough to you. And besides, anything that makes AOL actually seem worth the money and effort can't have a whole lot going for it. As I click on the "Connect" button time and again I find myself wondering, "How are these people staying in business?" My wife used it once in three weeks we've had it and said "Chad, you need to fix this. Call them and tell them they suck. I hate it, I couldn't connect to anything". My wife is smart. I defended it at first, but now the only thing keeping me from canceling the service immediately is that I need to find something else to subscribe to first. Please, if the internet has been any kinder to you, tell me what you use and where I can get it. Seriously.
Needless to say, I hate Netzero. I hate the fact that it seems offended by my requests to log on. I hate the fact that it shuts down - not just at the most inoppurtune times, but at all times. If I've rated your review in the past couple of weeks, please appreciate all the effor that that ultimately required of me. If I've left you a comment, you owe me money. The only possible benefit that can come of this whole experience is if I in anyway persuade you to stay away from Netzero. It's for you own good, trust me. But on the other hand, if you like being screwed, perhaps I've found just the internet service provider for you. (If this review actually gets 'submitted', it's a minor miracle. Thank you to all involved.)
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
lemon_lime
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Chad
Location: My Own Private Idaho...
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