How May I Abuse You Today? Check out this Internet Company from Hawaii! You got to love their in your face attitude! From the home page: "If we find out you are a newbie, signed up with FlexNet just to save money (and got some naive high school student to setup your computer) and still expect us to give you full-on technical support without you yourself bothering to spend one second searching for answers to your own questions (check Hints Pages), we will kick your butt (and modem) out of FlexNet."Furthermore beware of if you are sensitive about being an AOL user: Notice to current America Online Users
If you are currently with America Online, please don't bother to sign up! You have been warned...
This advice will save both you and us needless frustration. We are incompatible with your computer system as screwed-up by AOL configuration software and You. In fact, a lawsuit is in the works against AOL. So be warned, NO REFUNDS or CREDITS will be given.
As a general rule, America Online users are not computer savvy or it seems, capable of the level of technical sophistication necessary to operate a computer outside of an AOL environment. And if that wasn't clear enough for you then check out the "dear disgruntled customer"letter (link on the home page)...sure to make "techies" everywhere feel all warm and fuzzy! Check them out at flex.com
|
  RoundboyPremium
join:2000-10-04
Drexel Hill, PA |  Wow.. about time..
i went through the site, and there is a very details troubleshooting section for ADSL. This document tells you who you should be calling for what problem, etc.. the isp or the phone company. i suggest everyone check it out.. very informative.
i don't know about you, but all I used my old dial-up connection for was an e-mail address, and a modem connection.
I never used webspace, or any of the portals.. My comp connected, then it browsed.. thats all..
Maybe they should open up an ISP like this on the mainland... : > i would sign up in a second. Finally, an ISP for the opposite of the AOL crowd who doesn't need to cater to the lowest common denominator.
**** This ends our transmission *****
--
Eric Davis
Eric_Davis@Mindspring.com | |
|  |  x30n_Not Sure What Color Pill To Call ItPremium
join:2000-09-14
wrong turn | Re: Wow.. about time.. I have to agree.. If I came across a ISP that was like that I would sign up with them in a heartbeat. Plus, 9.95 for dial up.. That is a deal.. I never call an ISP for tech support anyways, so all I am doing is paying the extra money for no reason.
I did show the web site to a few people where I work and they thought it was the greatest thing how they are so up front about how AOL users are crap. If you havent checked it out yet, its a must.. Even read the letter from a disgruntled customer. | |
| | | | | Re: Wow.. about time.. You know where I live we have 2 ISP's doing $9.99/month with tech support. They better hope that no one else does the same as they do or they might be out of business soon. And since they resell Verizon, I can imagine Verizon saying, "Call your ISP, it must be them."  | |
|
|  AtlGuy
join:2000-10-17
Marietta, GA | I totally agree with both of you. I used to work for an ISP and the calls I hated most of all were people calling in asking really stupid Windows, browser, or email questions that they could've answered themselves if they would've read the help sections or their manuals. If you've researched and can't find the answer, then that's cool but being lazy is just unacceptable. I would also sign up for that ISP in a heartbeat since I do all my own troubleshooting as well. They just say what I've thought in my head hundreds of times when on the phone with a complete idiot. We need more companies like this one out there. | |
| | | | Hmmm, I kind of think its a good idea that someone would offer barebones internet. Not only is it cheaper, but the company is hurt less by economies of scale (i.e. It may be possible to make money without being one of the biggest in the business).
However, I would be wary of a company that has such a cavalier attitude towards their customers. What if you have a problem that is on THEIR end?
Also,
"ADSL bandwidth is spotty in nature and individual packets may/will have varying amounts of latency (delays) that will drive your Half-Life gaming out of your mind. So don't do ADSL if you're thinking real-time applications."
It sounds like they are overloading their equipment. A good ADSL line definately has the capability to have a low rocksolid ping.
I hope my concerns do not reflect real problems that their costumers have. Its a great idea and I hope it works,
-Biscuits | |
| | | | Anon |  Re: Great idea, but will it work?
said by biscuitsjam:
I hope my concerns do not reflect real problems that their costumers have. Its a great idea and I hope it works,
-Biscuits
It already works--note that they've been in business since July 1994, so their business model has proven viability. | |
|
| | | This is the ISP that I have been looking for. I guess it is sorta like survival of the fittest. The week will pay more and the strong will pay less and survive. | |
| |  CylonRedPremium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County | said by EricDavis:
Maybe they should open up an ISP like this on the mainland... : > i would sign up in a second. Finally, an ISP for the opposite of the AOL crowd who doesn't need to cater to the lowest common denominator.
**** This ends our transmission *****
A large part of the AOL crowd does not need catering to - including myself.....
--
Brian
CylonRed on Onlineracing.net
"This one goes to..... 11" | |
| | | | Anon |  Re: Wow.. about time..
| |
| | | | CylonRedPremium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County | Re: Wow.. about time.. said by pmc762:
You are right, not all AOL users are computer illiterate, just a little uninformed. It helps if you look at it like this, AOL along with companies like MSN are more like content providers more than access providers. AOL is kind of like training wheels for the internet.
That is absolutely correct - and even more - I have AOL love it mainly because I do not have to use sucky IE or Netscape mail or Outlook. By not using Outlook I am already safer from a LOT of viruses that propagate via Outlook's address book. Additionally AOL never forces me to download all of the mail - even if they have attchments -for me this is a major security problem.
I use AOL for e-mail, reasearch, and newsgroups. One thing I hate is looking thru 1000+ web page hits on a search - I found I can narrow down the search based off of what I find at AOL. AOL does have its uses and strong points - and just for safer e-mail it is worth it.
--
Brian
CylonRed on Onlineracing.net
"This one goes to..... 11" | |
| | | | | | Anon | Re: Wow.. about time.. Has AOL fixed the SPAM problem? | |
|
|  TDOG
join:2000-04-30
Louisville, KY | hear hear!!!! way to go! | |
| |  davoice
join:2000-08-12
Saxapahaw, NC | AMEN!
Brandon, MS | |
|
| | That's GREAT!  I love it! They may have something there, and although they don't have tech support, I'm sure if there's a problem on their end, they'll readily admit so. If the technically competent calls, and carries on an intelligent conversation with them, I'm wouldn't think there would be a problem.
--
"Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings. They did it by killing all those who opposed them." | |
| | | !!!!
I do think it's a bit silly to only have 6mb/s connectivity for an adsl provider, but I'm sure as they grow they'll add more.
Heck I almost want to sign up now just to support them......well ok I don't want it that bad.... | |
| | | | Re: !!!! I would join also.... let AOL keep all the newbies! | |
|
 bil2k
join:2000-08-19
Pompano Beach, FL | Great idea
The only problem that I see is if there is actually a problem at their end. They may be very opposed to admitting that they are the problem.
I'd try it out of if I could subscribe to a short term contract.
-Bill | |
|  EricAnimals Rule This LandPremium,MVM
join:2000-09-29
I see trees.
| Maybe if all ISP's were like this...
I have long ago gave up on expecting any kind of competence from tech support or relying on the software laden coasters supplied with new service sign ups.
I miss those days of breaking into the local university's dial up PPP modem and setting up my own account over telnet to play Tsunami and other RPG MUDs.
Now does flexnet have a local number in Danbury?
-eric in CT with 4 SNET coasters and one RCN coaster
[text was edited by author 2000-10-18 15:04:51] | |
| | | Anon |  Re: Maybe if all ISP's were like this...
their cheapest plan is $58...... thats on the high end of DSL basic pricing. | |
| | | | | Re: Maybe if all ISP's were like this... hmm. I think I'm in love! Now, if other DSL providers would follow suit | |
| | | | yazdzikPremium,MVM
join:2000-07-26
Honesdale, PA
kudos:1 | Re: Maybe if all ISP's were like this... Dear Friends at DSLR,
Since I have a real technical problem, I find it necessary to deal with engineering at my ISP. They are very helpful, and know what they are doing, and are truly and fully on the side of the customer. A supervisor told me not to ring tech support, rather engineering, as, in general, "tech" support was for people who need to know how to configure, &c. A nice courtesy for a mere forty-nine dollars per month. I would have thought that "tech" meant "tech," and not software. I, therefore, ring support for line speed, packet loss, &c. But, on the other hand, what about those, who cannot find
START/SETTINGS/CONTROLPANEL/NETWORK.....?
Part of me feels that there ought to be a licencing process whereby, in order to use e-mail, one would know better that to open a lettre from an unknown sender, or to allow scripting in OE, and so forth, just as licencing prevents careless drivers from running stop signs. Another part feels, how else will one learn how to do things, if not for the good folks who patiently listen to the twentieth caller who does not know why he cannot get into Hotmail in OE?
Maybe there is a way for Newbies to get love, and others to get cheaper service. Think about the home page of such a company:
" 608/128 for tech-savvy $49
608/128 for newbies $59
608/128 for Mac Users $69
608/128 for AOL Users Priceless "
Seriously, I think a company without frills, granting sturdy engineering support but no hand-holding, is a good idea.
All good wishes,
Yazdzik | |
| | | | |  JYoungG L 2814
join:2000-06-13
Sherman Oaks, CA | Re: Maybe if all ISP's were like this... said by yazdzik:
608/128 for Mac Users $69
Really? I find it easier to set up TCP/IP on a Mac than I do on a PC. Plus, the Mac easily supports multiple TCP configurations that you can change on the fly.
Mac users can be just knowledgeble or just as challenged as PC users.
--
This Space for Rent | |
|
| | | Anon | 58USD isn't too terrible a price, considering the circuit cost of a fractional ds-3 from hawaii to the mainland, that's one expensive extension cord.
scott. | |
| | | | | | | | Anon | Re: AOL On twelve occasions in the last year our clients have reported that AOL supplied software, installed by the client's employees on networked PC's at the client's offices, has seriously compromised the AOLed PC's network connection and other functions
scott. | |
|
| | |
| | | DSLTurtle, Flexnet IS the cheapest service for ADSL on this island, well next to earthlink. I'd rather take my chances with a small ISP like Flex than Earthlink. Oh, I pay 25.99 for their service and get 2 IP's along with that.
-spec
spectra@flex.com | |
|
Host:
Road Runner
PC gaming GAMES
PC gaming Tech
| Not impressed
One of the above posters is right. With no tech support, and the problem IS on their end...you are screwed.
Sounds like a spoiled rich kid took Dad's money, bought some fat pipe, laid it down, and charges cash for it. He doesn't really want to run a business, he just wants the cash benefits of having one.
While I'm all for a little less "you are customer number one! Drink PEPSI!", I don't think "hey customer, piss off moron." is the answer. | |
| |  justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7
IPv6
Business Connectiv..
Console/Handheld g..
Home/Office setup ..
Photos of Broadban..
| Re: Not impressed
None of the fluff about extra services [read: services which are high margin for the ISP].
The question is whether a no-frills solid ISP can actually make any money of selling reliable DSL lines at prices competitive with the telcos... the answer is probably (and sadly) no.. a pure IP connection that is reliable and can burst to 1.5mbit at any time you want it to simply costs more than $39.95 a month to provide right now. If you offer that and have no interest in creaming the customers for "managed security", "cool content", "web hosting", "managed DNS", "web design" etc etc, you'll get knocked over by the rush, but you'll also go broke. | |
| | |  sporkmedrop the crantini and move it, sisterPremium,MVM
join:2000-07-01
Morristown, NJ
 ·Optimum Online
| Re: Not impressed "a pure IP connection that is reliable and can burst to 1.5mbit at any time you want it to simply costs more than $39.95 a month to provide right now."
Actually, the ISP (if a Covad partner) is probably taking maybe $10-$20 a month and handing the rest over to Covad, who hands the rest over to BA ($22 is the tariff for dry copper in NYC, I believe).
At that price, we can make money once we have the volume to at least get 1/3 utilization out of our Covad backhaul. The actual bandwidth (ie: Internet bandwidth) is barely a factor in figuring out the costs. I very rarely see peaks over 10 Mb, and we have a pretty good number of users. At the rate I see it now, 200 ADSL users will cover bandwidth, and a much smaller number of SDSL users, perhaps 30-40 could do the same.
Where we bleed money is paying people a *minimum* of $10/hr to be on the phones dealing with lines going down, arguing with Covad, asking Covad to push the ILEC to repair/install, making courtesy calls to remind the user of installation, answering questions, etc... One guy goes down, and we've lost any profit from him for about two months.
I don't think anyone realises just how thin the margins are here compared to things like dialup and web hosting. Of course, the ILEC is doing great. Not only can they sell their own service, but they've got one wicked profitable tariff on dry copper they sell to the CLECs.
And people wonder why Covad could have some of their biggest ISP partners months behind in paying??? Heh. That's a no-brainer. Both Covad and their big ISP partners just glossed over all the manual intervention needed to solve install and post-install problems.
C | |
| | | | yazdzikPremium,MVM
join:2000-07-26
Honesdale, PA
kudos:1 | Re: Not impressed Dear Sporkme and Friends,
You are spot on, as usual. I really enjoy your lettres and perspectives. I shall attempt to tell my story simply, non-legally and non-technically. I have had good speed, poor latency, and poor packet loss, with "flashing red," since my install. I had rung tech support at least twenty times, describing the problem. After a bit, the company's CTO, and supervisors got on the case. They were very competent and extraordinarily helpful. But think of why the original calls yielded no result. The first tier people are trained to help inexperienced users with mundane software problems. If the first tech had said, "Let's coop, do a line check, and find the problem, there would have been one ten-dollar call, plus Covad time, plus ILEC wire and cable roll-out. Now, the ISP gave service way above and beyond expectations, they were unfailingly courteous and helpful, and their customer support and customer relations are simply exemplary. Yet, they will lose at least twice the cost of my yearly contract on me. Why? What can be done?
Possible solutions:
Flexnet: No help with "dumb" software and install problems.
(presumption of help with network and equipment problems)
Microsoft: software education, i e, user does not know how to do something, user pays. Inherent problem, bug, or problem beyond user control, MS pays.
Current normal: We all pay for help that may be inappropriate.
Inverse logic: First tier contact is CCNA type, who then determines triage, so to speak. Example: "You seem to have a line problem, let's get a co-op going," or, "You just need to learn how to use Outlook, let me transfer you to support." Then a cheerful ten dollar per hour representative can provide basic courtesy help. "Left click on start, &c."
There are advantages and disadvantages to all models. Let's examine them.
In the Flexnet model, many users here would be happy, since we would prefer to save the money, have a reliable connexion, and are as annoyed by tech support talking down to us, as tech support is by uninformed questions. The danger is rotten PR, and newbies trying to save money filing lawsuits when the inevitable happens.
The MS model, while creating a relatively efficient system for both consumer and provider, and being of very high quality, creates bad blood, since the provider determines whether the user should have "looked it up" first. It creates an expectation of help, but in fact is a pay per incident service, and not necessarily newbie friendly, in the end, since it penalises lack of experience. They almost invariably cancel charges if the problem is not the user's. That, while pleasing some, angers most, since, obviously, most did not do their homework.
The current model is good in that we are all equal customers on equal footing at the point of contact, and costs are shared, making it possible for Aunt Sadie to have DSL, which may be a socially desirable end, and the economics of scale may work, ultimately in favour of all of us. The result is, often, however, poorly educated support personnel, who server neither the end user, nor their employer, since the real problems of DSL are not within the scope of their competence. On the other hand, it is impossible to get really experienced tech help for the wages that a company could rationally pay for first tier support, and, were it possible, imprudent, when most problems are of the "How do I... ?" type. For users with real line problems, this system is as much a disaster as flexnet's is for a newbie.
My solution, that of inverse logic, is sort of similar to emergency medicine. While the typical transplant surgeon would be lost in triage of a car accident victim, I doubt sincerely that the average board certified Emergency specialist would revel in a liver transplant operation. Simply put, the first person on line should have the best and broadest education, and then move the call accordingly.
Since it is unfeasible to have DSL triage people, the engineers should answer the phone first. Then pass off the problems that can be solved by the trained customer representative to him. Then, serious issues are dealt with quickly, and in the cheapest manner possible, and "Click on Start" issues are handled by the same people as now, but with the added efficiency, and moral booster, that they are not hit with problems they can neither understand nor solve. Much better customer relations would result, and costs would sink. The disadvantage is, of course, the cost of manpower, in that, the point where one cannot train a worker to analyse problem may or may not be cheaper than having an expert who then passes problems to that self-same worker, when the worker is qualified. But the fact remains, it is as illogical to expect a new trainee to diagnose and cure a line problem, as it is to ask an engineer to help set up Outlook Express. Keeping the two departments separate might really lower costs and increase margins.
Of course, anyone trying to get truly competent help in any sphere today is subject to supply and demand laws. And, the average level of education is far less than it ought to be, so that a pool of workers on the supply side is really small. These are political rather than DSL problems.
One thing is clear, that it will be impossible to keep current pricing and pay for support of the software ignorance type. Should the companies make Aunt Sadie pay? Should a gatekeeper determine whose problems are what and go where?
I have no solutions, except to say that my situation shows the absolute folly of the typical current setup. In the end, I would have been happy to pay thirty-five dollars for the ease of speaking to a real engineer on the first phone call. Many would not. My ISP would have been equally happy to have saved thousands of dollars, had the first telephone rep understood the problem immediately. Balancing it out, it is far more to the advantage of the ISPs to try different support solutions, keep as many customers as possible as happy as possible, while spending as little as possible. Telco and dial-up thinking do not cut it in a DSL world.
All good wishes,
Yazdzik | |
| | | | | | | Re: Not impressed said by yazdzik:
Simply put, the first person on line should have the best and broadest education, and then move the call accordingly.
umm, actually, it would be best to have some of the less qualified people on the phone to direct your call. To continue your analogy, that is the equivalent of having world-renowned surgeons do medical checkups. The only thing you need to make sure of is that the untrained people are able and willing to pass the customer on when they don't know the answer.
-Biscuits | |
| | | | | | | | Re: Not impressed M0ther, you sound like one of the AOL newbies Del talks about. Anyway I actually _use_ Flex as my ISP and they do a good job helping me when I need a question answered, and I usually get a reply get a reply within 24 hours from Del. They don't offer basic tech support like 'how do I plug my modem in' or dumb stuff like that. I've sent many questions on different things such as my IP's being messed up and gotten it cleared up the same day. I rarely need to ask them for any help, as they are a _good_ ISP. Not great by all means but probably the best on this island of ours. Oh well, feel free to e-mail me at spectra@flex.com. | |
|
| | Anon | It would be interesting to read some reviews by the users of flex. Personally I find the other isp's claims of free tech-support irritating. Hold times of two hours, being passed from department to department like a sack of used kitty litter, only to repeat the same tests, lost tickets and of course the myriad of woes I read from other posts, seem to be the norm.
it could be worse, my employer, another network provider, will not speak to anyone until the caller coughs up 125USD for the first and each additional hours.
scott
** that T-1 looks better everyday ** | |
|
 larsfumPremium
join:2000-09-01
Saint Petersburg, FL
| FLEXible??? Certainly sounds like FlexNet is NOT Flexible. I guess this is one way to eliminate your customers from being upset at poor tech support....Don't supply any at all.
Had to edit this.
Hey Justin, here is another opportunity for extra income. Start a FlexNet Reports sight to help the lost souls there that haven't a clue.
--
Fish laugh at the mere mention of my name!
[text was edited by author 2000-10-18 17:33:29] | |
|  jaykaykay4 Ever YoungPremium,MVM
join:2000-04-13
Scottsdale, AZ
kudos:19
 ·Speakeasy
| You get what you pay for... I don't necessarily believe you get what you pay for is the case in all situations, but in this case, I am afraid that this will be the outcome with this ISP and those who sign on with them. There is no way this ISP can last for very long, even if the idea is appealing. I would not want to be one of their customers. If there is no tech support to even take care of issues that are their fault, then even the small amount one might be paying is being thrown down the proverbial hole. Sounds like a great idea, but I cannot, for the life of me, see how they can even pay for their own bills.
--
JKK)
If I can't stay young, I can at least stay immature! | |
| | Anon | Wow! That's harsh. "If we find out you are a newbie, signed up with FlexNet just to save money (and got some naive high school student to setup your computer) and still expect us to give you full-on technical support without you yourself bothering to spend one second searching for answers to your own questions (check Hints Pages), we will kick your butt (and modem) out of FlexNet."
Wow! That's harsh.
Okay. My question is, then why charge? Why not offer it "free"?
I still believe quality service and support wins in the end. | |
| | | Anon | Re: Wow! That's harsh. said by ARE:
"If we find out you are a newbie, signed up with FlexNet just to save money (and got some naive high school student to setup your computer) and still expect us to give you full-on technical support without you yourself bothering to spend one second searching for answers to your own questions (check Hints Pages), we will kick your butt (and modem) out of FlexNet."
Wow! That's harsh.
Okay. My question is, then why charge? Why not offer it "free"?
I still believe quality service and support wins in the end.
how would they make a profit? if their product performs as advertised, it sounds like a deal. Without the illiteratti clogging the help desk, you might have a better chance of speaking to someone about a real problem or outage | |
|
| | Lawsuit waiting to happen... These guys are going to be a disaster area. Even the most adept internet user needs support now and then. Hell, I'm a 2nd year computer engineer and I need help every once in awhile. The reason no one has done this before is because it won't work. Another problem with this is that many people are not adept in computers, they don't have much of a customer base to work with here. | |
| | | | Where is the SAVING and Compassion?? Sounds like this guy is running his Flexnet ISP by himself and only give support at layer 3 (network).
Reading some of the harsh comments, may be he should be a drill sargent instead of a network engineer (not one compassionate bone in his body).
Flexnet charges $25.95 for ISP + $32.50 for basic DSL = $58.49 . Where is the saving??
Sheesh, if you go with a national ISP like Verizon, MSN, for Earthlink; you'll pay between $39.95 and $49.95 (complete package) with a tech supports. Hell even if some of Tech support are not knowledgeable, you can at least get some compassion and not harsh words and comments.
Moral of Story: Why go with a small town inky dinky ISP who is harsh and charge you more. Why not go with a National ISP who charge you less, compassionate and not make you feel like an idiot.
Tony, | |
| | | JYoungG L 2814
join:2000-06-13
Sherman Oaks, CA | Re: Where is the SAVING and Compassion?? They are based in Hawaii and as I understand it, the cost of living is much higher in Hawaii then the continental US. Most natives work two jobs to make ends meet.
--
This Space for Rent | |
|
| | Anon | Re: Lawsuit waiting to happen... NO ITS NOT A LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
I'll tell you why it's not, they're stating we do not provide basic tech support , we wont tell you how to install a modem in your computer we wont tell you how to run My Computer - Dialup Network - Add ect.. why? because we have all the documentation on line, and they say they wont provide it, if you still want to purchase an account go ahead and do so , if you dont thats your choice, but if you do buy one dont expect it. thats all. | |
|
Anon
| Notice to Hand-Wringers
Dig into the Web page and you'll find that FlexNet has been running for 6 1/2 years. Their customer base increased more than 50% in 1999 (although it is small--it went from 1300 to 2000). They allow re-sale of their accounts--so you could buy 500 accounts at $10 and re-sell them for $20 as long as you provide your own support. They have about 1200 accounts that are marketed through resellers.
So they have about 3200 accounts paying $10/month; that comes out to $380K per year. That's a decent chunk of money. So apparently it does work--this is a classic example of niche marketing.
Alan
[text was edited by author 2000-10-19 11:59:11] | |
| | jaykaykay4 Ever YoungPremium,MVM
join:2000-04-13
Scottsdale, AZ
kudos:19 Reviews:
·Speakeasy
| Re: Notice to Hand-Wringers Guess I am a bit naive, but FlexNet isn't an ISP in my estimation. A reseller, yes. The idea may work, and if those who buy any of their accounts offer any kind of tech support, that's great. Otherwise, I think they are advertising as something they are not...an ISP, and they certainly cannot help build a good reputation within the industry. I grew up where support was just part of what went with the game; that what you bought was sold with pride, and even if one was in business to make a profit, which obviously FlexNet is, that one didn't throw the user to the lions as it were.
--
JKK)
If I can't stay young, I can at least stay immature! | |
| | | Anon | It's not an issue of whether it will work or not. I'm sure it does work, but there are still people out there who are "experienced" net users who still need help once in a while.
Secondly, while they may have 3200 accounts paying, that $380K per year is also divided by the number of resellers who get a piece of the pie. So it's a little over-inflated revenue. But kudos always for niche marketing.
Thirdly, I would not be surprised if they are doing as well as you are claiming, considering they only service the Hawaii area. There isn't much out there, except maybe Flexnet? ...
And on the other hand, I'm certain I wouldn't want to work in technical support. While I'm sure there are people who have legitimate problems, being yelled at all the time would certainly give me an ulcer. | |
| | | | |  Re: Notice to Hand-Wringers
The reseller sell the product OVER the price that Flexnet sells it. Flexnet charge the same to everyone, $10 for dialup, $26 for ADSL. The dialup income is $384k for
Flexnet whether you resell it or not.
-T.J. | |
|
Reviews:
 ·Skytex Wireless
| I love this ISP
I used to be a tech for RoadRunner. Basically, you turn on your computer and you're connected to the internet. You open your browser and go where you want. Open mIRC and chat away. Open your email client and communicate with your friends. I hated the users that thought this was "too complicated - AOL was so much easier."
The only reason I've ever found a need to contact a Dialup ISP is to get information about dialup numbers, DNS IP's, and mail server addresses. | |
|
| Where is the Saving? Where is the compassion? Looks like Flexnet is a one man show ISP which only give support at layer 3 (network).
The guy that runs this company appear very harsh, may be he should be a "drill sargent" instead of an enterpraneur/network engineer.
Where is the saving?
His charge for ISP is $25.99 + basic ADSL $32.50= $58.49 final cost/month. This is cheap?
Why go with a rinky dinky local ISP who charge more and give lesss. Why not go with a National ISP like Verizon, MSN, Eartlink etc.. who charge between $39.95 to $49.95. You pay less for more service. Ok, so you may say "some of the tech service is lousy", but at least you can get come Compassion/ understanding, walk away with your dignity still attach; instead of NO tech support at all plus harsh words/comments.
Flexnet's model of business won't get you far.
In the end , better service and support at lower cost will always prevail.
Granted "you get what you pay for", so since Flexnet is not providing much; either a) bring its prices down or b)start providing more service.
Being a system admin, I don't expect my clients(end user) to be as savy as I am. If they are, thats great. However if they are NOT a savy user, I try provide support to them in way where we end the call with the problem resolve and also leaving the client content that I didn't treat/talk to him like he's an idiot.
Tony,
[text was edited by author 2000-10-19 17:06:24] | |
| | | | Re: Where is the Saving? Where is the compassion? I dun know they have been around for 6+ years and seem to be doing fine so your logic is flawed somewhere | |
| | | | | Re: Where is the Saving? Where is the compassion? This business logic is not something I made up. Providing the best product/service for the lowest possible price has been around since the cave man ages ---sarcasm.
I'm not saying his business practice is wrong, All I'm trying to say is the customer base that he's providing service is a minority. His service will only attract the savy pc/internet user and I think his selling point is stroking the egos of the savy user (nothing more).
I think the average person will pay more to get the support, remember not everyone is computer savy person.
Sure, he may stay in business to put food on the table but,
the business will never be a Fortune 500 with his business philosophy.
My 2 coppers, | |
| | | | | | Re: Where is the Saving? Where is the compassion? The guy running Flexnet made it very clear on his website: He doesn't care if he's #1 or not. Heck, he was the first around, and helped set up a half dozen other ISPs on the islands. If you wanted tech support, he provided the links to the other ISPs that provides it.
So he obviously does not care much about being on some Fortune 100 list. He provides a service in a niche market that proves (obviously) profitable for him in some ways.
Heck, I wonders if he's the only one working at that ISP. Heh.
-T.J. | |
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| Anon | The lack of tech support doesn't bother me, but... There are two lines on their website which specifically bother me. First:
"Okay, the 'bad' news is that FlexNet will no longer provision Platinum or Platinum Plus. Why oh why? Because it seems those users ordering those services have an unrealistic expectation of what they can get from their ADSL link."
Second:
"If you plan on running a real-time server, or want to play real-time games or lots of interactive stuffs, be advised that ADSL is not a good way to do it. ADSL bandwidth is spotty in nature and individual packets may/will have varying amounts of latency (delays) that will drive your Half-Life gaming out of your mind. So don't do ADSL if you're thinking real-time applications."
Some people have posted that this service seems more like a reseller than an ISP - problem with that theory, they don't supply individual accounts at the highest speeds. I find it more likely that the bandwidth requirements of the Platinum level users far exceeded what Flexnet could provide.
As for their gaming comment - I've played games on dial-up, DSL, and cable modems. For most games, unless you're the server, DSL should be more than adequate (If you're running the server, save everyone a headache and go with a cable modem). Latency exists, but not to a degree that it interferes. Again, I find it more likely that the bandwidth requirements of gamers exceed what Flexnet can provide. If too many gamers are on at once, their network most likely slowed to a crawl. | |
| | | linuxisking Now this is an ISP!
If you know what your are doing, why should you pay for the support that is needed by novices?
This way the digeratti get the best price and those who need the support go elsewhere.
It is their duty to put a "scary" sign on their front door.
It keeps the children out.
I'm sure they offer "tech support"
That is how they can tell if there is a novice on board.
If you call and sound lost, your out.
If you call and sound like you know your stuff, then it should be a quick call.
I provided the 3rd tier support for my first ISP.
Seems like I was always finding a problem with one of their servers or dead modems in their pool.
I like these guys.
Mike
ps thanks for the spell checker. | |
| | | HeHe Good Idea | |
| | | How Refreshing! I see nothing wrong with offering the quid pro quo == lower price, less support. They make no bones about what they are selling. And there obviously IS support for problems they generate, if you read their page. Cool. I would not consider myself qualified for their service, but it has a niche, just like AOL has a niche for the technologically retarded. I wish them luck!
--
Snoozer | |
|  Dante2
join:2000-09-16
Camp Hill, PA | ROFLMAO That was GREAT !!!!! Just what I needed to start my day 
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»www.DSLREPORTS.com "THIS is what I want MY Internet to be!" | |
| | | Ahhhh! Just what the Doctor Ordered
Pardon the pun AOLers, but before you run with the big dogs, you had better "bone up!" | |
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