Microsoft Planning to Nickel & Dime for Faster Xbox Live Downloads

“Would you consider buying a service that allows downloading Xbox LIVE Marketplace content faster than your current experience?”, asks question six.

If you subscribe to the Xbox Flash Newsletter, the latest issue (9-18-2007) will invite you to take a survey to “Let [them] know how you feel about Xbox LIVE Marketplace*.” First, commendation goes to MS for being very sharp about the agenda of the servey. There is no beating around the bush or any masks behind the questions at all. Now with that said, shall we continue?

The final two inquiries of the survey blatantly ask “How much” would you spend, either for a monthly subscription (from $2-or-less to $4-or-more) or a per-download use (from 10 cents to 25 cents)? Taking note that there is no option for zero dollars and zero cents. Now at this point, am I really the only one asking, “shouldn’t this be free?” And who in their right mind would pick the more expensive answers in this survey?

“But Rusty, we live in a democracy where free trade and capitalism is not regulated. Businesses and corporations have the right to charge whatever they want for any porducts and services they offer. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” Thank you. You are very educated.

I’m saying consumers have a voice and the Xbox Live Team asked to hear our voices by publishing this questionnaire and then sending out an email asking gamers to take the survey. Please let me help spread the word. I encourage everyone who may have recieved the latest Xbox Flash email to take the survey. Let them hear your voice by clicking your mouse. That’s all. And you know, some surveys ask for comments and feedback right before you hit the submit button; this one does not.

Posted by: Rusty Ranchero on September 18th, 2007

5 Responses to “Microsoft Planning to Nickel & Dime for Faster Xbox Live Downloads”

mik Says:

September 18th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Would I pay them money to get a faster download on a product I’m paying them money for, on top of the money I’m spending for my XBL subscription?

Hey-that said the word “money” three times. I guess that means they’re getting you coming and going . . . and coming again? Bad idea.
MrCarpalTunnel Says:

September 18th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I think if they go this route only the faster versions should be charged. The one that’s in place now should remain the same.

It goes without saying (Live is the Gateway Drug) they hook you and then you want more. I assume theyare looking for ways to compesate for all those extended warrenties.
The other guy 1 Says:

September 18th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
I am with mik on this one. I already pay $50 bucks a year for said download speed that we have at this time. If MS goes the route of charging me more that just means that I will have to go else were go get my gaming fix. SHAME on you Microsoft for even asking this question. Yea you always say that you are for the gamer. Which gamer are you talking about. Cause its not me. Go ahead do this and I will trash you and everyone with the xbox team as much and as loud as I can.

The Other Guy 1 a gamer who cares.
JaeVicious Says:

September 19th, 2007 at 6:38 am
I agree with mik and the other guy… Isnt this what we pay a $50 annual fee for?… Stop trying to milk us, we understand its a business. But this is a little too much. Like steve said in a earlier podcast. Just make it like $129 per year for unlimited movie downloads and the faster speed.
rabbit Says:

September 19th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Man what will be next? Will we have 2 pay more to play H3 on line. Sony has a FREE service. It just cost you to by stuff. Also when I pay $8 for a @#$%
arcade game I think that should all ready cover the download speed. Same thing for videos, themes and pit. If MS goes ahead and takes this action all I have to say is FU*&* MS XBOX and hallo PS3.