New Hotmail policy - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

liquidlight · 05-11-2005, 09:16 AM

I was going to place this in computers, but since it isn't specific to Microsoft or Hotmail I thought we could have a general gripe.

Upon attempting to login to my various Hotmail accounts this morning I was greeted with this:

Quote:

Your MSN account is governed by the following agreements and statements, which are collectively referred to as the Agreements:

MSN Service Agreement

MSN Privacy Statement

Click each link above to open the Agreement in a new window, and then print or save a copy of the Agreement. If you accept all of the Agreements, sign them as a group by typing your e-mail address in the box below exactly as shown, including punctuation. If you do not accept the Agreements in their entirety and without modification, click the Cancel button to discontinue sign-up.

By typing my e-mail address in the box above and clicking the Accept button, I am entering into, and agreeing to be bound by, all of the Agreements. I understand that I am creating credentials that I can use on other sites in the Passport Network. I am consenting to receive all information from Microsoft in electronic form only. I also agree to receive targeted advertisements and periodic member letter e-mail messages from MSN. I understand that if I do not accept the Agreements in their entirety without modification, I should click the Cancel button to discontinue sign-up.

Pretty boilerplate really, but the part that REALLY miffed me is the I also agree to receive targeted advertisements and periodic member letter e-mail messages from MSN.

WHAT THE HELL!? And there is no way to continue to use the email address unless I opt-in to this crap and allow them to spam me!

Granted, there are other free mail services out there, and since it's free I can't really bitch, however I've had these accounts for over five YEARS and changing them now would cut off communications in a fashion that I can't even begin to guess at all the facets and I'm sure that they know this.

So I'm left between a rock and a hard place. Either I opt-in to this garbage and put up with their spam, or I try to change the account and redirect all the traffic, both of which are completely bullshit.

Does anyone have any reason why this should be supported? Or perhaps other stories of how you've had it stuck you by large companies that can afford to piss you off and know that they can abuse you?

the_marq · 05-11-2005, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liquidlight

Granted, there are other free mail services out there, and since it's free I can't really bitch ... /snip

BINGO.

All in all this is no different that broadcast television. No doubt you've heard the adage; "Your TV's role is not to entertain or inform you, it's role is to sell you sponsor's products."

Your (and my) free email service is the same deal. Whether it's Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo (or a thousand others) since we're not paying for the service someone else has to pick up the bill, and in this case it's MS and their sponsors.

I feel the same way you do, but I found my life is a lot easier if I just don't get too worked up over it.

liquidlight · 05-11-2005, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_marq

I feel the same way you do, but I found my life is a lot easier if I just don't get too worked up over it.

Here here! I was just more than a little pissed to be blindsided by this when I attempted to check my mail this morning, I still haven't decided if I want to sign in.

punx1325 · 05-11-2005, 10:01 AM

Another reason why Yahoo mail is better, and now we get a gb of space...

hrandani · 05-11-2005, 10:10 AM

I went from Hotmail to Yahoo to Gmail.

Gmail is by far the best, and quickest. Not to mention it is a completely new look on email, but it's kind of hard to have correspondences with people who don't use gmail, that's my only beef.

Suzz04 · 05-11-2005, 10:16 AM

I have a Gmail account and have had a easier time with it than with Hotmail or Yahoo. So far I haven't had any problems communicating with anyone that doesn't use Gmail.

If anyone needs/wants a invite, PM me and I'll send you one... I have I think 50 sitting there or maybe more.

ngdawg · 05-11-2005, 10:20 AM

Didn't get it and I just now signed into my Hotmail...I must be speshul

liquidlight · 05-11-2005, 10:25 AM

I did find the "opt-out" section of the page finally, apparently they still don't like getting sued.

http://privacy.msn.com/choice/updatepref.asp

Cynthetiq · 05-11-2005, 10:43 AM

I don't get any extra special adverts from the the MSN group as I have ONLY my contact lists able to send me mail. Everything else goes to the spam folder.

kutulu · 05-11-2005, 10:43 AM

Why shouldn't MSN be allowed to send their users spam? They are getting a free service that costs the company millions. They should be able to make as much money as they can with it.

Cuatela · 05-11-2005, 11:18 AM

If you're really worried about it, get Gmail. I (and about a thousand other people) have over 50 invites sitting unused. And if you need a passport, you can use other email addresses and sign up for a passport.

tricks · 05-11-2005, 12:03 PM

My Hotmail account is specifically for situations like this. I use it almost exclusivly for buying things online, figuring it's going to get all sorts of spam.

There's nothing to keep you from having more than one e-mail for different purposes. You don't need to even use your own information.

Janey · 05-11-2005, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrandani

but it's kind of hard to have correspondences with people who don't use gmail, that's my only beef.

why is it hard to do that? can you not just type in their addy?

TexanAvenger · 05-11-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngdawg

Didn't get it and I just now signed into my Hotmail...I must be speshul

I feel speshul too... no noose o' adverstising around my neck.

Mondak · 05-11-2005, 12:29 PM

There are plenty of inexpensive ways to get cheap - not free - email. Since nothing is free, the send about 1 email every week or so in my mailbox it seems. I don't know that I am really getting spammed to bad and only use my hotmail account as a "freebie" email when I sign up for stuff online that I don't want to use one of my good ones.

I can't say that I am bothered since I don't expect Microsoft to provide a useful service without any attempts to benefit from it. Heck - I don't really blame them and think that they don't abuse their power in this case.

Daniel_ · 05-11-2005, 01:05 PM

I joined via the UK MSN site, but haven't had that. I do get a shedload of space though - not sure if it's a Gb or just a few hundred Mbs, but it's loads.

Rlyss · 05-11-2005, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janey

why is it hard to do that? can you not just type in their addy?

For some reason my Gmail account refuses to accept any e-mails from Hotmail. When I first signed up for Gmail I was hoping it would take the place of my other three (two Yahoo and one Hotmail) addresses, since I like Gmail's advertising policy (not too intrusive) and the space it offers. I haven't messed around with any block settings, so it's not like Hotmail is filtered out from my inbox. I've just never been able to receive Hotmail messages

But I think I might be the only one.

My Hotmail account's really for things I have to sign up for online, really just for things I know I'll get spammed for so I'm not too fussed about their policies. Only people on my (very small) contact list get to my inbox, the rest goes straight to the junk mail folder, but even though the Hotmail Member Newsletter isn't in my contact list it still ends up in my inbox, with a different icon and all. I think they bypass their own filters.

Sweetpea · 05-11-2005, 01:16 PM

It's free!!!

Stop complaining, there are bigger things in life to worry about right?

Unless your life is so perfect, that is all you have to complain about . . . then i guess you should count yourself lucky.

I just find it facinating that on this Earth, where there are plently of things to get worked up over . . . say . . . millions starving, unjust wars, homeless children, human rights atrocities . . . what people choose to get angry about is a FREE hotmail account that spams you sometimes. Come on people . . .

not trying to be a bitch . . .

Sweet Pea

soccerchamp76 · 05-11-2005, 01:40 PM

I use the Yahoo! mail service, now complete with 1GB storage space (although I will never come even close to touching it). With the Firefox and the extensions Adblock and RIP (Remove it Permanately), I never see any ads on the page and they have a nice spam blocker.

Manuel Hong · 05-11-2005, 02:35 PM

I've got great spam and pop up blockers. I wonder if that has anything to do with not getting the notice you speak of on my hotmail account. No big whoop if I did, I'd just delete the spam if I ever got any. The only ads I get are from hotmail.

Sweetpea: I hear ya, girl!

ShaniFaye · 05-11-2005, 02:45 PM

I have used gmail for a long time, I've never had one problem getting mail from anyone using hotmail, yahoo etc I wouldnt trade it for anything

RCR · 05-12-2005, 01:25 AM

Gmail is amazing, though i was intrigued to see that the yahoo mail system was very similar...

2.2 GB of space on gmail helps too

Martian · 05-12-2005, 02:53 AM

I use Gmail for most of my communications, but they advertise too, just not as obtrusively. Hell, TFP is remarkable as one of very few websites that doesn't have some form of advertising involved with it. Certainly most free services use ads of some sort just to pay the bills.

I think somebody already made the television comparison, but I will too because that really is the same idea. You're not the consumer, you're the product.

Blackthorn · 05-12-2005, 03:12 AM

Umm...Isn't hotmail FREE?

Cuatela · 05-12-2005, 11:46 AM

Hotmail, Yahoo, and Gmail are all free.

trib767 · 05-12-2005, 03:03 PM

I run my own mail server. I choose not to spam myself

Jesus Pimp · 05-12-2005, 03:50 PM

People still use hotmail?

Cuatela · 05-13-2005, 11:24 AM

I use it for bogus signups or things I'm not sure about (things that are possibly spam)

liquidlight · 05-13-2005, 12:00 PM

I ranted because I've had my hotmail accounts for seriously 5 years, one that I used to be portable for important things like resumes and job offers, the others for various filtering of spam, interaction with friends.

I use my Yahoo and Gmail more these days, but it was a bad morning and Hotmail pissed me off. Though if you'll see the original post what I was really aiming for was having people share experiences where they've been misused by corporate america.

Maybe we can still get a few good stories.

ChistledStone · 05-17-2005, 12:37 AM

Yeah I've gone totally G. Gmail, Google, Gmac, I'm the G-man. I also starred in HL2

Anyway with like 2.25 gigs of space and growing, a easy to use and nice looking interface, and the ability to use it with MSN Messenger, I'm fine

bookiebye · 05-17-2005, 06:23 AM

It seems like a logical progression for Microsoft. Since the original intent for the Hotmail service must have already been fulfilled, then Microsoft can use the service to their advantage in other ways. Thanks to Hotmail, Microsoft has pulled off probably the largest and most cost effective market research program in history, and now that they have their database built they will use it to promote other products and services. as far as I'm concerned it was a job very well done by the marketing staff at Microsoft. And now, taking the very short amount of time to delete the advertisements we receive before getting to our business is a small sacrifice for the continuing FREE service.

If you don't want service providers spam you can pay for a secured site. Otherwise quit bitching about something you are getting for FREE!!!

05-11-2005, 10:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
punx1325 Junkie Location: San Diego	Another reason why Yahoo mail is better, and now we get a gb of space... __________________ If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is....

05-11-2005, 10:20 AM	#7 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	Didn't get it and I just now signed into my Hotmail...I must be speshul __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

05-11-2005, 10:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
liquidlight AHH! Custom Title!! Location: The twisted warpings of my brain.	I did find the "opt-out" section of the page finally, apparently they still don't like getting sued. http://privacy.msn.com/choice/updatepref.asp __________________ Halfway to hell and picking up speed.

05-11-2005, 10:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	I don't get any extra special adverts from the the MSN group as I have ONLY my contact lists able to send me mail. Everything else goes to the spam folder. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

05-11-2005, 11:18 AM	#11 (permalink)
Cuatela Insane Location: NC, USA	If you're really worried about it, get Gmail. I (and about a thousand other people) have over 50 invites sitting unused. And if you need a passport, you can use other email addresses and sign up for a passport. __________________ Any sarcasm was intentional.

05-11-2005, 10:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
hrandani Insane	I went from Hotmail to Yahoo to Gmail. Gmail is by far the best, and quickest. Not to mention it is a completely new look on email, but it's kind of hard to have correspondences with people who don't use gmail, that's my only beef.

05-11-2005, 10:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
Suzz04 Crazy Location: Virginia	I have a Gmail account and have had a easier time with it than with Hotmail or Yahoo. So far I haven't had any problems communicating with anyone that doesn't use Gmail. If anyone needs/wants a invite, PM me and I'll send you one... I have I think 50 sitting there or maybe more.

05-11-2005, 10:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
kutulu Junkie	Why shouldn't MSN be allowed to send their users spam? They are getting a free service that costs the company millions. They should be able to make as much money as they can with it.

05-11-2005, 12:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
tricks Crazy	My Hotmail account is specifically for situations like this. I use it almost exclusivly for buying things online, figuring it's going to get all sorts of spam. There's nothing to keep you from having more than one e-mail for different purposes. You don't need to even use your own information. __________________ People Are Stupid. People can be made to believe any lie, either because they want it to be true or because they fear that it is.

05-11-2005, 12:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
Mondak Industrialist Location: Southern California	There are plenty of inexpensive ways to get cheap - not free - email. Since nothing is free, the send about 1 email every week or so in my mailbox it seems. I don't know that I am really getting spammed to bad and only use my hotmail account as a "freebie" email when I sign up for stuff online that I don't want to use one of my good ones. I can't say that I am bothered since I don't expect Microsoft to provide a useful service without any attempts to benefit from it. Heck - I don't really blame them and think that they don't abuse their power in this case. __________________ All truth passes through three stages: First it is ridiculed Second, it is violently opposed and Third, it is accepted as self-evident. ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER (1788-1860)

05-11-2005, 01:05 PM	#16 (permalink)
Daniel_ Evil Priest: The Devil Made Me Do It! Location: Southern England	I joined via the UK MSN site, but haven't had that. I do get a shedload of space though - not sure if it's a Gb or just a few hundred Mbs, but it's loads.

05-11-2005, 01:16 PM	#18 (permalink)
Sweetpea Fade out Location: in love	It's free!!! Stop complaining, there are bigger things in life to worry about right? Unless your life is so perfect, that is all you have to complain about . . . then i guess you should count yourself lucky. I just find it facinating that on this Earth, where there are plently of things to get worked up over . . . say . . . millions starving, unjust wars, homeless children, human rights atrocities . . . what people choose to get angry about is a FREE hotmail account that spams you sometimes. Come on people . . . not trying to be a bitch . . . Sweet Pea __________________ Having a Pet Will Change Your Life! Looking for a great pet?! Click Here! "I am the Type of Person Who Can Get Away With A lot, Simply Because I Don't Ask Permission for the Privilege of Being Myself" Last edited by sweetpea; 05-11-2005 at 01:28 PM..

05-11-2005, 01:40 PM	#19 (permalink)
soccerchamp76 Go Cardinals Location: St. Louis/Cincinnati	I use the Yahoo! mail service, now complete with 1GB storage space (although I will never come even close to touching it). With the Firefox and the extensions Adblock and RIP (Remove it Permanately), I never see any ads on the page and they have a nice spam blocker. __________________ Brian Griffin: Ah, if my memory serves me, this is the physics department. Chris Griffin: That would explain all the gravity.

05-11-2005, 02:35 PM	#20 (permalink)
Manuel Hong Addict Location: Land of the puny, wimpy states	I've got great spam and pop up blockers. I wonder if that has anything to do with not getting the notice you speak of on my hotmail account. No big whoop if I did, I'd just delete the spam if I ever got any. The only ads I get are from hotmail. Sweetpea: I hear ya, girl! __________________ Believe nothing, even if I tell it to you, unless it meets with your own good common sense and experience. - Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

05-11-2005, 02:45 PM	#21 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I have used gmail for a long time, I've never had one problem getting mail from anyone using hotmail, yahoo etc I wouldnt trade it for anything __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

05-12-2005, 03:12 AM	#24 (permalink)
Blackthorn Beware the Mad Irish Location: Wish I was on the N17...	Umm...Isn't hotmail FREE? __________________ What are you willing to give up in order to get what you want?

05-12-2005, 01:25 AM	#22 (permalink)
RCR Crazy	Gmail is amazing, though i was intrigued to see that the yahoo mail system was very similar... 2.2 GB of space on gmail helps too

05-12-2005, 02:53 AM	#23 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	I use Gmail for most of my communications, but they advertise too, just not as obtrusively. Hell, TFP is remarkable as one of very few websites that doesn't have some form of advertising involved with it. Certainly most free services use ads of some sort just to pay the bills. I think somebody already made the television comparison, but I will too because that really is the same idea. You're not the consumer, you're the product.

05-12-2005, 11:46 AM	#25 (permalink)
Cuatela Insane Location: NC, USA	Hotmail, Yahoo, and Gmail are all free. __________________ Any sarcasm was intentional.

05-12-2005, 03:03 PM	#26 (permalink)
trib767 Crazy Location: London, UK	I run my own mail server. I choose not to spam myself

05-12-2005, 03:50 PM	#27 (permalink)
Jesus Pimp The Original JizzSmacka	People still use hotmail? __________________ Never date anyone who doesn't make your dick hard.

05-13-2005, 11:24 AM	#28 (permalink)
Cuatela Insane Location: NC, USA	I use it for bogus signups or things I'm not sure about (things that are possibly spam) __________________ Any sarcasm was intentional.

05-13-2005, 12:00 PM	#29 (permalink)
liquidlight AHH! Custom Title!! Location: The twisted warpings of my brain.	I ranted because I've had my hotmail accounts for seriously 5 years, one that I used to be portable for important things like resumes and job offers, the others for various filtering of spam, interaction with friends. I use my Yahoo and Gmail more these days, but it was a bad morning and Hotmail pissed me off. Though if you'll see the original post what I was really aiming for was having people share experiences where they've been misused by corporate america. Maybe we can still get a few good stories. __________________ Halfway to hell and picking up speed.

05-17-2005, 12:37 AM	#30 (permalink)
ChistledStone Crazy Location: Australia	Yeah I've gone totally G. Gmail, Google, Gmac, I'm the G-man. I also starred in HL2 Anyway with like 2.25 gigs of space and growing, a easy to use and nice looking interface, and the ability to use it with MSN Messenger, I'm fine __________________ A.minor.fall.then.a.major.lift

05-17-2005, 06:23 AM	#31 (permalink)
bookiebye Upright	It seems like a logical progression for Microsoft. Since the original intent for the Hotmail service must have already been fulfilled, then Microsoft can use the service to their advantage in other ways. Thanks to Hotmail, Microsoft has pulled off probably the largest and most cost effective market research program in history, and now that they have their database built they will use it to promote other products and services. as far as I'm concerned it was a job very well done by the marketing staff at Microsoft. And now, taking the very short amount of time to delete the advertisements we receive before getting to our business is a small sacrifice for the continuing FREE service. If you don't want service providers spam you can pay for a secured site. Otherwise quit bitching about something you are getting for FREE!!! __________________ Get it done!