e-commerce fun

I finally broke down and bought something from Amazon today. I think it's possible I've bought a book there before but I doubt it. The reason is quite simple, I like browsing through bookstores. Most of the books I buy are computer related, and I find it important to browse through them beforehand before popping US$50 for them.

I also avoided amazon all these years because I didn't trust them...I figured it's a huge target and likely to be hacked/attacked. I also figure 5+ years is enough time for them to have worked out their bugs.

On the other hand...I used Amazon earlier this morning to validate something I guessed at. See, I've been boycotting the US Recording Industry in my own little way this past year due to all the nonsense about the DMCA, CBDTPA, and every other stupid thing they are doing to abridge various rights. Instead, I've been buying my CDs through HMV Australia (ok, ok, it's not a true boycott, though I have cut down my CD purchases significantly this year).

Now, I buy through HMV Australia simply because 1) I set up an account there when I lived in Sydney and 2) they have a decent selection of Australian performers, surprisingly. What I didn't count on was that it'd be cheaper to buy via Australia (including shipping) than to buy in the US.

As an example, I ordered seven CDs last Monday (Tuesday in Oz). The total cost was AUD$190. Since one of the CDs wasn't available yet, they only shipped six and charged me US$95. Figure that they'll bill me another US$10-$15 when the other CD ships (it's Oz list is AUD$29.95).

Adding up the CDs on Amazon (and guessing liberally on two that Amazon didn't carry) came to a total of US$135 before shipping. Buying the CDs in a local store would likely be about $10 hire since Amazon tends to shave a bit off the price.

Now, the kicker is this: I ordered these on what was essentially Tuesday afternoon in Sydney. They were here yesterday morning (about a week). Had I ordered the same CDs from Amazon, paid more base, and taken the free shipping option, I'd likely still be waiting (since free shipping takes 5-9 days according to their site).

The CD list (in case anyone's interested): Signal Hill by Monique Brumby, TheChilloutSessions3 mixed by Ministry of Sound, ...nothing but a dream by Paul Kelly, capricornia by midnight oil, Sea Change by Beck, Let Go by Avril Lavigne and Present by Killing Heidi.

The books were so boring all I'll say is that they're on WiFi and 802.11 networking.

As if there weren't enough

As if there weren't enough problems in the Middle East, according to this LA Times article, a wall supporting the Temple Mount is on the verge of collapse.

Lisa, "Frisket", and I will

Lisa, "Frisket", and I will be doing our bit to support the marathon this weekend by hanging out around mile 13 (just past the water station) and handing out tissues to the runners.

SF fans should check out

SF fans should check out The Infinite Matrix which calls itself a journal for people who love science fiction as a literature of ideas. It's currently in the midst of a fundraising drive (an interesting one at that if you're into S/F collectables).