Meryl's Notes Blog
Things wordy, geeky, and webbyFree iPods… Not
Tuesday, September 21st, 2004 at 3:55 PM | 13 commentsI was trying to get a free iPod to use with my cochlear implant and learn to listen with it since circumstances don’t allow me to invest in gadgets these days (NO pity, please!). Besides, it is not like the company is giving them away. You earn it by getting people to sign up for offers. Five people signed up and took advantage of an offer as required.
Two of those accounts were not acceptable by the people behind the Web site. One was entirely my fault and an oversight. It was Paul’s account. He and I have the same address. When he signed up, he had NO plans to request an iPod. We realized our error later and got someone else to sign up in his stead.
The other “unaccepted” account was my mom. We don’t even live in the same city. Hers was probably taken away because it was around the time the eBay offer disappeared though it was there when she signed up. She was never a user of eBay prior to this.
I signed up (it pains me to say this) for the AOL offer, so you KNOW I don’t use AOL. It was very difficult to get my account closed on AOL, but it was done.
But, no. The damage was already done and my account placed on hold. This is what the terms and conditions say about the “hold” status quoted from the site itself: <begin quote>
Additional terms regarding “hold” status
(a) We reserve the right to place a user’s account on hold at any time.
(b) We are not responsible for notifying a user about his or her account being placed on hold.
(c) If an account is placed on hold, all orders will be frozen and the user will be unable to order from any of the Gratis Internet websites.
(d) A user who has had his or her account placed on hold may not create another account.
(e) A user’s account will be on hold indefinitely. Holds do not expire.
(f) A user may not receive any reimbursement for points or referrals accumulated prior to being placed on hold.
(g) If a user feels that he or she has been placed on hold in error (i.e. has not acted against the terms of Gratis Internet), he or she may contact us via our website.
(h) We reserve the right to place a user’s account on hold after they have gotten credit for a free item, and even after ordering and receiving their free item. We also hold the right to follow up legally on fraudulent activities.
</end quote>
Yes, I contacted the company several times. The answer every time: Read the Terms and Conditions followed by a copy and paste of the entire thing.
So it sounds like I am @*(# out of luck and all this work went down the drain, yet they got money for at least six offers (five others and my own). I am sure they got money for Paul and my mom’s offers even though they didn’t count them.
This is a valid program with too much room for them to say, “Nope.” I’m not perfect. I tried to fix my mistake, but it only gave them more money and nothing for me. No more of these programs for me. Do not bother linking on free iPods link and signing up. It does me no good and I don’t want you wasting your time and energy.
Enough promoting it. Let’s promote good stuff like Firefox. Also, I want to thank Christine and Dennis and Kathleen Galvan.
Update: I am a glutton for punishment. I am trying a different site, but at least I know what not to do this time and I hope it works.
Update: Wired Article
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13 comments
Free iPods… Not
I was trying to get a free iPod to use with my cochlear implant and learn to listen with it since circumstances don’t allow me to invest in gadgets these days (NO pity, please!). Five people signed up and took…
Meryl, I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. -Steven
iPods are cool because they have large storage capacities, but if you would settle for something cheaper, you should check out the Creative MuVo NX. It’s basically a USB flash drive with mp3 built in, and it’s about the same size. I have one that’s only 256mb, but that’s more than enough for me.It’s also got a built in voice recorder. Plus, you can get one for about $80.
Either way, I hope things work out.
You heard of http://www.freeipodnow.com/index.php?nav=refer&sid=2260 ? lol
I’m on a quest to see if this site works?, hey they have the ebay offer!!
Although people have received free iPods and other types of electronics through these various programs, the companys who promote these things are VERY strict that rules are followed and will (w/o hesitation) use just about any valid reason not to send the freebie.
How many times in the past have you been denied a rebate for something you purchased in a store?
AJ
Meryl, I am sorry that your free iPod did not arrive as planned. I agree that it is a bummer deal when the “void” determines something and you cannot defend yourself, or question the “void”. Almost like arguing with the Government.
So, if you have given up, let me know. I will cancel the offers I signed up for.
dennis
Meryl - I always love reading your stuff on Lockerghome the best. And this iPod thing really sucks. This sure looks like a case of “if it looks too good to be true” it usually isn’t (true). Or similar to the casinos where the odds are always in favor of the house. They get your money and you get bupkus. In this case, the casino is the website. On the other hand, getting something for nothing is always a thrill!
all the best, Pat
The free ipod thing is a joke I got sucked in because it was on this web site. Won’t look at any more of the ads here.
You should consult an attorney. I have found this to be very helpful in persuading these types of offers to be followed through. Check out my site http://www.IDSavior.com and call me if you have any questions. Hope this helps you. I know it has helped me a lot.
Hey thanks Meryl.. for not deleting my comment and those of you that used my link (ONE MORE!!)
You all have to admit though these offers are worth a shot, what with all these success stories.
Sometimes I think Gratis Internet is giving only a few out so that the masses hear about their success stories and they get thousands more to take up their offers and so they can do who-knows-what to the e-mail addresses they recieve.
I’ll be sure to check back if anything happens!
Grrrrr… I can’t believe they did that. Well, I can, but still. Grrr… I will have to check out the other site and sign up. Meanwhile, let me know what I can do to help.
Anyone getting anywhere? I got all five referals but they’re all pending? Bah!
I sent an email, i’m waiting for a reply.
Anyone that use my link, is it still pending for you?
A good way of expressing your disapproval of freeipods misleadng “on hold” con is to:
a) make a complaint to the services that you signed up to via freeipods
b) cancel the services that you sign up to, mentioning that freeipods are the reason
PS If you post this comment on 5 blogs I will send you a free ipod.
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