Macguy59
12-07-2006, 03:49 AM
I wonder how many people realize the overpayments ?
Unlike other online music services, the Zune Marketplace doesn’t use “real” currency. Instead, ZM uses Microsoft Points—Microsoft’s own currency worth 1.25 cents per point. Tracks at the ZM cost 79 points, which equals $.9875 per track. You can’t purchase tracks or albums without first purchasing points—in other words, you can’t select a track, click buy, and expect $.9875 to be charged to your credit card. Instead you must purchase blocks of points—400 points for $5 is the minimum (you’re also offered the option to purchase 1,200 points for $15, 2,000 points for $25, and 4,000 points for $50). Note that the price of these points doesn’t include “applicable taxes.”
What’s wrong with this scheme other than the fact that it tends to hide the true value of what you’re purchasing? You’re always leaving a little something in the bank for Microsoft. It takes your money up front and when you purchase as much music as your points allow, there’s still a little left in the bank for Microsoft to use as it wishes.
Article LINK (http://playlistmag.com/features/2006/12/zunemarket/index.php)
Unlike other online music services, the Zune Marketplace doesn’t use “real” currency. Instead, ZM uses Microsoft Points—Microsoft’s own currency worth 1.25 cents per point. Tracks at the ZM cost 79 points, which equals $.9875 per track. You can’t purchase tracks or albums without first purchasing points—in other words, you can’t select a track, click buy, and expect $.9875 to be charged to your credit card. Instead you must purchase blocks of points—400 points for $5 is the minimum (you’re also offered the option to purchase 1,200 points for $15, 2,000 points for $25, and 4,000 points for $50). Note that the price of these points doesn’t include “applicable taxes.”
What’s wrong with this scheme other than the fact that it tends to hide the true value of what you’re purchasing? You’re always leaving a little something in the bank for Microsoft. It takes your money up front and when you purchase as much music as your points allow, there’s still a little left in the bank for Microsoft to use as it wishes.
Article LINK (http://playlistmag.com/features/2006/12/zunemarket/index.php)