Brads Blog

As I was doing a review of the RSS reader IntraVnews, I got hooked on the whole syndication thing. I always knew feeds were out there, but never really paid much attention to them. Once I started tinkering with this software, I am suddenly wondering how I made it this far without it. Before, I would dance from blog to blog, website to website. There are quite a few I check on a regular basis. Now, I simply check my favorites like I check my email. I am much more efficient with my valuable internet time. I came across a good article, kind of a “how to” for RSS. Here it is.
If you are one of the millions out there who read blogs and don’t do the whole “feeds thing”, I strongly suggest you at least give it a try. It will make things much easier. If you are still intimidated, some sites offer email feeds (such as Bradsblog), where site updates are sent to your email.

I’ve seen the infomercials on Sunday morning television for Direct Buy. People claim to save thousands, or tens of thousands of dollars of home furnishings and building supplies. I smelt a scam so I decided to give them a call and check it out.

The lady on the phone really could answer none of my questions. In fact all she could do is get all my personal information and arrange for a special appointment to check it out. I gave her false information and cut the phone call a bit short. I could just imagine getting there and having a group of high pressure salesmen trying to strongarm me into buying an expensive membership.

Update 11/27/05
This seems to be a pretty hot topic, so I’ve decided to revisit Directbuy.

After I recieved several emails inquiring whether or not I found anything else out, I decided to do a little research. I found a site called www.ratethatcompany.com and found that many other people out there realized this was a scam. Unfortunately for some, it was too late.

One concerned woman wrote to me:
DirectBuy, Just don’t do it! My husband and I went to the presentation, and it seems like a good idea. Yes, you will save money, it seems, but the hassle, the hidden fees, the lack of customer service and lies make it not worth it. And don’t call corporate- seems there is no franchise standard. The owners of each club are the final say. We need to find out how to now get our money back.

If you have been burned by them, or know of any other resources that may help those who have been caught up in this outfit, please post comments here.

Update 1/4/07
Thank everyone who has left a testimonial in the comments. Please keep posting comments here!

I mentioned in my post last Sunday that I plan to publish a glossary of common blog terms this week. However, I have decided that I will not be posting it on Bradsblog. I will give it a little more fine tuning then post it to the Blog-Hints blog.

I have some pretty deep rants on my mind right now I am writing up and will have those out this week as well. I continued to work on my newsletter, but will delay publishing it until I have more subscribers.

I am also gearing up for a review of the Bowflex workout system I use regularly. This should be done this week.