The End Of Free Hits Home

Just within the few days since my vacation ended, "the end of free" has twice hit our household. First, OrlandoSentinel.com now requires a site username and password to access some articles. While the registration is free, you do have to agree to receive future spam from the paper (and, unless you notice the opt-out checkbox, from their advertisers as well). "Free" in this case is equal to the cost of my privacy. ^*

Last night, I turned on the TV to discover that Bright House Networks has apparently discovered how to block all the nifty high-end channels without affecting my cable modem service. In this case, it means we're actually getting exactly what we pay for and no more, but I am no longer among the ranks that can watch Queer Eye, among other things. ^**

Granted, it's not easy to complain too much about either of these. I was paying for neither of the things I lost. I also now have good friends working for both of the aforementioned companies. I try to assure myself that my paying for these services (directly or indirectly) provides my friends with continued sustenance (directly or indirectly), and all this was much the same as if either of them were able to consistently sneak in to my company's attractions for free.

^* Note to Tribune Company: I might even be willing to pay a small monthly fee for an enhanced registration that removed the advertising from your site — especially the 2 pop-up ads per click and that danged La Nouba ad that plays part of the show's soundtrack on every page it appears. Or at least honors a single "mute" click for the rest of eternity..

^** Note to Bright House Networks: I know you really want me to sign up for something involving Digital Cable. But why did you remove from your site any references to non-digital cable? I can get pricing for every package except the ones I want. If I could see and compare all the prices without talking to an overly-enthusiastic phone sales rep, I would be more willing to consider paying for an upgrade.