No Facilities

Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

Monopoly

You Said Free—1LinerWeds

Dan Antion
1 minute

I’ve been asking you to read a lot lately, and Saturday’s post will be a longer story than the ones I’ve posted so far. So, I’m going to try to be short-winded today and tomorrow.

I recently ordered a couple items from Amazon. I don’t shop there often, but as needed. A few days later, I received an email telling me I was receiving 90 days of Amazon Music for free. After which the service would continue for a $10 monthly fee. I also got an offer for a premium upgrade with YouTube TV – same deal, continuing at a higher price after a certain number of weeks. Both offers came under the heading of “Free Gift for You!” I feel the need to explain that:

“A free trial is not the same as free.”

One-liner Wednesday—Linda G. Hill

black bird
I really like this photo
Flag
Flag and reflection on Memorial Day 2024
Bunny bunny
Bunny bunny
Contrails
Contrails over BDL
Sprinklers
No rainbow, but a lot of mist.
Hedges and flowers
Hedges and flowers
Korean Dogwod
Korean Dogwod
Bunny
Bunny
Lilies of the Valley
Lilies of the Valley
Sun reflected in puddle
Sun reflected in puddle
Birds eating
Our neighbor is serving breakfast
Bunny in tall grass
Maybe these people are doing No Mow May
Drops on rhododendron
Drops on rhododendron
Books on Gateway Clipper

Knuckleheads — The Evil You Choose — When Evil Chooses You — Secrets held Against Evil

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

92 responses to “You Said Free—1LinerWeds”

  1. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    These subscription services bug me. It’s another gimmick to get us to spend money. Then, when you try to discontinue, it’s usually a big hassle.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That’s the worst part, Pete. I fought for over 30 minutes to cancel the Sirius Radio contract that came “free” with my car, I never listed to it, but they tried everything to get me to sign-up. Fortunately they didn’t have my credit card info.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. restlessjo Avatar
    restlessjo

    That’s a beautiful shot of a rhododendron, Dan. Sorry- I’ve struggled to keep up with the reading.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Don’t worry about it, Jo. We all get busy. I’m glad you stopped by today.

      Like

      Reply
      1. restlessjo Avatar
        restlessjo

        🤗🩵

        Like

        Reply
  3. hilarymb Avatar
    hilarymb

    Hi Dan – yes I ignore those too … no point starting and I don’t need otherwise I’d have joined before. You’re in the wet zone too … I see – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The rain has eased up a little, Hilary, but we’re still getting our share. Better than drought, though.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. bushboy Avatar
    bushboy

    Have I got a bargain for you…..until next year when you get the premium price 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Does that mean I can read your blog for free until then? Awesome! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. bushboy Avatar
        bushboy

        Oh yeah, it’s perpetual actually. No one would come near my blog if I charged 😂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I know people who have moved to places that offer a premium subscription, but I’ve not bothered.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. bushboy Avatar
            bushboy

            I wonder how many went along for the ride

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  5. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    I love the whole thing about “free gift.” Isn’t that just a bit redundant? Isn’t a gift always free? Ah, but there’s such a different between a gift tied with a bow and a “gift” with strings attached. That silhouette in the first photo is a great capture, as is the sprinkled rhododendron. Those bunnies live in a 24-hour cafeteria.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The bunnies do take advantage of the fact that we don’t close. Of course the staff sometimes let the water bowls go unattended. Just ask Mr. Robin about that.

      I like a “gift tied with strings attached.” That sums it up nicely.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Oddment Avatar
        Oddment

        Robins are just never happy. And their idea of tipping leaves a lot to be desired.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I haven’t found any tips yet. I’m reluctant to hang a suggestion box.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. Oddment Avatar
            Oddment

            LOL here. I’m thinking their suggestions would be a lot like their tips.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Dan Antion Avatar
              Dan Antion

              I won’t be sending him a survey.

              Liked by 1 person

  6. willowdot21 Avatar
    willowdot21

    The photos are all extra special this week Dan … absolutely!
    As to the free trials you can immediately cancel your free trail to cease before the due date you should still get the free trial but either way do cancel before the due date…. You don’t get ought for nought! Have a good day 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      If I wanted the services, I’d give it a try, but the things I’ve ignored for years don’t look any better with 30/60/90 days free.

      Like

      Reply
      1. willowdot21 Avatar
        willowdot21

        I definitely agree💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  7. Dave Astor Avatar
    Dave Astor

    Yes, corporations always have a profit motive. :-(

    Beautiful photos, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I guess we can’t blame them, Dave, but some of these emails insult our intelligence.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    I think a lot of us have come to the same conclusion about these ‘free gift’ offers. From my experience, anything that is offered at a reduced price results in a challenge to stop before the escalated price comes into effect. It is always interesting how easy it is to sign up and how challenging it is to opt out. :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Very much the case, Judy. Especially if they have your credit card information.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    Triple bunnies beat free trials all day long!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We are inundated with bunnies. Big bunnies, baby bunnies, in between bunnies. A very good crop this year.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Rivergirl Avatar
        Rivergirl

        I’m so jealous!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  10. Sherry Felix Avatar
    Sherry Felix

    I get those offerzs now and then too. I never take them up on it because I’d have to remeber to cancel.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Exactly. And my memory really can’t be trusted.

      Like

      Reply
  11. Murphy's Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    “Free” is mighty expensive in the long run. No thank you.

    Nice shot of Old Glory at the park. The Korean Dogwood is magnificent as is your capture of the rhododendron. But I really love the sun reflected in the puddle. That is a neat photo.

    Happy Wednesday Dan.

    Ginger🦋

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad you liked that one, Ginger. I took it, but I forgot what it was when I saw it. From the context in the camera’s memory, I realized I was in the park. Then the light bulb came on.

      One Korean Dogwood is blooming, The other one isn’t. Not sure what’s going on. I hope the other one does because the squirrels love those seeds in the fall.

      I can’t afford free in these cases. I think I’ll just go without.

      Like

      Reply
  12. GP Avatar
    GP

    It is almost a scam. If they have your credit card #, often they will go to the paid subscription automatically after the “free trial” is over.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Yeah, I’ve had to fight to stop services (that I had wanted) after they changed the material offered or raised the prices to an absurd level. It’s always hard to walk away.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    I agree it’s not free. They keep trying to get me on the music over at Amazon too. No thanks!

    Is that your Blue Jay in silhouette? I really hoped I’d see one or more while in OH but, I didn’t see one.Not one! He-Man’s cousin assured me he’s sees them everyday but, I guess it wasn’t my turn.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That is a blue jay. We see them all the time, in our yard and while walking. They are everywhere around here.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. circadianreflections Avatar
        circadianreflections

        I haven’t made it to any of the New England states in my lifetime so far…maybe that’s where I need to go to see the Blue Jay y’all have?

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          There are days I’d pack them up and send them to you.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. circadianreflections Avatar
            circadianreflections

            😊

            Like

            Reply
  14. lois Avatar
    lois

    You have the prettiest flowers! That bird silhouetted in the branches is very pretty. It’s funny how you have to be careful when checking out of Amazon. We don’t have Prime–nor do we want it, but one click and your ‘free trial’ is in. My husband always calls me over to look at what he’s done to make sure he hasn’t clicked the wrong thing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I have made that mistake with Prime. I thought I avoided it (I said No Thanks) but they stuck the offer in with the shipping. I thought I was getting free shipping for having spent over $25, but nope – I had signed up for Prime. At least it’s somewhat easy to cancel. I’m glad you like the bird silhouette.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. bikerchick57 Avatar
    bikerchick57

    Free is never free when it comes to deals like this, Dan. Hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend…and your Wednesday is a good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thansk Mary. We had a good weekend and this week is going along nicely. I hope yours is as well.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. bikerchick57 Avatar
        bikerchick57

        The sun is out after three days of rain. It’s going to be a good day!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  16. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
    Liz Gauffreau

    I hate it when software shouts free, only to find out it’s a free trial. As you say, not the same thing at all. And “free gift” is redundant.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      You and Maureen keyed in on the “free gift” redundancy. That is often a giveaway.

      I’ve done free trials of software, just t check it out. As long as they don’t ask for a credit card.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
        Liz Gauffreau

        I have as well. I, too, stay away from that ask for a credit card.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  17. Ally Bean Avatar
    Ally Bean

    Free is a sneaky word! I like the photo of the sun reflected in the puddle. Way cool!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Ally. I’m glad you like that photo.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    Great photos, Dan. I always pass on the spo called freebies since, at the end of the period, I most likely would forget to cancel, and then there would be at least one month charged to my card. If they said, “90 days free, and then if you want to continue, we will do so if you provide your card number,” I might. It would be a cold day before that happened.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Amazon already has my card, so I don’t dare go for it. Besides I have my favorite “oldies” on my phone ;-)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        😊

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  19. Sharukh Bamboat Avatar
    Sharukh Bamboat

    Most companies work like cocaine dealers. The first few rounds are free and then we got to pay. I tried Amazon Music for free but I didn’t like it so I switched to Wynk which is my go-to music app. I listen to music daily the moment I wake up and do my bath and breakfast so I have a massive collection. From Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, and Madonna, to various Indian pop artists, movie soundtracks, and many more. Lovely images to end your short post. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m impressed to find that you like Johnny Cash. I stick to the music I’ve collected over time. I mostly only listen when driving.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sharukh Bamboat Avatar
        Sharukh Bamboat

        I love Walk the Line and Cry Cry Cry by Johnny Cash. Apart from him, I also like Loretta Lynn (I’m Dynamite), Neil Diamond (Play Me), Alan Jackson (The Older I Get), Tanya Tucker and many more. Shania Twain is my all time fav. In my family and extended family I’m the most music-loving person. In fact, my mom (in my school days) often used to grumble to other ladies that I can’t remember multiplication tables, but I remember every single beat of every single popular song. I still have the habit of playing the beats with the song on wooden tables and stools.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I can see how that might have annoyed your mother, but I’m impressed with your interests. It seems, in all things, you keep an open mind.

          Like

          Reply
  20. Bruce@WOTC Avatar
    Bruce@WOTC

    Dan, I always try to keep in mind companies are not in business to give things away. There is always a catch, and I always venture into such relationships selectively. I’ve got a neighbor who apparently is participating in No Mow April and May. It isn’t the first time they’ve left their lawn go wild, and I’m sure while neighbors don’t appreciate that decision…the wildlife does.🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We’re selective about mowing. We don’t cut a flowering ground cover because the bees like it. I cut around it, but I do cut the grass.

      Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what companies do. Microsoft gives you a TB of storage along with Office 365 Family edition. WordPress sells storage like the data is being carved onto gold bars. But free is usually too expensive for me.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. marianallen Avatar
    marianallen

    “free gift” is one of those phrases I hate with the fire of a thousand suns. If it’s a gift, it’s already free. If it isn’t free, it isn’t a gift. It reminds me of a diner menu I saw once that offered mashed potatoes “with au jus sauce”.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I guess the folks in marketing keep using it because it works. Just not me and this community.

      Like

      Reply
  22. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Ain’t no such thing as free. They count on you forgetting to cancel in time (I’ve become an expert at signing up and the next day making sure I cancel… still get the month of free service…)

    I can see why you like the silhouette of the Blue Jay.

    And I love the pink-tinged Lily-of-the-valley!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks. I haven’t been bit by my own forgetfulness for a long time. Yours is the better way. Take care of it right away.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        Yes. You can’t wait a week. You’re screwed!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  23. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Your one-liner is spot on! Love the photos, especially the reflections.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jennie. You know how I like reflections.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        You’re welcome, Dan. Yes, I know, and you have become the master of photography reflections!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  24. Frank Hubeny Avatar
    Frank Hubeny

    Good point about those free trials.

    I especially liked the photo of the rhododendron with raindrops.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks frank. I’m glad you liked that photo.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. Tails Around the Ranch Avatar
    Tails Around the Ranch

    Fabulous images. Those free trial come-on’s…talk about bait and switch. My satellite provider does this all the time. You’d think they’d be tired of hearing me so, no thanks. ;)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Asking you again is almost free for them. They don’t care how much they annoy you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Tails Around the Ranch Avatar
        Tails Around the Ranch

        True. Still it’s almost enjoyable telling them to go pound sand. LOL

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          Ha ha – that is true. I’m glad you liked the post.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  26. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Great one-liner, Dan. So frustrating dealing with these “free” trials. Your photos are extra beautiful today, and the sun reflection in the water is an artistic masterpiece. 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Gwen. I’m glad to hear that you like that reflection photo. I wasn’t sure people would. The free trials are getting absurd.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    “A free trial is not the same as free.” Thank you very much. That stuff is so annoying.

    The mist sure looks inviting. I can’t even remember the last time it rained here. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It’s raining here again today, Teagan. I won’t complain.

      The free trials and other bits of trickery designed to rake in more fees are annoying. I avoid them.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
        Teagan Riordain Geneviene

        Applesauce, Dan. Too many rainy days are bad too. I remember how demoralizing that is. Never feel like it is not okay to complain. We need the sunshine. Hugs

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          A few years back, we were in drought conditions. Everything turned brown in summer except for the lawns where people were wasting water on grass. I vowed not to complain about rain after that.

          Like

          Reply
  28. memadtwo Avatar
    memadtwo

    The word “free” is always an immediate red flag.

    My favorite this week is the sun in the puddle. But I do like that silhouetted bird–cardinal? (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Kerfe. The bird is a blue jay, of which we have in abundance.

      I’m glad you like the reflection. I wasn’t sure people would, but it proved quite popular.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Linda Schaub Avatar
    Linda Schaub

    Strings are attached most times. I heard a story recently about how everyone skips the fine print especially when using a computer. One UK non-profit organization wanted to know if people read the fine print and embedded in the privacy terms and conditions was an offer for a free bottle of fine wine. The person read it, no wine arrived, so he demanded it and got it three months later.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The fine print on web sites is most annoying. Especially if you’re reading on a phone, and it’s 10-20 pages of legalese. I avoid most offers altogether. The ones I look into are often scary.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Linda Schaub Avatar
        Linda Schaub

        You know there’s bound to be a catch along the line.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          Always.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  30. sustainabilitea Avatar
    sustainabilitea

    That one-liner is so true, Dan. Probably works really well for advertising, though. Water drop photos. Hurrah.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      They wouldn’t do it if it didn’t work, Janet. At least I think so.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    Hi Dan, I believe there is a saying in America, “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch”. Great photographs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Yes, and we keep finding new ways to give meaning to that expression.

      Like

      Reply
      1. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
        robertawrites235681907

        Haha, it seems so.

        Like

        Reply
  32. 100 Country Trek Avatar
    100 Country Trek

    Thanks Dan you saw so much mist . You saw these flowers in your area. You saw bunny 🐰 Anita

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  33. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    Boy, they know how to hook people with those free trials, don’t they? Sure, it’s good to be able to sample without committing right away, but you know they’re counting on a certain critical mass of people forgetting to cancel before the trial period is up.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      They want to set that hook right away, Paul.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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