What’s Better Than FREE Stuff? MORE Free Stuff
Have you noticed how often you see the word FREE now? Before it was just things on sale. I’m at the point now, if I buy something NOT on sale (heaven forbid), it’s like I need an excuse.
Now, I find myself looking for the free stuff – free trials and products on anything from software to make-up. I didn’t start out like that. I enjoy shopping and I’m not a cheapskate (is that still a word?). But there are soooo many free offers online and in the real world, it’s hard to resist.
If you feel the same way about FREE stuff, repeat after me… “It’s not our fault”. We’ve been pulled into some type of “freephoria” by companies and advertisers that skillfully use FREE as a marketing strategy.
According to Chris Anderson (Wired Magazine and author of the upcoming book, “FREE”) technologies that power the web are driving this wave of “freeconomics”. He gives some good examples including free web mail and Google’s free directory assistance.
Look at how “one-upmanship” between Yahoo and Google resulted in MORE free storage for consumers. Why does Google offer free directory assistance (GOOG-411)? Because callers give Google valuable information that helps Google improve it’s service and that will help Google provide a voice-driven search engine for cell phones.
We found more interesting free stuff like students text books Freeload Press offers free college textbooks that they estimate can save students (and parents) about $900/yr. The textbooks have to be downloaded, have advertisements between chapters and students need to complete a survey.
Just Say NO to International Calls that Cost Money
The thought of paying for an international call gives me chills. I’ve been spoiled making free long-distance and international calls using Skype and the Internet. Now, they’ve added free video calls to anyone in the world. Does it get any better? Maybe. We just discovered another free calling service, Jaxtr, that let’s you make and receive phone calls in 220 countries. It’s different from other Voip services because you use the minutes from your existing domestic calling plan to make international calls from your mobile phone.
FREE Web Sites, Blogs, Branded Email and Hosting
OK, I can’t hold back any longer. I could not let an article about FREE stuff go by without mentioning our own free stuff…FREE websites, FREE Blogs, and FREE Hosting that comes when you register or transfer a domain name. (Shameless plug. But, for $9.99 or less, what a great deal!)
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