When signing up for the BlastOff Network, a message at the top of the screen clearly states “We will never share your information.” A link to their privacy policy follows, which is also in the footer of every page. A quick read of the policy shows this contradiction:
“From time to time, we make the e-mail addresses of those who access our site available to other reputable organizations whose products or services we think you might find interesting. If you do not want us to share your e-mail address with other companies or organizations, please let us know by or selecting the option which states that you do not which to have your information shared.”
Assuming they meant “do not wish” instead of “do not which”, I went to look for the option to turn off this e-mail sharing, which they had declared they would never do. There is no check box on the sign up page, so maybe on the account settings page? See below:
Hm, I don’t see it either. In fact I can’t find the option to turn it off anywhere. I guess I will sit back and wait for exciting offers from reputable organizations. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying my possibly negative savings.
1. I’m still waiting for my invite! All seriousness aside, I’m not kidding… (Steve Allen)
2. I would guess there are more typos in the epically long TOS/PP, with the teeny weeny font. BO is so grammatically challenged that the original home page was worded, “Joe Schmo has invited you to join ‘their’ network” :
http://getsatisfaction.com/blastoff/topics/grammar_problem_in_new_introductory_join_panel
3. The negative savings link was illuminative (thanks), but I’m not surprised. And I had already posted on Blastoff Sucka that the effort of one mouse click would have saved money: : “One concerned relative has already proven that her baby brudda lost $40.23 through Blastaway yo’ money:
http://www.scam.com/showpost.php?p=830636&postcount=968
Ironic, considering the feckless leader suggests members purchase the very same product at a different, but probably comparably priced store to put pesos into his, er the Networks’ coffers. The pitch begins at 3.21:
http://blastoffnetwork.com/?page_id=748 ”
http://blastoff-sucka.com/?p=97#comments
4. New Vblog (11-24-09) from the Big Cheese–and he’s already increased the minimum check amount without a word about the change:
A)” We are also reducing the check minimum amount of $20 down to $2. In addition, we are waiving the postage and handling fee for this round of checks as an early Christmas gift. ” http://getsatisfaction.com/blastoff/topics/rewards-ood7
B) The ante is upped $2 at about 55 seconds: http://blastoffnetwork.com/?page_id=228
5. It took the Big Kahuna 2 years to raise his money: “Bill Rodgers, chief executive of Blastoff Communications Inc., a Plano, Texas, Internet start-up, said he has raised $1.25 million since 2007 primarily through individual investors. He said he didn’t go to venture capitalists, partly because the Dallas venture scene “isn’t as strong” as it once was.
“If you look at who’s investing in venture, those roads lead you out of Dallas,” said Mr. Rodgers.” (And probably to Ada, OK, home of PPLS)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125530238070179117.html
The irony of this is enhanced when you learn that he and his BO co-founder had a company that specialized in capital acquisition, with a slick web site:
http://www.norrodfinancialgroup.com/
But alas, times are hard…:
http://ecpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/servlet/cpa.app.coa.CoaGetTp?Pg=tpid&Search_Nm=norrod%20&Button=search&Search_ID=32035236879
6. I’m still waiting for my invite… Happy T-Day!!!
I wonder if that same not so private policy goes for the email addresses Blastoff asked their members to import and spam?
Wow, are we surprised?
Entity Information: NORROD FINANCIAL GROUP, LP
4514 COLE AVE STE 400
DALLAS, TX 75205-4100
Status: NOT IN GOOD STANDING
Registered Agent: WILLIAM WAYNE RODGERS
4514 COLE AVENUE SUITE 400
DALLAS, TX 75205
Good find Doo Dilly.