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Microsoft Class Action Suit Outcome: Indifference
Ec|ipse writes points out that only about 7 percent of eligible Californians have decided to take Microsoft up on their settlement claims resulting from a class action suit in that state, writing "Microsoft contends that it's because the software giant is so popular with consumers." Eclipse excerpts from the press release on Yahoo! (from Settlement Recovery Center, a company that "helps businesses participate in class action settlements"): "With only two weeks remaining until the January 8 deadline, fewer than one million claims have been filed, out of some fourteen million eligible, for a share of the $1.1 billion fund arising out of the Microsoft class action settlement in California."
Why do you think stores offer "mail-in rebates"? Because NO ONE SENDS THEM IN. Or at least a substantially small number as to still be wildly profitable.
People like to think they're getting a good deal, but when it comes time to send in the paperwork, it doesn't happen.
Jerry
http://www.syslog.org/
From the FAQ on microsoftcalsettlement.com:
"Q: What benefits are available under the settlement?
A: You will receive vouchers redeemable for cash after the purchase of a wide variety of software and computer hardware products. The vouchers are worth: $16 for each Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS license claimed; $29 for each Microsoft Office license claimed; $5 for each Microsoft Word, Home Essentials or Works Suite license claimed; and $26 for each Microsoft Excel license claimed.
Q: What can the vouchers be used for?
A: You can exchange your vouchers for cash by submitting proof of purchases you made after July 18, 2003 of the following computer products: Any desktop, laptop, or tablet computer made by any manufacturer for any operating system platform, or any of the following devices: printers, scanners, monitors, keyboards, or pointing devices (e.g. mouse, trackball). Qualifying software includes any non-custom software offered by any software vendor for use on a desktop, laptop or tablet computer. The qualifying computer hardware or software does not have to be a Microsoft product. After you submit proof of purchase to the Claims Administrator (either with your claim form or your voucher) a check will be sent to you for the amount of your purchase. The Claims Administrator will keep track of any remaining value on the voucher for your use in making future purchases. The claim form instructions and the voucher will explain the redemption procedure in more detail. "
Linux Wireless Hardware in the UK
According to the settlement, two-thirds of the unclaimed proceeds will go to public schools around the state in the form of Microsoft software and vouchers.
So no, the claim filers will not get the excess.
Physics makes the world go 'round.
My state of Missouri decided to "get tough" with Nintendo's price fixing back in the late 1980's, I belive. I signed in for the class action suit and everything. Being young, I had the nievity to believe that this would change things. The state "won," and I got a certificate for $10 off my next game purchase. Wow, Missouri punished Nintendo with a game sale and state-wide advertisments.
The only think that Microsoft didn't manage to do in this case was tie the deal to new purchases; otherwise, it's Microsoft laughing, not rumbles from Mt. St. Helens over there.
Bel, the mostly sane.. "Of course I can't see anything! I'm standing on the shoulders of idiots." -- Me
according the settlement website vouchers will be sent to the consumers who file claims. According to their FAQ, though, the amount of money you recieve depends on the Microsoft product you bought. Here is a list of the products and the amount you would recieve: $16 for each Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS license claimed; $29 for each Microsoft Office license claimed; $5 for each Microsoft Word, Home Essentials or Works Suite license claimed; and $26 for each Microsoft Excel license claimed. If you got these in large quantities, then this is quite a return!
$16 for each Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS license claimed; $29 for each Microsoft Office license claimed; $5 for each Microsoft Word, Home Essentials or Works Suite license claimed; and $26 for each Microsoft Excel license claimed.
Hint: It ain't by the quality of their products. It's by the quality of their PR and legal departments.
Certainly that's part of it, but, as a roving tech support person who talks to folks about new computer purchases, I can say that the MAIN reason that many folks stick with Windows is fear.
They are worried that they won't be able to open stuff they get from friends or work. They are worried they won't be able to buy a certain application or hardware device because their computer won't support it.
They know that there are MANY options. They know they don't need to, for instance, buy Office to exchange Word documents anymore. They know that even though one vendor may not make a printer that supports their computer, there are many others who do.
But they think about these things and get nervous. They think of the disappointment if Grandma can't open the baby videos. They think about the call from the boss about the font change after they just modified a Word document. They don't actually KNOW these things will occur, but they don't dare risk it.
You can call these folks "stupid" or "ignorant," but this is what they think, and they're making buying decisions based on it.
If Nalgene water bottles are outlawed, only outlaws will have Nalgene water bottles.
I live in Arizona, and one day in the mail I got a letter with various information about a class action law suit against Microsoft. I don't know how this law place got my address, nor how they managed to come up with a fake business name for me (EnvisionNET?), but the letter was there. Included were various forms to make a claim, and I was thinking about doing it, then I came across the money part. I can't find my claim forms right now, but I took this off of the website:
"A voucher for $9.00 for each license of Office, Word and Excel (specified in Appendix A-1 of the Settlement Agreement).
A voucher for $15.00 for each license of Windows, Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT Workstation and MS-DOS (specified in Appendix A-2 of the Settlement Agreement)."
I mean, not to sound cheap, but $15 isn't enough to make me run out and file this. Not to mention that Word/Excel/etc usually cost more than Windows, yet the voucher is for less.
"Why? If the settlement had involved MS having to give me a discount on competitor's products, I might've gone for it."
Actually you can use them for a harddrive or whatever product as well. You don't have to buy Microsoft products from your vouchers.
And, do you think not asking for your voucher helps the situation?
I think most people just don't care for this and i find it unfortunate that the ones who care for the situation act like this (but hey its ultimately your decision...)