RealNetworks adds 'handling fee'

RealNetworks is changing the pricing structure for its online subscription services, starting with its SuperPass and Internet radio plans.

The company is adding a 79 cent monthly "handling fee" to subscription bills, but will waive the fee-?and add further discounts-?for people who pay for an entire year in advance. The company's other subscription services will have the same fee added later in the year, with a similar annual payment offer.

[Not Bugged]

What??!!!???

*** are they handling???

If you want to raise the price of your service, fine. Do it. Don't pull this BS about handling fees. Looks like I'll be cancelling my Rhapsody subscription and going to Napster. I won't put up with "handling fees" when there is nothing to "handle". They charge your credit card once a month. I don't get a bill. Do they plan on mailing me a paper bill?

[thuber]

Ummmm....

...what exactly are they handling?

[thejer]

yea, totally bogus

this doesn't make any sense. Rhapsody is cool, but I've been using it less and less. I think it's time to cancel it before they implement this bit of stupidity.

Just a hint to RealNetworks...if you want people to pay for a year in advance, you usually frame it as they get a discount from the regular price. You don't add a bogus handling fee for not subscribing a year at a time. but now that you've angered people, you won't even get monthly payments! Much less annual payments...

Glad you guys didn't want to interview me for a job :-P

[powerclam]

As bad as "inactivity fees" for stock-trading!!

This is REAL-ly stupid.
They may as well add a fee for not drowning kittens while twirling their mustachios...
Real has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory time after time, and it looks like they're doing it again! Har har... good grief. And to think that I was dumb enough to subscribe at one time!