steve@avsdS.UUCP (07/23/83)
'20 June 83 To Whom It May Concern, This saga started over a year ago when I purchased my Sinclair computer (in May of 1982). Shortly afterwards, I was assailed by droves of magazine offers of the "please subscribe" variety to which my usual answer was "RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE....". This usually works after a few weeks in that, eventually, I am not bothered anymore by the publishers. HOWEVER, credit must be given to the "MICROSYSTEMS" subscription staff of the ZIFF-DAVIS PUBLISHING CO. for having some of the most AGGRESSIVE magazine selling tactics of which I have had the misfortune of being the recipient. To start, I applied the usual negative response pattern (ie. RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE....) This pattern was rewarded with new offers to expand my computer horizons by the purchase of their magazine (RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE....) I then was told that I will start receiving my subscription to "MICROSYSTEMS" just as soon as I paid my bill ( my BILL???) (RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE....) At this point in time you may think (as did I) that, AH-HA!!, surely they wouldn't start sending an UN-PAID subscription, would they??? (Wait---it gets better!!!) It was sometime in the fall that I received my (MY???) first issue of "MICROSYSTEMS" magazine. AND another bill-'Your bill is now due'. (RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE....) During the winter months, the "FINAL NOTICES" started to appear. (RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE...RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE...RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE....) Somewhere approaching springtime, my anger got the best of me and I actually replied to one of their "FINAL NOTICES". In no uncertain terms I informed them (on their notice and with their envelope) that I had nevered ordered their magazine and that I would never pay for items not solicited. (SCRIBBLE-SCRIBBLE-FOLD-LICK-STAMP-MAIL!!!!) This, then, I thought was the end of it.....(the magazines stopped!!) ONE MONTH AGO, I received notice that, ALAS!!!, if I didn't pay up NOW, I would lose my subscription (TOO LATE-IT'S STOPPED, HA-HA!!) (RIP!!!--CIRCULAR FILE....) AND NOW, RIGHT NOW, TODAY---I have been informed that; "Dear Subscriber, Unless you pay immediately, your account will be sent to our collection department for further action. Prompt payment will reinstate service." This notice I did not dispose of in the usual manner. This notice is the one that will get me a formal written apology, WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, by the subscription department manager of "MICROSYSTEMS" magazine for the treatment I have received from his/her staff and the stupidity thus displayed, AND for the implied threat to my credit rating. This time I am sure that this mess will be taken care of and I will no longer be badgered by "MICROSYSYTEMS" magazine. I feel certain in this because: "Dear Publisher, Unless you take care of this matter in the manner indicated above, a number of unpleasant actions will have to be taken. Such as: 1--All radio and television stations within a one hundred mile radius of the San Francisco Bay Area having a consumer action reporter will receive copies of this letter. 2--A national commentator on both the ABC and CBS radio systems will receive copies of this letter (read H. Reasoner and P. Harvey). 3--The president of and public relations department for ZIFF-DAVIS PUBLISHING CO. will receive copies of this letter. 4--The post office will be asked to determined if a case of mail fraud exists. 5--The nation-wide USENET will receive a copy of this letter------mailed to ALL net.newsgroups (this last may happen anyway--we all enjoy a laugh) Prompt action will be appreciated." S. Russell'