effigy

constitutionally addicted

Having already "earned" one free iPod from this company, I will gladly vouch for their legitimacy.

free Mac mini [Mac mini details]
free iPod [iPod details]
But is it wise or safe? ["be smart" tips]

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free Mac mini
Apple just released the new Mac mini, and I know I could use a new computer. Could you? * Get a new, free Mac mini. *

SPECS
fast (1.42GHz PowerPC) G4 processor; comes with 80GB hard drive; iLife ’05, Mac OS X Tiger; built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth capacity; DVD/CD-RW combo drive; 512MB DDR333 SDRAM; DVI or VGA video output; ATI Radeon 9200 with 32MB DDR video memory; just 6.5 inches wide and 2 inches tall; weighs only 2.9 lbs

>> iPod details | >> "be smart" tips

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free iPod
Even with all the new stuff out there (Mac minis, iPod shuffles, gaming systems, etc.), it's still not too late to * help yourself to a new, free iPod. *

SPECS for 30GB (4GB Nano iPods or $250 iTunes gift certificates are also options)
holds up to 7,500 songs, 75 hours of video; 14 hours of music playback, 2 hours of video playback; Mac and Windows compatible; Less than half an inch thick, 4.8 ounces; earbud headphones, dock adapter, protective sleeve, and USB 2.0 cable included; 12+ hour battery life with a 3 hour charge; Uses "click wheel" functionality

<< Mac mini details | >> "be smart" tips

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THREE MAIN CONCERNS are raised when it comes to these kinds of things, and they are worth addressing:

1. Don't most of the "free" offers still require that you submit a credit card or debit card number? If so, is that right or wise to do? And what if I don't even have a credit/debit card?

This is just a helpful hint for those of us who are not real thrilled about distributing our credit/debit card numbers online: If you already have a PayPal account, PayPal provides an option to purchase a prepaid "card" with a set ceiling amount (for instance, $10). In this way, you can get/give them a temporary set amount virtual credit card with a limit you can afford to lose if some hacker tries to keif into your account. Check it out at www.paypal.com.

2. Does this company give out my email address or my friends' / family's email addresses to junkmail spammers? If so, is it ethical or wise to risk that lack of security and privacy? Are there ways around that?

If you have a blog, join other bloggers in posting your referral link in your sidebars, etc. And/or email your copy/pasted referral link directly to people you think will be interested in the product. (You don't get "points" for the quantity of emails you send out, so don't email people who you know won't care, and don't barrage multiple accounts for one person.) Don't submit your friends'/family's email addresses directly to the website. Leave that ball in their court. It ought to be their prerogative whether or not they want that information out there. It's possible that these email addresses are handed over for mercenary use -- this company can't give away free stuff and still send their kids to college if they don't get some money from marketers -- but if you're worried about spam, create a new free email address (at Yahoo!, Google, Hotmail, etc.) solely to handle mails from/for this endeavor. Or if you're worried about eliminating junkmail and viruses, submit either a Mac email account (if you have one), which isn't bothered with such things or use Mozilla Thunderbird for your email client (instead of Microsoft Outlook), so that the junkmail is easily deleted or blocked altogether.

3. What's in it for the "complete an offer" companies? Are they legit? Is it a pain to unsubscribe/cancel a trial period? Are there hidden costs that make the "free" offers not so free?

There are ways around the gimmick-ness of these offers. One, choose wisely. Some really are free (eFax, Stamps.com, etc.). Some have a small fee. If you sign up for vitamins -- you still pay the $5-7 shipping (although, admittedly, one might consider $6 well worth the opportunity to own a free $600 computer). I had no trouble whatsoever getting my trial subscription to Stamps.com, and no hassle at all canceling it. I think it varies with companies. If you sign up with Columbia House or BMG, you will never -- I repeat, NEVER -- get out again. They are incorrigible in all the worst ways. Evaluate the offers carefully, choose one that sounds best to you, one that sounds worth any inconvenience or small cost, and go with it. In the big scope picture, it's a small price to pay.

<< Mac mini details | << iPod details

ONE MORE RECAP: STUPENDOUS LINKS
PayPal
free Mac mini
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www.allofmp3.com

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