America was founded because people wrote it into being. Our Founding Fathers created a Declaration of Independance. Their signatures bound them to their agreement.
As we collectively move forward with the digital times, how much of that reverence will be lost? Every time I want to do any transaction online, I must click on a checkbox to accept the terms. That becomes my signature for all time... I have to accept, accept, and accept IF I want to pay my bills online, purchase a plane ticket or subscribe to anything.
Not only that, but an online agreement in these troubled times could also mean that we could be unsuspectingly allowing higher interest rates and elevated fees just for trying to pay our bills in the most effecient manner (I am speaking from experience).
When do I get to sign my name again, like my Great, Great, Great, Grandfather who has a statue in Beaver Falls, PA? Surely, he would have something to say about all of this sillyness about being forced to agree to terms only to PAY a creditor... Why do they get all of the protection? Why can't I develop something similar so when they automate a withdrawel from my account, they have to agree and accept all of my terms and conditions?
For example: No, you cannot charge me $175.00 for changing service providers because your didn't service me in all of the locations I needed your service.
Just a thought.
So true, my friend, so true...Shocked
I don't even read it any more. I forget.
Posted by: Kytari | November 24, 2009 at 05:14 PM
Amen, sister! Who has the time and the ability to interpret legalese anyway? A useful change would be to spell it out in simple English what you are agreeing to. However, it seems embedding unsavory items in legalese is part of the strategy.
I know you are shocked that I still read your blog...
Posted by: Billeisenhauer | November 20, 2009 at 10:32 AM