Closed Thread: What the Deals are, and what are you being told by CSR?

[brimorga]

This thread was closed with over 346,000 Views and over 3300 Posts. As far as I can tell, it is the most popular thread BY FAR, and it's not even close.

Obviously this thread was valuable to a tremendous number of people. With the number of HD channels exploding on DirecTV and being 2X the competition, this thread is more valuable than ever. It seems as though people potentially switching to Directv is at an all time high (no facts to back that up). This thread is now more valuable than ever. DirecTV's business practices have created consumer demand for this thread. Let's us now show the mod's how important this thread is to us.

Please post here if you would like to see the thread re-opened.

[gully_foyle]

This thread was closed with over 346,000 Views and over 3300 Posts. As far as I can tell, it is the most popular thread BY FAR, and it's not even close.

Obviously this thread was valuable to a tremendous number of people. With the number of HD channels exploding on DirecTV and being 2X the competition, this thread is more valuable than ever. It seems as though people potentially switching to Directv is at an all time high (no facts to back that up). This thread is now more valuable than ever. DirecTV's business practices have created consumer demand for this thread. Let's us now show the mod's how important this thread is to us.

Please post here if you would like to see the thread re-opened.

No, but why not start a new, similar, thread?

[Baxter Mccloud]

This thread was closed with over 346,000 Views and over 3300 Posts. As far as I can tell, it is the most popular thread BY FAR, and it's not even close.

Obviously this thread was valuable to a tremendous number of people. With the number of HD channels exploding on DirecTV and being 2X the competition, this thread is more valuable than ever. It seems as though people potentially switching to Directv is at an all time high (no facts to back that up). This thread is now more valuable than ever. DirecTV's business practices have created consumer demand for this thread. Let's us now show the mod's how important this thread is to us.

Please post here if you would like to see the thread re-opened.

The thread should remain closed for 2 reasons:

First off, the original thread is of no use to new customers. As I've posted millions of times there really isnt much extra a new customer can get. Certainly there are no equipment deals for new customers.

Second, due to lack of equipment and I bet for economic reasons, CSRs are now authorized to give only 20% of the amount that they were authorized to weekly. Before it was about $1000 a week in discounts per agent I believe. Now it is $250!!! There are no more deals left!! The only possible deals to get now are for Mpeg 2 receiver replacements.

I am all for savings, but you cant expect a company to spend so much to expand by spending big $$$ on sats and channels and still expect to save. Sadly, those days are gone...

The original thread may have been very large, but the vast majority of information was practically useless. The main points are this:

New Customers: 1 single instant $100 rebate.:D
Customers who have years left on commitment: 0$$ savings.
Customers who are out of commitment: Call retention, tell them that you don't think 70 HD channels are worth the price and that you're thinking of switching to cable....:nono2:

Don't mean to sound like an A-hole, but D* is a service and you can have it if you think that the quality is worth the price. I am far from rich. I just barely made it by the week. Yet, I still paid $299 for my HR20. Threads like this cost us all. The savings past on to one customers is ripped from another in a sense. Let D* get their $199 or $299. Maybe they won't have to hike up the monthly rates...

Yes, I am a D* fanboy! :D
Been with D* since my parents had them back when there was USSB and have worked for them for about a year. :eek2:
Some day I will have free D*, but you will not believe the calls I have to endure.
"Can I get a free HDDVR?" "I'm sorry new customer, all I can provide is a hundred dollar instant rebate." "I'll call over and over, until I kill your check and am finally satisfied with the same answer!"CLICK :lol:
We need to have a support group! :grin:
CSR: "...and the customer called me b*tch because HD didn't come out on 9-19!!!":lol:

This site is host to all sorts of wonderful info. In my opinion though, the "HAGGLE" thread is not.

[Drew2k]

No, but why not start a new, similar, thread?Because the moderators have requested that a new thread not be started, so if one is started, it most likely won't last long.

[Faust]

Great, so DirectTV ius telling people to come here to see what deals are available and then the thread gets closed.

What a load of crap

[Earl Bonovich]

Great, so DirectTV ius telling people to come here to see what deals are available and then the thread gets closed.

What a load of crap

Umm... where is DirecTV telling you to come here to find the deals?

[Earl Bonovich]

This thread was closed with over 346,000 Views and over 3300 Posts. As far as I can tell, it is the most popular thread BY FAR, and it's not even close.

Obviously this thread was valuable to a tremendous number of people. With the number of HD channels exploding on DirecTV and being 2X the competition, this thread is more valuable than ever. It seems as though people potentially switching to Directv is at an all time high (no facts to back that up). This thread is now more valuable than ever. DirecTV's business practices have created consumer demand for this thread. Let's us now show the mod's how important this thread is to us.

Please post here if you would like to see the thread re-opened.

Since you decided to take this public.... after you sent me a private PM about it (where it should have been in the first place).


The #1 reason we closed the thread, is that it is dated.... the thread is over a year old... and the material in it is dated.

"Deals" are dependent on a lot of factors:
1) DirecTV's current promotions
2) DirecTV's current demand for the products
3) DirecTV's current limits on credits and other items during a given period of time
4) Your history as a DirecTV customer

and there are even more.

No 1 deal is guaranteed to be good for another...

So given that I have seen more and more posts here and at other forums, of people bitching and moaning, because they can't get the same deal as someone else....

I close the thread, when we re-arranged the forums.

If you feel it necessary to start a thread about the deal you got... have at it.

But we are not going to have a sticky/one stop shop thread on the deals that others have gotten...

But thank you for waiting till this morning for me to reply... but instead of posting it in the public forum.... appriciate it.

[Bob Coxner]

I don't normally like to subscribe to conspiracy theories, but...

I can't help but wonder if there was pressure from DTV to cut the thread. I'm thinking of the heat that Earl got from DTV about CE users calling CSRs about CE problems. That shows there's input from DTV about the impact the forum has on DTV operations. Extrapolating from that experience, I could see someone at DTV passing the word that the deals thread was causing excessive calls, especially to Retention, and they would prefer to see it closed.

Just one man's grassy knoll/extra shooter musings.

[Earl Bonovich]

I don't normally like to subscribe to conspiracy theories, but...

I can't help but wonder if there was pressure from DTV to cut the thread. I'm thinking of the heat that Earl got from DTV about CE users calling CSRs about CE problems. That shows there's input from DTV about the impact the forum has on DTV operations. Extrapolating from that experience, I could see someone at DTV passing the word that the deals thread was causing excessive calls, especially to Retention, and they would prefer to see it closed.

Just one man's grassy knoll/extra shooter musings.

Well... since you want to throw it out there.

No... it had nothing to do with pressure from DirecTV...
If there was pressure.. you would see a complete ban on any discussion about the deals and offers... which isn't the case.

Any other questions? PM me, or my forum boss: Chris Blount.

[highheater]

This thread was closed with over 346,000 Views and over 3300 Posts. As far as I can tell, it is the most popular thread BY FAR, and it's not even close.

Obviously this thread was valuable to a tremendous number of people. With the number of HD channels exploding on DirecTV and being 2X the competition, this thread is more valuable than ever. It seems as though people potentially switching to Directv is at an all time high (no facts to back that up). This thread is now more valuable than ever. DirecTV's business practices have created consumer demand for this thread. Let's us now show the mod's how important this thread is to us.

Please post here if you would like to see the thread re-opened.

This thread was going to be even more useful given the mass upgrade to HD receivers that will be occuring with the new Sats. I guess we are all left on our own to get the best deal we can - without knowing whether it is the best deal or not. Sure people may have been upset that they could not get certain deals - but how is an 'ignorance is bliss' attitude any better?

I thought this forum to facillitate discusion and the exchange of information. Is that exchange no longer necessary, appropriate, ehtical, legal, or in the business interests of Direct TV?

[smiddy]

This thread was closed with over 346,000 Views and over 3300 Posts. As far as I can tell, it is the most popular thread BY FAR, and it's not even close.

There was an HD anticipation thread that broke 600k views and over 8k posts, if I recall right. And that was over a two week period around the September 19th HD launch date...it was pretty exciting around here. We actually crashed the server because we, the DBSTalk community overwelmed the system with all of our posts...man was that fun or what?:D

[Earl Bonovich]

This thread was going to be even more useful given the mass upgrade to HD receivers that will be occuring with the new Sats. I guess we are all left on our own to get the best deal we can - without knowing whether it is the best deal or not. Sure people may have been upset that they could not get certain deals - but how is an 'ignorance is bliss' attitude any better?

I thought this forum to facillitate discusion and the exchange of information. Is that exchange no longer necessary, appropriate, ehtical, legal, or in the business interests of Direct TV?

How many times do I need to explain it:

1) Your deal is not dictated by the deal the last person got... unless you are an exact clone based on your history, the opportunities available at the time, and other factors

2) You have always been on your own to get the best deal you can get.

3) You can discuss what ever you want... if you wan to announce the great deal you got... have at it.... doesn't change the fact just because YOU got that deal... the next person can or will get the same deal... they might even get a better one.

[surfbird]

Honestly, I feel this site is awesome for ONE reason ONLY.. knowing exactly some of the issues that occur w/the equipment & some of the innovative things some of you have seen, done, etc.

Alot of you are beta testers, your opinion matters that way. Alot of great advise goes out to others in regards to understanding & knowing your equipment that the manual doesn't give.. You, the customer, have help out many people with your knowledge & opinion of tivos to dvrs, old hd to new hd.

Don't let this thread make it to where the forum suffers.. keep up the good work, Earl..

[Stuart Sweet]

Earl and I, and all the other moderators, are in agreement with the decision to close the thread. There's nothing stopping you from talking about deals, but this one had just grown to be a monster, that's all.

You have my solemn word that there was no contact between me and anyone at DIRECTV regarding closing this thread.

[Carl Spock]

Makes sense to me. A one-size-fits-all thread is meaningless when deals seem to depend on the person, their history with DirecTV, the CSR or the local merchant, and seemingly sunspots and throws of the I Ching.

I've been active in a car forum. Nothing is more negotiable than the price of a car. People starting their own thread and asking if this was a good price they were getting for the car seemed to work the best.

If there is ever standardization by DirecTV on pricing and deals then a thread with the latest promotion would also make sense, and that one should be pinned. As I stated in another thread, I hope DirecTV takes the launch of HD to make this happen. I am not hopeful. Personally, I think I will be more likely to see Hillary Clinton kiss Rush Limbaugh before that occurs.

[veryoldschool]

The simplest reason I can see is it was too long for anybody to read.

[smiddy]

The simplest reason I can see is it was too long for anybody to read.

This is an excellent point. What does it take for the average person to go through 4k posts? That is a lot of information to wade through...:)

[HDTVsportsfan]

As well....like earl said....some of the variables are constantly changing.

It doesn't matter one way or the other to me anyway.

Good luck to all getting that "deal".

[bradpr]

There should be no need to censor the discussions here to prevent customers from sharing deals that they got. Like a previous post, I recently spent a lot of time in a car forum, and the biggest benefit I got from it was knowing what "a good deal" actually was. How does that do anything but keep businesses honest and allow the consumer to get the most value for their money? Why would you want to pay more for a product or service than you have to? It is silly to want to give D* or any company more money than absolutely necessary.

The biggest power we have as consumers is the ability to share information and act as a group. Anyone who wants to limit that ability isn't acting in the spirit of what a user group is all about. They actually aren't acting in the spirit of what capitalism is all about.

I don't think the mods closed the thread for any malicious reason, like D* pressuring them to do so. That would be a complete betrayal of trust and gounds to shut this whole site down. The thread was really too long, and the deals in it were dated.

Open a new thread - there's no reason not to. Its good information & the mods have no reason to close it down.

[raott]

Open a new thread - there's no reason not to. Its good information & the mods have no reason to close it down.

The mods specifically said in bold letters on the other thread when it was closed not to start another thread.

[brimorga]

The thread should remain closed for 2 reasons:

First off, the original thread is of no use to new customers. As I've posted millions of times there really isnt much extra a new customer can get. Certainly there are no equipment deals for new customers.

Second, due to lack of equipment and I bet for economic reasons, CSRs are now authorized to give only 20% of the amount that they were authorized to weekly. Before it was about $1000 a week in discounts per agent I believe. Now it is $250!!! There are no more deals left!! The only possible deals to get now are for Mpeg 2 receiver replacements.

I am all for savings, but you cant expect a company to spend so much to expand by spending big $$$ on sats and channels and still expect to save. Sadly, those days are gone...

The original thread may have been very large, but the vast majority of information was practically useless. The main points are this:

New Customers: 1 single instant $100 rebate.:D
Customers who have years left on commitment: 0$$ savings.
Customers who are out of commitment: Call retention, tell them that you don't think 70 HD channels are worth the price and that you're thinking of switching to cable....:nono2:

Don't mean to sound like an A-hole, but D* is a service and you can have it if you think that the quality is worth the price. I am far from rich. I just barely made it by the week. Yet, I still paid $299 for my HR20. Threads like this cost us all. The savings past on to one customers is ripped from another in a sense. Let D* get their $199 or $299. Maybe they won't have to hike up the monthly rates...

Yes, I am a D* fanboy! :D
Been with D* since my parents had them back when there was USSB and have worked for them for about a year. :eek2:
Some day I will have free D*, but you will not believe the calls I have to endure.
"Can I get a free HDDVR?" "I'm sorry new customer, all I can provide is a hundred dollar instant rebate." "I'll call over and over, until I kill your check and am finally satisfied with the same answer!"CLICK :lol:
We need to have a support group! :grin:
CSR: "...and the customer called me b*tch because HD didn't come out on 9-19!!!":lol:

This site is host to all sorts of wonderful info. In my opinion though, the "HAGGLE" thread is not.

Just curious, how would one know all of this information that you posted without the thread that was closed? How would the rest of us know this information without the thread that was closed?

If people don't want to read the haggle thread, it's simple, don't read it, but it's valuable to those of us that do want to read it.

[Earl Bonovich]

Just curious, how would one know all of this information that you posted without the thread that was closed? How would the rest of us know this information without the thread that was closed?

If people don't want to read the haggle thread, it's simple, don't read it, but it's valuable to those of us that do want to read it.

Nothing is stoping you from reading it.... just because it is closed... just means you can't add to it.

[techrep]

It would make me proud to have started a thread which grew so huge that it had to be closed.

I think I will start a thread titled, "Can You Beat This Deal." (or maybe not)

!devil12: Shoulder :angel:

[Stuart Sweet]

We've discussed it, and the way to do it is, if you want to post about a deal you've gotten from DIRECTV, do it in the general forum, and start a thread for your individual deal. I will be changing the last post in the closed thread to reflect that. Threads started here will be moved to the general forum.

[Sirshagg]

I found the thread very usefull and absolutely current as it was being updated every day. Obviously every situation is going to be different and I think most people know this. It also made more sense to contain the topic to that one thread than invite everyone to start their own thread on the topic (which Earl did above).

but that's just my $.02

[Stuart Sweet]

But... doing it with one thread per deal might be a better way to let people know what's happening now.

[Sharkie_Fan]

But... doing it with one thread per deal might be a better way to let people know what's happening now.

I tend to agree with SirShagg that having the deals listed in one thread was nice to see...

I realize that every deal is different, but it's still a useful tool to see what existing customers are being given to upgrade their equipment.

It was also nice not to have to wade through a dozen different threads in a day all devoted to "Here's the deal I got". Instead, you could look at that thread (or not look at that thread, if you so chose) and see whatever info you wanted to get.

It's not the end of the world either way, IMHO, but I am just of the opinion that a single consolidated thread is more friendly than a bunch of individual threads. Just my .02

[raott]

But... doing it with one thread per deal might be a better way to let people know what's happening now.

Coming from one forum readers perspective rather than a mods perspective, IMO its not a better way to let people know.

I would much rather hit the "last page" button on a thread which is stickied and is located in the same place all the time so that I know exactly where it is.

The thread was a valuable resource to some including myself.

[jmh139]

If it were not for the thread and this forum, I would not have known it WAS possible to get a better deal than I was quoted by level one customer support. I had no idea about customer retention, and I have been a customer since 94.

I literally saved hundreds of dollars because of that discussion. That thread is what got me to register and post on this forum...

How many times do I need to explain it:

1) Your deal is not dictated by the deal the last person got... unless you are an exact clone based on your history, the opportunities available at the time, and other factors

2) You have always been on your own to get the best deal you can get.

3) You can discuss what ever you want... if you wan to announce the great deal you got... have at it.... doesn't change the fact just because YOU got that deal... the next person can or will get the same deal... they might even get a better one.

[AlbertZeroK]

I'm sure the strain on DirecTV due to this one thread was enormous. I'm glad to see it die instead of my bill increase. Personally I'm suprized DirecTV didn't ask to have the thread closed.

I can't say I like the idea of everyone posting their own unique "Deal" thread though, it seems that it might junk up the forums.

[tiger2005]

If it were not for the thread and this forum, I would not have known it WAS possible to get a better deal than I was quoted by level one customer support. I had no idea about customer retention, and I have been a customer since 94.

I literally saved hundreds of dollars because of that discussion. That thread is what got me to register and post on this forum...

+1

[brimorga]

Nothing is stoping you from reading it.... just because it is closed... just means you can't add to it.

Agreed but it sounds like a lot has changed recently and I would expect things to change again once the initial surge of demand has been worked through. Basically there is a constant update of information and things do change from day to day, week to week. The current information might not be relevant in 1 month from now. A history of trends all contained in one thread is much more useful than searching across many many threads.

[brimorga]

Since you decided to take this public.... after you sent me a private PM about it (where it should have been in the first place).

But thank you for waiting till this morning for me to reply... but instead of posting it in the public forum.... appriciate it.

I understand how my actions have made you frustrated, however I was looking for a show of support to see if the thread was valuable to people other than myself.

What should have been done, before the thread was closed, was a poll or a thread so people could express their opinions. This was not done, unless I missed something, and it seemed as though the Mods made an executive decision.

If I didn't create this thread and I highly doubt I was the first to PM you about this, it didn't get anyone anywhere.

[brimorga]

I'm sure the strain on DirecTV due to this one thread was enormous. I'm glad to see it die instead of my bill increase. Personally I'm suprized DirecTV didn't ask to have the thread closed.

I can't say I like the idea of everyone posting their own unique "Deal" thread though, it seems that it might junk up the forums.

Directv has made their own bed and has to sleep in it. If they didn't give out deals that were all over the map, this thread wouldn't exist. I'm glad you side with Directv and want to see more money in the pocket of the owner and shareholders, but I'd rather hold onto some of my own cash if possible.

[brimorga]

BTW. Thanks very much to the mods for re-considering. We appreciate it. Ideally, I would like to have a new thread just like the old one, but if this is the compromise, it's more than fair.

Thanks again.

[veryoldschool]

So is it "lets make a deal?" or "deal or no deal?"

[ejasons]

Just to reiterate, and to add my perspective, on what's been said.

DTV customer since 1996, was considering switching to Comcast, but was intrigued by the new HD channels.

I called, got "Customer Retention", and was told that $199 was the best that I could do. After having spent $600 or so on my HDTivo, I wasn't about to pay that for a receiver that I wouldn't even *own*. Without the thread's telling me that I could do better, I would've had my answer, and would've gone to Comcast.

As it was, I called back, got a different CSR (retention), and told him that I know that he could do it for $20, and he did. Got it installed last week, though, with the troubles that I've had (installed receiver was defective, had to wait until after the weekend to get sent a somewhat lesser model, had activation troubles, etc.), I'm not currently certain that I made the right decision. But, I'm with DTV for two years, at least. So, the thread's existence definitely benefited them in this case...

[armophob]

I have to admit I always knew it was there, but I never really read it. I think for the same reasons it was closed. I have had pretty good success in being the squeeky wheel and playing the pitiful victimized customer.

[bradpr]

We've discussed it, and the way to do it is, if you want to post about a deal you've gotten from DIRECTV, do it in the general forum, and start a thread for your individual deal. I will be changing the last post in the closed thread to reflect that. Threads started here will be moved to the general forum.

That's silly - why not have a monthly "deals I got" thread that is closed off and a new one started. That seems much more reasonable than 100 deals I got threads in the general forum. Am I missing something - isn't the whole point of a thread to organize comments around a particular topic? Why should the community not post to a common thread? What happens if someone posts a great deal they got and another person posts to that same thread about a better deal they got, not knowing the rules? Will they be booted? Will their post get deleted? Do the mods really want to spend their time policing this?

fwiw - reading the "deals" thread helped persuade me to go with D* over E*. That was two months ago. I'll argue all day that the thread has value.

Why is this such a big deal? Why not allow the community to discuss what they want to about what deals are available out there? Maybe there's a good explanation on the old thread, but can the mods explain why a single thread on this topic is so bad? Telling us that we would have to open individual "deal" threads discourages sharing the information because it breaks the organizational structure of the data. You're not trying to stifle sharing of this information, so why not allow it?

[veryoldschool]

That's silly - why not have a monthly "deals I got" thread?
Read post #7 [again]

[RobertE]

Edit: Ah forget it.

This is easier.

:beatdeadhorse:

[HDTVsportsfan]

I think the title of the original thread wasn't the intent of the thread as it turned out.
If I remember correctly the first post was more to explain that the then recently released HR20 was not 399 but 299 and he wanted to get the word out. As well as see what others were being told about the price.

I don't think the original intent of the thread was to see what everyone could squeeze and beat of out of D*.

I think i better intention would be to see what current promotions they are offering or free preview weekends.

[steve053]

The simplest reason I can see is it was too long for anybody to read.
True, except that you can easily go to the last page - which is where the most current deal is.

I agree with an earlier poster that one sticky thread was an easy way to keep up w/ what was going on. I can honestly say that I checked it on occassion.

[bradpr]

Read post #7 [again]

I read it. Aside from Earl's opinions about why sharing deal stories is pointless & his dissatisfaction that someone took something public instead of keeping a debate private, I don't see a reason why a monthly "deals" thread won't work.

The thread generated great traffic and more than one person has agreed that they found it helpful. I didn't see anyone say it harmed them. So.....what's the issue?

[RobertE]

I read it. Aside from Earl's opinions about why sharing deal stories is pointless & his dissatisfaction that someone took something public instead of keeping a debate private, I don't see a reason why a monthly "deals" thread won't work.

The thread generated great traffic and more than one person has agreed that they found it helpful. I didn't see anyone say it harmed them. So.....what's the issue?


Because whatever factors that went into your deal may or may not apply to me.

So you get a great deal. You post your speel. I call and state the same. CSR states no deal for you, now I'm inflamed.

[bradpr]

Because whatever factors that went into your deal may or may not apply to me.

So you get a great deal. You post your speel. I call and state the same. CSR states no deal for you, now I'm inflamed.

Right, those factors MAY or may not apply. If you can't get the same deal, don't get inflamed. Hang up and try again. If you still don't get it...oh well, you tried.

However, if you do get the same deal by knowing to ask for it, yay you! Do your happy dance! You win!

Arguing that the thread should be closed because someone is going to get upset because someone else got something they didn't get would justify shutting down the CE threads. How many people were inflamed that they couldn't get DOD when so many others were getting it?

That's weak sauce.

[veryoldschool]

Right, those factors MAY or may not apply. If you can't get the same deal, don't get inflamed. Hang up and try again. If you still don't get it...oh well, you tried.
However, if you do get the same deal by knowing to ask for it, yay you! Do your happy dance! You win!
Arguing that the thread should be closed because someone is going to get upset because someone else got something they didn't get would justify shutting down the CE threads. How many people were inflamed that they couldn't get DOD when so many others were getting it?
That's weak sauce.
Maybe it's just the time I've been here that makes me think:
What Earl posts is more informed than most.
That the "flaming" will always go on but why provoke it.
The site is here more to chat about the equipment and services and help out, than who got what, for what amount.
The old thread can always be found for those that are looking.
If you feel "That's weak sauce" then you're free to post it.
Getting a deal on a new or used car is one thing, but since it's not "who you talk to" as much as who your are with D*, I think it's different. [And I get to post that too] :)

[Earl Bonovich]

We have stated that we will allow additional threads if people want to "announce" their deal they have gotten.

What will NOT have is another sticky thread... that discusses it over time.

As I have statede a few times...
The "deals" are changing and fluid based on your history and other factors.

So this thread is now closed.

If you have an issue... you can discuss it with the mods and the admins via PM.

Thread closed