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Technology Stocks : OnSale Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jim Johnson who wrote (3709)	2/17/1999 7:17:00 AM
From: SouthFloridaGuy	Respond to of 4903

AOL TAKING A STAKE IN EBAY? AUCTION FORMAT BEING REDEEMED? IS ONSL NEXT?

To: Jim Johnson who wrote (3709)	2/17/1999 8:44:00 AM
From: B. A. Marlow	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 4903

Was not referring to anyone in particular, Jim. Mine are generic points. In your case, I can't speak to the details of the transaction because I have no knowledge of the offer to which you responded. Don't know what you mean by "miniscule," but yes, you should read every word of the ad. Among other things, a difference between buying something online and buying something in the physical world (even from a catalog) is an element of physicality and spatial relations. Even in a "dead tree" catalog, you'd observe a particular software offer surrounded by others, so there would be a "context." This element doesn't always exist online. That's why a greater burden is placed on direct information transfer in the online metaphor, if only from "fine print." One more thing. Assuming you believed an "offer" was made, and that you reasonably "relied" upon that offer and "accepted" that offer--only to find that what you bargained for wasn't forthcoming (whether unintended or otherwise), you presumably paid by credit card. After giving a merchant written notice of your lack of satisfaction and its failure to provide a reasonable remedy, you have the right to dispute a transaction and, if necessary, initiate a chargeback. Look, glitches happen. A couple of weekends ago, I had occasion to stay in an out-of-town (small town) Marriott hotel. Arrived late at night, couldn't find a "convenient" parking space and parked in a "handicapped" space (all 10 or so were empty). Came back the next morning to find a ticket for $85 (issued at 2:30am), virtually the cost of the hotel room itself and a higher penalty than for parking in a fire lane. Obviously a "gotcha," courtesy of the town of Farmington, CT. Complained to the hotel and they threw up their hands. Even though they owned the lot, the town established the regulations. Called the local police chief to protest and received a self-righteous, arrogant scolding. So what are the chances I'll ever stay at that hotel again or spend another dime in that town? But still, it's my fault because I was on notice that it was handicapped parking. It's just that my expectations were at odds with reality. BAM