Not sure why this bothers me so much, but it does. Above you see an website I found clicking through on another page and I felt I had to check it out. It’s some sort of horoscope service so I rolled through all the questions — age, sign, etc. Then, suddenly, it asks for my phone number and PIN. I then read the fine print:
By signing up for this service and by entering your personal PIN Code which will be sent to the mobile phone number supplied by you on this website, you acknowledge that you are subscribing to our service. All plans are subject to the Terms and Conditions. You may stop this subscription service at any time by sending a text message with STOP, to short code 64651. Your phone must be polyphonic compatible, be Internet-enabled and have text messaging capability. You must be the owner of this device and either be at least sixteen years old or have the permission of your parent or guardian. Sprint, Nextel, and Boost customers will receive the Destiny Horoscope club at $5.99 per week on code 64651. Cellular One Cincinatti Bell and Alltel customers will receive weekly the Destiny Horoscopes club at $9.99 per month. Verizon Wireless and AT&T customers will receive the Destiny Horoscopes club at $19.99 per month.
Holy crap. This is even worse than those services they offer on MTV all the time (“Get the hottest ringtones for free!!!!!”) Pisses me off. I mean you have to be a sucker to click all the way through, but… Please, everyone. Practice safe clicking.