This started off as a comment. You know how that goes, a comment response ends up so long that it might as well be a post. So here I am, cutting and pasting my comment into the journal box and rounding it out a little. The comment was/is in response to my last post on my finding a less expensive internet provider. (e:tinypliny) and (e:metalpeter) had comments specific to my current plan and potential options. So as I had been writing back to them (probably more than they wanted to know,hehe) and here we go:
I've had Verizon DSL since late 2004. I don't recall what I paid then, but eventually it creeped up to almost $40/mo and has held there for awhile. At the time, they weren't offering various 'speeds', so whatever they had, I was subscribed to. It wasn't until this past year that my money/budget monitoring honed in on this area of expenses. I was irked that new customers got hooked up with great promotional plans (as with any company, right?), but I never did anything about it. It wasn't that big of a deal at the time, and I had no intention of going through the hassle of switching. However, as I noticed that I was spending relatively little time at home on the internet as opposed to just about everywhere else (friends, bf, coffee shops), I finally felt that something needed to be changed. I wasn't using what I was spending that much money for, so if I could downgrade or find another provider, I should very well do it.Let see some options!
A few months ago I called Verizon to inquire of other plans and at that time they supposedly did not have a cheaper rate plan. Going off of this information still, I had begun looking into other providers. It wasn't until I called back to CANCEL (or "buzz off" as (e:mrmike) said it) my subscription with Verizon, that I found out otherwise. They do have other plans. The customer service guy said I was lied too and that they do have other plans that should have been explained to me. I think it is because I had called to cancel, and not called to simply inquire before. hmmph.
Anyway, they have a 'lower speed' plan at $9.95/mo for 6 months followed by $19.95 thereafter- which has a 12 month contract, so there would be early termination fees if I canceled. I though about it, and decided to go with it. If I cancel early, the fees aren't horrendous. I was also thinking about various pros and cons into making this decision, of which I have 30 days to change my mind; I wasn't required to lock myself into this change, fortunately. Therefor, looking from a whole year perspective, I'll pay $180 for the year (instead of $480 like I had), I can keep my phone lines open (being DSL as opposed to dial-up), and I can just carry on as usual and not bother with other companies (making phone calls, getting software, downloads, equipment or whatever etc.) AND it wont be dial-up; I really just can't do it, I decided. No dial-up. That was silly of me to entertain the thought. Good prices though. And yes, I tried it for all of 30 minutes before I canceled it. Before I threw my laptop across the room.Before I had chunks of hair missing.
One thing I double-checked before making the plan change was to determine if Verizon tacks on a 'plan change' fee--would there be hidden cost showing up on my next bill. There isn't a fee and that I will only see the charges as described. OK then, plan change please. The 'slower' plan is operating the exact same as I had, so it either never connected at what it could have before, or the difference would really only be in immense downloads, something I don't do anyways. I am pleased that nothing significant has changed, well, besides my bill. Yay.
Time Warner quoted me $29.95, but I don't think a speed was mentioned. $19.95 would be doable for whatever basic plan they- or anyone offers, I rarely download anything, so I don't need it for that. As for FiOS, it isn't available in my area anyways.
The laptop cards are an intriguing idea; I have yet to know know anything about them. Is that something that you have to be already subscribed to Sprint or Verizon with a phone plan or can this be a-la cart?
(e:pyrcedgrrl)- that is hilarious that you found/still have my email address from bluefrog.BIZ That had to have been one OLD email.Even the name I used is SO old. It would have been funny to return to that provider, but I doubt I would have used the email client.
BTW: Check your connection speed with this SPEED TEST:
Ok, thats it.
Now I am off to take my first business workshop through NCCC Summit extension site. A refresher on business plan development,I believe!
Theecarey's Journal
My Podcast Link
10/23/2008 11:36 #46274
Internet Service- comment turned postCategory: nerd
10/21/2008 13:26 #46231
Blue Frog RevisitedCategory: nerd
This is hilarious to me, but it is something I have been thinking about for a long time now (I'm getting to it).
Seeing as that I am rarely home, and most of my internet browsing takes place outside of my home, I have been rather unamused at paying Verizon $37.95 for the occasional surf. So the idea has been to find an alternate service at a significantly lower price.
I thought of going with a company who offers a six month promotion (ie; Time Warner 29.95 for six months or EarthLink DSL, or QwestDSL etc) then switching to something else when the time came. Then I mused over the hopeful idea that my new neighbor may have an internet service that I might be able to sponge off of. Nothing so far.
Then I remembered BlueFrog.
I believe they are out of Rochester. I used them several years ago for dial up- back when I refused to pay the ever popular AOL prices ( Less than $4 compared to $24). I recall having good a good experience with them, and hope that it will continue. I'm so weirded out that I will be 'dialing up' on occasion. Think the "web accelerator" is real and worth it?
Could I possibly get away with using dial-up for the rare occasion that I am home and just want to check my email? Or will even that much make me want to tear my hair out, throw laptop across the room in exasperation over the sluggish connection? And a super long cord attached to my laptop at that. Oh boy. I don't know, but I can try it for a couple of weeks to find out. If it doesn't seem to work out, I can switch to something else- back to DSL, and get on board with a company that has $20-$30 plans as to the almost $40 with Verizon. But if it really works for me, then $6.95 a month will be worth it during the rare occasion I am online at home.
We'll see. I am hopeful, but I still feel like cringing. Now to call Verizon and give them the boot.
Seeing as that I am rarely home, and most of my internet browsing takes place outside of my home, I have been rather unamused at paying Verizon $37.95 for the occasional surf. So the idea has been to find an alternate service at a significantly lower price.
I thought of going with a company who offers a six month promotion (ie; Time Warner 29.95 for six months or EarthLink DSL, or QwestDSL etc) then switching to something else when the time came. Then I mused over the hopeful idea that my new neighbor may have an internet service that I might be able to sponge off of. Nothing so far.
Then I remembered BlueFrog.
I believe they are out of Rochester. I used them several years ago for dial up- back when I refused to pay the ever popular AOL prices ( Less than $4 compared to $24). I recall having good a good experience with them, and hope that it will continue. I'm so weirded out that I will be 'dialing up' on occasion. Think the "web accelerator" is real and worth it?
Could I possibly get away with using dial-up for the rare occasion that I am home and just want to check my email? Or will even that much make me want to tear my hair out, throw laptop across the room in exasperation over the sluggish connection? And a super long cord attached to my laptop at that. Oh boy. I don't know, but I can try it for a couple of weeks to find out. If it doesn't seem to work out, I can switch to something else- back to DSL, and get on board with a company that has $20-$30 plans as to the almost $40 with Verizon. But if it really works for me, then $6.95 a month will be worth it during the rare occasion I am online at home.
We'll see. I am hopeful, but I still feel like cringing. Now to call Verizon and give them the boot.
pyrcedgrrl - 10/22/08 21:12
LMAO @ Blue Frog. I was sending you an e-mail the other day and your bluefrog e-mail came up. lol
LMAO @ Blue Frog. I was sending you an e-mail the other day and your bluefrog e-mail came up. lol
tinypliny - 10/21/08 18:37
How much is Verizon now asking? Both Verizon and TimeWarner Cable have $19.99/month very basic plans.
How much is Verizon now asking? Both Verizon and TimeWarner Cable have $19.99/month very basic plans.
metalpeter - 10/21/08 18:33
If you are going to be paying like 30 bucks you might as well go out and get one of those lap top cards from sprint or version that way you can take it any whare. Verison is only about $19 a month Fios is something Different. I think they have some deal now where if you sign up for a year it is $19 and the first 6 months are free or something I think that they quicker speeds might cost more but not sure, how that works. If it is a contract though you might not be able to break it with out paying a lot of cash, or maybe it is Fios where you need a contract.
If you are going to be paying like 30 bucks you might as well go out and get one of those lap top cards from sprint or version that way you can take it any whare. Verison is only about $19 a month Fios is something Different. I think they have some deal now where if you sign up for a year it is $19 and the first 6 months are free or something I think that they quicker speeds might cost more but not sure, how that works. If it is a contract though you might not be able to break it with out paying a lot of cash, or maybe it is Fios where you need a contract.
theecarey - 10/21/08 14:51
..or maybe not. The last time I called Verizon to inquire of cheaper plans, I was brushed off. NOW, I am getting a significantly cheaper offer, which I may very well go with. Hmph..
..or maybe not. The last time I called Verizon to inquire of cheaper plans, I was brushed off. NOW, I am getting a significantly cheaper offer, which I may very well go with. Hmph..
mrmike - 10/21/08 13:29
hmmm, telling the phone company to buzz off. That has to be a little liberating.
hmmm, telling the phone company to buzz off. That has to be a little liberating.
10/21/2008 00:06 #46222
Registering Domain BuffaloWeb ServicesCategory: adventure
I was looking at the fees associated with registering a domain name. There are several sites varying in price range. Register.com was my initial 'go-to' site, just to check on a few names. Then after confirming that they were available, I began to think about web hosting, which took me onto another search. I see that many of these sites offer packages- such as some amount of web hosting and page creation features along with a free domain name for X amount of money. Such as IPOWERWEB
I'm not necessarily ready to make use of anything. I just want a couple of names to sit on for future purposes, basically register a name and then go from there.
The 'free domain name' with web host/etc package made me curious as to what would happen with the domain name if I chose at a later date to no longer use the company. The fact that it was considered "free" does that somehow make the name I choose to be owned by them- only to leave me at the mercy of buying it off of them at their "price" should I decide after that I don't want to do business with them any longer? Maybe, maybe not. Obviously contacting someone would be a way to find out.
And I wonder how much additional spam-junk mail is received by the domain name owner due to that persons contact info (physical address & phone number) is readily available via "who is" ??hmmm
Gah! In terms of the bigger picture, I have so much to learn, or rather, become aware of. Having information and processes organized in my head helps me to carry out necessary actions with confidence. Some things I can simply jump into and learn/figure out as I go, but other areas, I like to know as much as I can before stepping forward. I comprehend most of what I read and am regularly capable of grasping new information very quickly. So many thoughts, so many questions.
I checked into local business that might offer what I am looking for. I found BuffaloWeb Services. Anyone know anything of them?
I can register a domain name for a fair prices. Then later on, add on to what I need. I believe I would go with one year for now, although a longer length of time would be less, overall. Just watching my cash flow for the time being.
I'm not necessarily ready to make use of anything. I just want a couple of names to sit on for future purposes, basically register a name and then go from there.
The 'free domain name' with web host/etc package made me curious as to what would happen with the domain name if I chose at a later date to no longer use the company. The fact that it was considered "free" does that somehow make the name I choose to be owned by them- only to leave me at the mercy of buying it off of them at their "price" should I decide after that I don't want to do business with them any longer? Maybe, maybe not. Obviously contacting someone would be a way to find out.
And I wonder how much additional spam-junk mail is received by the domain name owner due to that persons contact info (physical address & phone number) is readily available via "who is" ??hmmm
Gah! In terms of the bigger picture, I have so much to learn, or rather, become aware of. Having information and processes organized in my head helps me to carry out necessary actions with confidence. Some things I can simply jump into and learn/figure out as I go, but other areas, I like to know as much as I can before stepping forward. I comprehend most of what I read and am regularly capable of grasping new information very quickly. So many thoughts, so many questions.
I checked into local business that might offer what I am looking for. I found BuffaloWeb Services. Anyone know anything of them?
I can register a domain name for a fair prices. Then later on, add on to what I need. I believe I would go with one year for now, although a longer length of time would be less, overall. Just watching my cash flow for the time being.
10/20/2008 12:59 #46209
Transition SeasonCategory: weather
It is getting cold out there and there is still so much to do! Rainy with highs in the mid 40s for tomorrow made me realize that I really really really need to get focused and start the 'winterizing' process. It is simply more motivating to take care of all these things while it is still dry, above freezing outside and still light out into the early evening. So over the next 2-3 weeks, among everything else I have packed into my days, the following will be addressed:
I'm sure there is more, but whatever is left will just have to wait. So now to get off of here and get started on something!
- Wood for my fireplace needs to be brought into the garage.
- Finish yard work-clean up (branches, dead flowers, leaves etc)
- Plan to have a bonfire to burn fallen branches and logs of wood too large for apartment fireplace. Coincide with activity of drinking spiked hot coffee/cider/hot chocolate.
- Large items currently stored in garage must be sold off; taking up way too much room to hold them there any longer. Also, I hate excess clutter.
- Car stuff: oil change, car fluid check- basic look over before winter
- Plastic and insulation around windows and draft spots.
- Check and change furnace filter.
- Dust off treadmill as I haven't been to the gym in quite some time and it shows.
- A few long walks/hikes to get a good dose of autumn smells and fresh air. I've really slacked this year in getting outside regularly like I always have before.
I'm sure there is more, but whatever is left will just have to wait. So now to get off of here and get started on something!
pyrcedgrrl - 10/22/08 21:14
"* Plan to have a bonfire to burn fallen branches and logs of wood too large for apartment fireplace. Coincide with activity of drinking spiked hot coffee/cider/hot chocolate."
WOOO!!!!
"* Plan to have a bonfire to burn fallen branches and logs of wood too large for apartment fireplace. Coincide with activity of drinking spiked hot coffee/cider/hot chocolate."
WOOO!!!!
metalpeter - 10/20/08 18:10
Well that bonfire sounds like it will be a good time.
Well that bonfire sounds like it will be a good time.
10/16/2008 13:14 #46144
Sewing Contractors? Sew WhatCategory: adventure
Business plans, executive summaries and other nuances of business start up can be daunting, yet somehow I have found a bit of a thrill in pulling together the information, placing the puzzle pieces into their respective spots. In some of my grad school classes we would do a mock version, and for some, a real to life version. Since then, I have assisted others in whatever way I can, if only as a cheerleader- but more often, much more than that. In my own pursuits, and there are often a few being juggled at the same time, I sometimes forget to have fun. And so it is through once again providing some pointers to someone in need of direction, that I get all anticipatory in my endeavors, and carry on. But this post isn't exactly about me.
A friend has a sewing project. It will get bigger than what a person or a few people can likely carry out themselves, well, at least, I am thinking big like that, for them. It is important to factor in "growth" and how you plan to handle it when/if it occurs. Funny how often people forget that growth is an issue to be addressed ahead of time. Anyway, I thought about sewing contractors. It is vital to their plan to have a production option ready to them in the event they need or want to outsource. I wondered what might be available in the WNY area and NYS in general. Anything that came up in a Google search provided abstract names without websites or any information that might solidify that the company is indeed a sewing contractor. A nationwide search brought up several with appropriate descriptions of what can be done and so on. However, my general bent on business, is keep it local when possible.
One in NYC looked interesting, but they also have a site in China, which made me think they outsource their projects across seas. Lets keep it on this side of the ditch, please.
Besides making several phone calls, which I am apt to do (or provide the numbers to my friend to make), I wonder if anyone has heard, had experience with or any sort of direction, food for thought regarding outsourcing projects that required simple sewing?
Going to be very chilly tonight, stay warm, snuggle close..
A friend has a sewing project. It will get bigger than what a person or a few people can likely carry out themselves, well, at least, I am thinking big like that, for them. It is important to factor in "growth" and how you plan to handle it when/if it occurs. Funny how often people forget that growth is an issue to be addressed ahead of time. Anyway, I thought about sewing contractors. It is vital to their plan to have a production option ready to them in the event they need or want to outsource. I wondered what might be available in the WNY area and NYS in general. Anything that came up in a Google search provided abstract names without websites or any information that might solidify that the company is indeed a sewing contractor. A nationwide search brought up several with appropriate descriptions of what can be done and so on. However, my general bent on business, is keep it local when possible.
One in NYC looked interesting, but they also have a site in China, which made me think they outsource their projects across seas. Lets keep it on this side of the ditch, please.
Besides making several phone calls, which I am apt to do (or provide the numbers to my friend to make), I wonder if anyone has heard, had experience with or any sort of direction, food for thought regarding outsourcing projects that required simple sewing?
Going to be very chilly tonight, stay warm, snuggle close..
kathleenf - 10/17/08 12:42
Hi Paul,
I don't want to be quarrelsome being the new kid on the block and while I commend you on the complexity of this amazing project, other than red text on a blue background or black text on red, red text on black is considered to be one of the worst choices for user readability.
:::link:::
Have you ever read Steve Krug's _Don't Make Me Think_? While a bit dated, it's probably the best cut to the chase book on designing web sites for optimizing the user experience. Only Neilsen is better but he's also dated and definitely not cut to the chase.
I'd have to say I stand with the majority in believing that a user shouldn't have to modify their settings for navigating *one* site. My settings are fine (really). If I used this site exclusively then obviously it'd make sense. I suppose I could change just the one of the dual monitors I use but that'd be weird. I spend at least 12 hours a day on the web, browsing an incalculable number of sites, so changing setting for just one site doesn't make sense for me. Again, kudos on the project!
Hi Paul,
I don't want to be quarrelsome being the new kid on the block and while I commend you on the complexity of this amazing project, other than red text on a blue background or black text on red, red text on black is considered to be one of the worst choices for user readability.
:::link:::
Have you ever read Steve Krug's _Don't Make Me Think_? While a bit dated, it's probably the best cut to the chase book on designing web sites for optimizing the user experience. Only Neilsen is better but he's also dated and definitely not cut to the chase.
I'd have to say I stand with the majority in believing that a user shouldn't have to modify their settings for navigating *one* site. My settings are fine (really). If I used this site exclusively then obviously it'd make sense. I suppose I could change just the one of the dual monitors I use but that'd be weird. I spend at least 12 hours a day on the web, browsing an incalculable number of sites, so changing setting for just one site doesn't make sense for me. Again, kudos on the project!
paul - 10/17/08 09:53
You may also want to look into turning the saturation down on your monitor. Black text on red should not be hard to read.
You may also want to look into turning the saturation down on your monitor. Black text on red should not be hard to read.
paul - 10/17/08 09:52
You can choose a different color theme by clicking on one of the color theme icons at the top right of the front page.
You can choose a different color theme by clicking on one of the color theme icons at the top right of the front page.
kathleenf - 10/17/08 09:39
Unrelated: my, the colors on this site are rather jarring, perhaps even garish. It's hard to read black text on a red brick background in the comment box....
Re: sewing contractors and the apparel industry in general. See Fashion-Incubator.com. It's the #1 site on the web for people who want to start a clothing line on the internet.
:::link:::
Unrelated: my, the colors on this site are rather jarring, perhaps even garish. It's hard to read black text on a red brick background in the comment box....
Re: sewing contractors and the apparel industry in general. See Fashion-Incubator.com. It's the #1 site on the web for people who want to start a clothing line on the internet.
:::link:::
theecarey - 10/16/08 19:15
thanks (e:gardenmama) I really didn't think of any other possible search terms. Extra avenues are always appreciated :)
and I will definitely pass on the information, (e:janelle)! That is really a great idea if my friend can use them. I dont know when/if they'll need someone, but its good to start looking now for options.
Thanks so much for the input!!
thanks (e:gardenmama) I really didn't think of any other possible search terms. Extra avenues are always appreciated :)
and I will definitely pass on the information, (e:janelle)! That is really a great idea if my friend can use them. I dont know when/if they'll need someone, but its good to start looking now for options.
Thanks so much for the input!!
janelle - 10/16/08 17:10
Another plus to using us is that you can see and meet the people who do the work and see the conditions they work in.
Another plus to using us is that you can see and meet the people who do the work and see the conditions they work in.
janelle - 10/16/08 17:09
My agency has several contracts for sewing simple projects. Our clients with developmental disabilities along with non disabled workers do the sewing. Depending on the difficulty of the tasks, it might be possible for my agency to work on the sewing project. Our sewing workers are used to doing work on short notice and switching the type of work that they do quickly. Let me know if you're friend might be interested.
My agency has several contracts for sewing simple projects. Our clients with developmental disabilities along with non disabled workers do the sewing. Depending on the difficulty of the tasks, it might be possible for my agency to work on the sewing project. Our sewing workers are used to doing work on short notice and switching the type of work that they do quickly. Let me know if you're friend might be interested.
gardenmama - 10/16/08 16:23
As some alternative searches for sewing contractors you might want to look at: seamstress, tailoring, embroidery, or upholstery. They are all related and might provide at least some other avenues to explore.
As some alternative searches for sewing contractors you might want to look at: seamstress, tailoring, embroidery, or upholstery. They are all related and might provide at least some other avenues to explore.
wow, (e:tinypliny) I read both of the posts you linked to :(
I am disgusted with the shady going-ons with Verizon, and I am likely to generalize that to other providers too.
I wasn't told about the "lite" version with Time Warner, and even then, there are all those initial add on fees. If I had switched to something like that, I wouldn't see any real savings for a couple of months or so! I noticed that the web site doesn't explain the differences between "lite", "basic" and "standard".
In terms of phone plans, I had thought of getting rid of my phone (also at the time, Verizon said they didn't do dry DSL in my area; probably just to keep me with a phone plan of some sort). Then I decided to drop it to the bare minimum (no caller ID, call waiting, Long distance, etc). The plan itself is $13.95 mo, but after about $12 in taxes, it is almost the same as what I had been paying AND I had a 'phone plan switch' fee, that was so high I was ill from it. It not like they had to DO anything to give me the more spartan of a plan!
I thought of Vonage, and Time Warner for phone, but none of the plans impressed me enough to want to bother, just another headache I figured. The "suck you in" starter plans aren't enough for me to switch one set of problems for another!
I'm glad it is over now.
At least I think it is.. lets see what happens with that first bill!
First of all Glad things worked out for you. In terms of the cards I only know what I have seen on ads and they are pricy. I just saw on the back of artvoice they have a plan for #35 a month. The way I think it works is that you are charged a price for the service each month and then you have to buy the card also but I'm not sure they have like a USB plug that connects to the lap top. I think they are aimed at buisness people and don't have a lap top my self so I'm not sure, but it might be something to think about if you want to surf the web on the laptop any place and not have to know where to find wifi places. I'm sure the computer people here know much more about it then I do.
Oh man! This is even CHEAPER than what I pay. I started off last year with a crazy fiasco (e:tinypliny,40220). This year I called to cancel and they put me on a $19.95 plan for their least fancy deal. This was just a month back or so -> (e:heidi,45253) (look at comments).
I am tired of all this lying that Verizon does. :/