Redboard unpostings
Rogers made a vow to open up their support to 'social media' and post any reasonable comment. This is a very progressive position, but some comments don't seem to be making it through the moderation queue.
Some of these have been eventually posted, after the conversation had died down. A few were called off topic.
This is more of a hobbie these days, every once in a while a Rogers moderator replies in a sympathetic tone, but situation is clear.
http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/samsung-galaxy-s-captivate-available-from-rogers-mid-october/#comment-12694
In response to someone asking why people are holding Rogers responsible for two month delays of devices:
We are holding them responsible because we are stuck buying our handsets from them. Clearly, Rogers doesn’t have the clout many other carriers do. Rogers has had to delay their Galaxy S launch until mid October, here in NYC they are having a buy one, get one free promotion. What would be the best solution? Making it reasonable for us to buy our own handsets on the free market, without paying double the cost for the obligatory subsidy fee. Why is the market stuck on subsidized handsets anyway? I haven’t needed to have anything subsidized since I was a teenager. So, yes, this is the fault of the carriers, and if there were a free market for handsets the situation would be much better.
Posted Sep 28, 2010 - posted nearly immediately. Clearly they don't expect people to get behind this solution.
I am in the states and couldn’t help but notice there is a promotion for the Galaxy S from one carrier — buy one get one free. Doesn’t sound like much of a ‘manufacturing delay’ to me.
I cannot say I am disappointed with Rogers as my expectations are low. I used to characterize myself as a victim, now I’m past that, lying on the ground with an arrow in my back, totally beaten down without any hope of any sensible plan in this world of entertainment handsets when I need a professional one (Android with keyboard), and contests when I just want fair pricing and terms. Which I’ve articulated numerous times and it just makes sense, including in the face of this “manufacturing delay” — let me buy my own handset on the free market, and offer me an unsubsidized plan. Sound fair? Yeah I know it does, but I also know I can take my ideas to that subterranean fiery place so you can focus on people looking for the shiny.
I hope you hear me moderator and I can cry on your shoulder, because I can’t expect much else and for my two smartphone lines ($2400 a year) I’m certainly buying you dinner.
Posted Sep 27, 2010
http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/rogers-on-demand-online-rentals-to-launch-next-month/
"What are your thoughts on the new service? How have you changed the ways you enjoy video entertainment?"
I realize (and it’s clear from the inclusion of statistics) that Rogers doesn’t need to focus on what any individual wants. But I don’t want just first run movies, trendy sports and series in an exclusive community, I want world scale choice and pricing with the knowledge and chaos of the Internet. I have yet to see any Rogers promotions that have been aimed at me, aside maybe from the initial “open,” “revolution” Android ads, which unfortunately proved rather false. While I am not included in “nearly 60 per cent of 18-34 year-old,” I am pretty sure the majority of people would simply like Roger to provide reliable, fast, competitive Internet service so we can choose from a global palette of options. Rogers should certainly participate in extra offerings, but not to the detriment to the bigger idea.
Posted Sept 10 morning. One day later several other postings made ... not that one.
Samsung Galaxy S Captivate coming soon to Rogers
Below not posted but they posted a more controversial post wit some back and forth:
I think you missed one point:
- Rogers wanted to head off any customers thinking of going to Bell for this device
However, if Rogers doesn’t literally *release* this device in “weeks” as they stated, they’re being dishonest.
By the way, I’d made similar points about the Samsung Galaxy S captivate coming soon to Rogers in another post that never made it here, perhaps something about it was considered “offtopic” *cough* unsubsidized plans with consumers buying and controlling their handset of choice on the open market *cough*
Posted Aug 19, 2010 1435 in response to a similar post that didn't make it.
RedBoard’s FAAQ: Frequently Asked Android Questions
Alan - let me assure you, you don't need to step in and apologize on behalf of corporations. There's nothing, anywhere that says "consumer phones are meant to be locked down." That's more tenuous than Rogers' statement that their offering would be a "revolution" and "open." A statement that some of us would like them to follow up on, rather than making excuses on their behalf that accepts a dysfunctional status quo.
I have no desire to own the Nexus One as I want a keyboard device. Further, the formula doesn't make sense, since I'd be continuing to pay monthly subsidization fees to Rogers, effectively nearly paying double for my handset.
Please, unless you're going to say something useful, next time keep your thoughts to yourself. ;)
Post May 13
Rogers self-service on demand: How-to videos, cheat sheets and FAQs
I'm still waiting to see my post from several days ago asking how to self serve purchase a new handset less than three years after my current one. In an age of fast moving (especially the first generation — Dream/Magic — which most quickly became outdated), ever lower priced standard handsets, this is obviously something many people will want to do. Alternatively, what price discounts can we expect if we don't obtain a 'subsidized' handset from Rogers?
Posted March 25 to http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/rogers-self-service-on-demand-how-to-videos-cheat-sheets-and-faqs - previous post 'disappeared.'
How @RogersHelps helps: Improving the customer experience 140 characters at a time
Is @RogersHelp going to do anything if my smartphone is stolen except explain I have to break my contract (around $300), create a new three year contract, and buy a new device (around $600) ?
I’d like to see Rogers simply offer replacement devices at a pro rated cost. If you say the device is worth $600, and it’s $200 up front, and you’re claiming I’m subsidizing the remainder over 36 months, I should be able to get a replacement for $332 after one year. That’s about what I’d pay to break the contract alone. Does this not sound fair to anyone?
And it does imply that those who get their own smartphone should be paying $11 less a month…
Posted March 31, 2010 0730am to http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/how-rogershelps-helps-improving-the-customer-experience-140-characters-at-a-time/
(in addendum to above)
In case my comment isn't clear, let me explain...
A few months ago my wife's iPhone was stolen. It's from Fido, but please hold off on the Fido-isn't-Rogers macro, I think the story would be the same.
I called customer service and explained the situation. The rep I spoke to sounded like she'd never heard of anyone losing their phone before, as if everyone simply had their phones for three years and this was a very special circumstance. Her first proposal was crazy. We'd have to break the phone and data contracts, and lose our existing phone number. We'd have to buy a new iPhone for $600, including a $35 signup fee and lose our FidoDollars. Pretty much $1000. After three phone calls, we finally got it so we'd only need to cancel one plan for a $125 fee, not pay a signup fee, and pay $600 for a new phone, and use our FidoDollars to pay for most of that (thank goodness for Fido Dollars).
When I got the bill, it seems we were charged $300 for cancelling, but by then I was so damned tired of arguing and confused by all the different options I gave up. I sincerely hope that wasn't part of the plan.
What I'd like to see Rogers do is go for a simple, Really Real Reality option where for any reason I can sign on to MyAccount, click a button on the phone I want, and it will tell me how much I'll pay and/or how much my contract will be extended, given the system knows the terms of my account. This will eliminate all the confusion, including the unfairness associated with special deals people sometimes seem to get, and avoid the confusion that often ensues when speaking with a rep
Posted March 31 to http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/how-rogershelps-helps-improving-the-customer-experience-140-characters-at-a-time/
RedBoard @ one month: How are we doing?
Rogers is making a brave and smart move with this service, hopefully toward getting to the bottom of what we all want, healthy competitive service focused on true Internet access, with worthwhile Rogers offers layered on top. Many homes are, like mine, spending around $8000 over three years on Rogers wireless. For this price we should expect quite a bit. [Rogers is in a tough position because Internet is something that could and should be freely distributed]
With social media comes the hope relationships can be formed. Even if we don't remember a name or avatar, history is just a click away and hopefully we can avoid seeing unhelpful canned responses, and this can be more of a conversation, and less disassociated blips.
I have been continually promoting a few themes —
- Rogers [and HTC] made a mistake with the Dream's inability to upgrade and the Magic offer was not an adequate response [for many Dream purchasers]
- customers should be able to more easily replace or upgrade devices purchased through Rogers without having to go through bizarre 'contract cancellation' contortions. ideally, within a few clicks through their myRogers account
- It's good Rogers has clarified we can use third party devices, and even embraced the Nexus One. However, people who are not using a subsidized device should be paying a lower fee [rogers can use its position as a hardware purveyor more competitively and progressively]
Finally, I would like a "my profile" link on this site so I can find all postings I've made, and see others' profiles. Several postings I made haven't shown up after a week.
Posted April 1, 2010 to http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/redboard-one-month-how-are-we-doing/