~~~~ Brag & Moan ~~~~

[XZeroII]

Did anyone's GF4 order get cancelled yet? Mine is still processing. I wonder if they will wait a few more days or something.

 

[culturalinfidel]

mine was just cancelled online. confirmation email as well.

grr...

 

[Mig29]

Do I need to remind anybody that AT did a piece on RAMBUS some time ago where they nearly said that rambus is the best thing that happened to computers since the semiconductors ?

I used to think that AT is first a community and ads are only there to keep it running.
Since the deletion of the thread I see that it's just another business with profit as a highest priority and they would sell their mothers if their advertisers told them too.

Sorry for a few exaggerations, no insult intended.

 

[stinkydiver]

I tried to pricematch an item at CompUSA (exact same item) but both the central checkout lady and the manager on duty both told me they could only give me store credit for the difference, not the lower price.

Complained on CompUSA web site, and the 'real' manager contacted me to say they did indeed do price matching and 'maybe the store people were distracted by the phone or maybe they were confused about the policy' ?????

I will try them out soon to see which story is correct.

stinky.

 

[spwango]

Don't any of you think it's wrong to try to screw over another store because of BB's mess up?

 

[Slikkster]

Has anyone posted a screenshot of this reported "special pre-order pricing" and "savings of $200" stuff? I'd do this test...cut off your internet connection temporarily (unplug the phone line or cable) , and go into your history and see if you can pull up the Bestbuy.com homepage. Since it can't get a "newer" version of the page, it should pull up the smoking gun cached page.

Then, we'll see where this goes.

 

[Bee01]

I'm pretty sure that is just BS, I know I never saw "special preorder price" (only special preorder) or "$200 off" on any of the BB pages.

 

[Lizardman]

Bee and anyone else who wants to know a little more go over to hard ocp or hypothermia. Also sign the petition at hypo if you order one.

I ordered two( one me and one for my roomate) so i hope this pans out and we get the cards at the price we agreed to pay.

 

[Gujski]

Belated brag related to the GF4 stuff-

I got that Geforce 2 Ultra 64mb DVI/tv from CDR express last August for $104 (think it was 300 at the time), never thinking i would, but i figured what the hell. The thread at the time was big , but informative. I dont know why this GF4 stuff is any different. IMO, thread should not have been locked. But hey it is not my site!

 

[JPSJPS]

Anandtech Moderators - Thanks for cancelling the BB GF4 thread!!!!!!!!!!
These welfare whiners that think that BB owes them a free ride are an embarrasment to the human race!

Ed at http://www.overclockers.com/ tells it like it is!

John

 

[WFalcon]

JPSJPS - Maybe if you detach your nose from the mod's a$$ long enough to get some air, you may be able to actually learn a thing or two. People (well, not all) aren't as pi$$ed about not getting the deal as they are over the selective thread deletion. How would you feel if your little b!tch a$$ post got deleted at ph@twa!!et?

(Though I can understand your position, since you seem to be on the same crack that the folks at overspankers.com are.)

 

[Lars]

So for those who ordered one of the GF4 cards from BB:

Does it also say that your order is cancelled in "my account" at bestbuy.com?
I am just asking because my is still "on order".

 

[sonar]

Just a few points on the GF4 BB error.
#1. When the page was changed from $129 to $399, not only did the price change, but the page changed, before the page said that it was a special price because of the pre-order status. It made it seem, like the $129 price might be legit.

#2. AT Hot Deals forum has had lots of Price error threads, this is the first one to be completely deleted and so quickly. Doesn't look good for a forum connected to a supposedly non partial Hardware review site.

#3 When news paper ads first started doing sales for stores there were a lot of scams used, like bait and switch to get people into the store, and in e-commerce, geting people into your site is #1.

#4. There is a thread in the video forum on this subject that has also been locked, and it seemed to me that it was a legitimate video discussion.

You AT lovers can stick your heads in the sand if you want, but for me I have lost respect for AT. When you have an AD banner for a store right on the page, you should bend over backwards to make sure that you are not giving any preferencial treatment to that advertiser.

 

[Slikkster]

Look, I don't really understand the hubbub...I don't see AT clamping down on speech in THIS thread...especially given the fact that much of the speech is directed against AT, itself. I would assume that in the future other so-called "price error" threads will be given the same treatment. If they are not, then AT will have to be taken to task. The precedent has been set. However, that leads one to the old adage, "Be careful of what you wish for, as you may very well get it!"

What is it that can be said in the old BB thread that can not now be said here? Am I missing something? As I pointed out in my previous post (see above a few), if there is a so-called "smoking gun" of a page that specifically shows this was meant to be a legitimate price (as in bait and switch) and a savings of $200, etc., etc., etc., then dredge it up out of your history as I described and run with it. That's the kind of proof of "bad intent" that will go much further than this stuff.

I'm not an apologist for either AT nor BB. Frankly, I don't like some of the practices AT mods use, particularly in the Hot Deals forum. But the bottom line is, IT'S THEIR FORUM! They don't owe anyone anything at all. Given the fact that internet advertising has dropped off precipitiously in the past year, these guys are essentially doing this gratis, save for the people who signed up for the "faster access" forum site. When it's your ball and bat, you can make the rules. Otherwise, you have very little choice then to take your forum business elsewhere. And let's face it, goodness knows there's a multitude of sites out there that post deals now.

As for Best Buy, if they are stupid enough not to realize the bad publicity that this kind of error generates, then let them suffer by not patronizing them in the future. Write THEM and tell them. But let's face it...the "deal", as it were, was cancelled because of the pricing error. That, in and of itself, takes it out of the realm of a "Hot Deal". And hence, out of the realm of the Hot Deals forum. I do think AT can establish a much more "graceful" way of deleting threads...as in locking them with a notice they will be deleted in a day or two so people can cut/paste whatever info they need. Just my thoughts...

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

I'll say this again, Anand needs to directly address this, especially now that he has folks paying to use the forums. Or is their money not as good as Best Buys? Many, many topics regarding this have been DELETED, including one in the off topic area.

You guys are idiots if you are rooting for BestBuy in this. And are total hypocrites if you are saying that they shouldn't be responsible for a 'mistake' THEY made. Every business in the world is designed to profit from consumers. Think about this, their entire existance revolves around profiting off of YOU. This easily turns into exploitation if not kept in check. And letting things like this slide is NOT keeping them in check. If they get away with this now, what will they try to get away with down the road?

I know who's side Best Buy is on, but the longer the forum situation goes on without being officially addressed, the more I question who's side Anandtech is on.

 

[Slikkster]

Upon further review of the Rules and the FAQ at Anandtech, I believe the moderators violated their own clearly stated policy.

Directly from the Anandtech Forum FAQ is the following:

9. Sometimes a moderator will delete a thread, other times they will lock it, and leave it to delete later. Locked and left up usually means that we want other users to have a chance to view the thread to get an idea of what is/is not allowed.

A thread that is deleted immediately is either 1) Because it is offensive, or 2) There is a similar locked thread existing in the forum.

Unless there has been a clear change in policy that has not been articulated, I believe it is incumbent upon the moderators to now fully explain how the thread in question meets either the "offensive " or "similar locked thread" conditions.

Unless I have missed something (which could be the case), from what I understand, there are no other locked threads (that still exist) on this subject in the forums at this time. Therefore, the action taken to delete this thread was not in keeping with the FAQ/Rules. This requires an explanation. Given the fact that this thread originated in Hot Deals, deleting it there cannot be excused on the basis that there was some other thread locked elsewhere that was created after the original.

Mods, please explain how this deletion squares with the stated rules, or, have the rules changed and not been promulgated?

 

[SnotLink]

Somebody please send me the bb geforce4 sale page if you have it. i want to send it to a bunch of places. as exciting as that all was i can't believe not one person remembered to save it. j_kazlas@mindspring.com

 

[JPSJPS]

WFalcon's clueless rant:


<< (Though I can understand your position, since you seem to be on the same crack that the folks at overspankers.com are.) >>


WFalcon - Pimple faced little LUZERS like you give decent kids a bad name.
If you don't like the policies here, start your own board!!!
HaHaHaHaHaha - You don't have the talent!
Or, go whine at another board!

Here is how many of us in our 60's did it:
1- Bust your ass to get an education (borrow $ if necessary) MSEE in my case.
2-Get a good job, continue to learn, and quickly work up to six figure income.
4-Save a little and invest.
5-Retire in 50's with six figure+ income.
6-Pay your bills instead of expecting a free ride!
7-Laugh at pathetic lazy grunts like you!!!!!

I was in circuit design all my working life! $400 for a video card like a GF4 is a SUPER bargain. If you had the foggiest idea how a video card works, you would know that.
Good luck in life - You will need it.
John

 

[WFalcon]

<< JPSJPS's pathetic attempt for a response:
WFalcon - Pimple faced little LUZERS like you give decent kids a bad name.
If you don't like the policies here, start your own board!!!
HaHaHaHaHaha - You don't have the talent!
Or, go whine at another board! >>



Hmm...speaking of talent, I know morons like you don't have any. I mean, who else but that poor, dumb bastard Ed would recommend that waste of web space to anyone. If you don't like what I have to say, why don't you go shove your nose up his butt? I have just as much right to speak my mind here, whether you like it or not.



<< Here is how many of us in our 60's did it:
1- Bust your ass to get an education (borrow $ if necessary) MSEE in my case.
2-Get a good job, continue to learn, and quickly work up to six figure income.
4-Save a little and invest.
5-Retire in 50's with six figure+ income.
6-Pay your bills instead of expecting a free ride!
7-Laugh at pathetic lazy grunts like you!!!!!

I was in circuit design all my working life! $400 for a video card like a GF4 is a SUPER bargain. If you had the foggiest idea how a video card works, you would know that.
Good luck in life - You will need it.
John >>



Once again you can't stick to the topic at hand. Is this the 60s? No. Is anyone saying that they can't afford a $400 video card? No. Did everyone honestly expect to get a $200 discount? No. But your LSD-induced delusions would let you go out and pay more for a product, rather than shop for the lowest price. Lemme guess - you've had a butt-ramming good time everytime you go buy a new Volkswagen, as you volunteer to pay MSRP + dealer markups? Anyway, if you had any idea in that pea-sized brain of yours, you'd realize that not everyone is as deluded as you are. Six-figure salary...yeah, right - you can't count the 2 digits to the right of the decimal point, dumb a$$.

 

[gothaggis]

okay, i just got this email

Dear xxxxxx xxxxxxxx,

Thank you for shopping at BestBuy.com!

Unfortunately, the following item(s) are still unavailable to be shipped, but we hope to be able to ship this item(s) to you soon.

If you prefer to cancel this item from your order, please contact our Customer Care representatives at onlinestore@bestbuy.com or call our Online Store help center toll-free at 1-888-BESTBUY (1-888-237-8289).

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

ORDER NUMBER: xxxxxx
Order Date: Feb 6, 2002
Credit Card Used: *******************

Item Description Type Qty Web Price Total Status
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VisionTek Xtasy GeForce4 Ti 46 --- 1 $129.99 $129.99 On Backorder


Keep in mind, your credit card will only be charged after each item has left our warehouse.

Your satisfaction is our main goal and we value your business. Thank you for shopping at BestBuy.com! <http://www.bestbuy.com>


If you have any questions or concerns about your order, here are 4 easy ways to find the answers:

1. Check your order status online anytime by going to this link and logging in: http://www.BestBuy.com/Accounts/Signin.asp or by clicking on the "My Account" button at the top of our website store pages.

2. Visit the Information Center section of our website at: http://www.BestBuy.com/InfoCenter or by clicking on the "Information Center" button at the top of our website store pages.

3. Email us anytime at mailtonlinestore@bestbuy.com

4. Contact our Customer Care representatives toll-free at 1-888-BESTBUY (1-888-237-8289).

 

[thunder001]

I got the same message from best buy today. It looks like we are going to get these cards after all.

 

[Lars]

I got that email as well. Maybe we will be lucky. :Q

 

[Viper GTS]

I got the backorder e-mail as well, but apparently some people have received two cancellation e-mails & their order status shows as cancelled on Best Buy's website. Mine still shows as in process, & I have only received one cancellation e-mail + the backorder e-mail.

Viper GTS

 

[SnotLink]

it's weird that some people are getting the second email cancellations and cancelled online order status. when the first cancellations came by email it seems like everybody got them and almost all at the very same time.

 

[jebus]

This is about my bad experience with crucial.

Having been a customer with crucial for many years now, I did not hesitate to buy a new stick of 256mb ram for my thinkpad from them last week (2/6). Yes having the price tag of $99 wasn't something I liked paying since 2 months ago it was only $49. Having excellent service (or so I thought), I received the ram the next day. I popped it into my system and everything went smoothly.

However I checked their website on Sunday (2/10) and noticed the ram had dropped from $99 (their normal price) down to $79! I was shocked since I just purchased it 4 days ago! OK with our 15% discount and adding tax, I could have saved almost $20! So remembering I had purchased ram from them before and they gave me a refund of the difference after finding out the price dropped, I prepared myself to call them the next day (Monday, today 2/11) to get a refund of the difference.

So I first started out going through their online customer service chat. I did a price guarantee before and the person online gave me a refund so I thought I might as well do everything I did before. Well no luck. The person took my order number, went to check, then came back and told me they don't do price guarantees. I was shocked once again! I said that I did this before and everything went smoothly. No response. So I told the person how I was a faithful customer and bought many sticks of ram from them in the past. If she won't do for me what another person did for me in the past, then they will lose a customer and I will never shop from them again. No response. Finally I said that I would like a refund. She promptly gave me a phone number to call and that was that.

So next I called customer service. Same response. She refused to give me a refund of the difference. So I asked for a refund and she told me that I would have to pay a 20% restocking fee! Then she put me on hold and never came back.

The once mighty crucial has let me down. I have always believed that crucial was one of the best online stores and had the best customer service (fast shipping and price guarantees), but my view has definitely changed now. 20% restocking fee?!??!! I might as well sell it on ebay then! I could have purchased my ram from somewhere else and get a better price, but no I decided to go with crucial because of the excellent previous experience. 4 days difference, you'd think they would give me the refund rather than loose such a loyal customer (something that Dell is an expert at). Oh well hopefully someone is reading this and has learned from my experience. But then writing this has also let out some of my anger.