[collection6]

This probally has been discussed, but I haven't seen it. The tee-time system announced that all people using a comcast modem to access the system would be now charged an $8 monthly fee as of 6/20/2009 due to a change in the contract between comcast and the villages. I called earlier in the season to ask if this only affected comcast users, and was told that they thought so. I connect through dish tv. On 7/1/09 I went to use the on-line system and found that I could not connect, so I called them and was told that it is because I have not signed up to pay the monthly $8 fee. Now again, if you read what they have posted on-line you see that it says comcast customers, if I had been aware that it was for everyone I would have signed up to pay the fee. Now I realize that this is only an inconvience, but I do think that it should have been spelled out more clearly. I also feel that this is another way to get more money out of the golfing villagers. I'm sure there is some cost to running the system, but I feel $8 a month is excessive.

[chacam]

Originally Posted by collection6

This probally has been discussed, but I haven't seen it.

You see what you look for ! !

GOLFERS..what about the new 8 dollar charge?

[fraurauch]

How were you able to access the online tee time system prior to 6/20 if you didn't have Comcast? You should have been paying $5.50 per month.

[Hancle704]

To me, there is really nothing else included on The Villages.net that would motivate me to pay $8/month for the service. IMHO, if this was part of the service that Comcast provided its Village Customers, then Comcast should either reinstate the service or give us a reduction in our monthly bill to compensate for cutting back the service.

I remember when the only access to tee time system was via the telephone so it wont be a major problem to go back to the old way. Of course, if someone wanted to force folks to subscribe to the online access, all they would have to do is reduce the number of telephones line available which would result in constant busy signals while trying to call the system. There was a time when this was the case. One could spend a great deal of time trying to reach "the system".

[chacam]

Originally Posted by Hancle704

I remember when the only access to tee time system was via the telephone so it wont be a major problem to go back to the old way.

Yes, it would be a major problem ! ! !

[Muncle]

Originally Posted by Hancle704

To me, there is really nothing else included on The Villages.net that would motivate me to pay $8/month for the service. IMHO, if this was part of the service that Comcast provided its Village Customers, then Comcast should either reinstate the service or give us a reduction in our monthly bill to compensate for cutting back the service.

I remember when the only access to tee time system was via the telephone so it wont be a major problem to go back to the old way. Of course, if someone wanted to force folks to subscribe to the online access, all they would have to do is reduce the number of telephones line available which would result in constant busy signals while trying to call the system. There was a time when this was the case. One could spend a great deal of time trying to reach "the system".

Totally agree about Villages.Net. As far as I can see, aside from the tee time system, the only plus is an unneeded new mailbox which, of course, I never look at. I do like the capability of having the tee time system send me an email with any reservation confirmation. Other than that, the site is just a portal with a bunch of links, albeit some good ones. But then, I've all those links bookmarked anyway.

Re phone access, do you think maybe the increased accessibility earlier was due to an upgrade they made or off-loading of users to the new-at-the-time computer system? If a significant number of users drop out of the computer system, the phone system might degrade without them reducing lines.

Though I don't like it, $8.00 bucks ain't all that much in the great scheme of things.

[Ooper]

Originally Posted by collection6

This probally has been discussed, but I haven't seen it. The tee-time system announced that all people using a comcast modem to access the system would be now charged an $8 monthly fee as of 6/20/2009 due to a change in the contract between comcast and the villages. I called earlier in the season to ask if this only affected comcast users, and was told that they thought so. I connect through dish tv. On 7/1/09 I went to use the on-line system and found that I could not connect, so I called them and was told that it is because I have not signed up to pay the monthly $8 fee. Now again, if you read what they have posted on-line you see that it says comcast customers, if I had been aware that it was for everyone I would have signed up to pay the fee. Now I realize that this is only an inconvience, but I do think that it should have been spelled out more clearly. I also feel that this is another way to get more money out of the golfing villagers. I'm sure there is some cost to running the system, but I feel $8 a month is excessive.

How can one not see over 12 pages of posts on this topic over the last 6 months?

[iaudit]

Originally Posted by Ooper

How can one not see over 12 pages of posts on this topic over the last 6 months?

Why not just point him in the right direction and go on to the next post?????

[collection6]

You all are missing the point that the message on the tee-time system said comcast users only. Not only that but when I called them on the phone, the women said that it was comcast users only. The fee is the fee, but spell it out correctly on the website, and inform your people that they are to tell users it is for anyone that wants to connect on the site.

[dillywho]

I will probably get yelled at by someone about this, but what is the big deal? Those of us who do not use Comcast cable service have 2 choices....the telephone or pay the fee. The $8 fee is a bargain compared to what it costs to have Comcast as your ISP just so it can be included. It is a choice! I don't understand why those on Comcast think that TV should pick up the tab. You also have a choice when it comes to the priority membership. You don't have to be a member to play the CC courses nor do you have to "join" each one and pay dues, assessments, etc. Yes, the developers make money and lots of it......that's free enterprise. It is your choice to be here, not theirs. Would you build this place and then give people everything they wanted just so they would live here? I think not. Developers take all the risks and put out the initial monies with no guarantee of any return...that's speculation. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Again, free enterprise. You sure don't have to agree with me, but that's how I see it.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by collection6

You all are missing the point that the message on the tee-time system said comcast users only. Not only that but when I called them on the phone, the women said that it was comcast users only. The fee is the fee, but spell it out correctly on the website, and inform your people that they are to tell users it is for anyone that wants to connect on the site.

What they meant is that for Comcast users it used to be included in their Comcast membership. But anyone can use it if they pay for it. Comcast's agreement for free inclusion on the tee-time system ended - that's all,

[RCT]

Originally Posted by Ooper

How can one not see over 12 pages of posts on this topic over the last 6 months?

There's really no need to be cynical, or demeaning about this. Maybe they don't know about searching for topics. Please try and help people navigate around here, instead of making fun of them.

[JeanneBeannie]

RTC I couldnt agree with you more!!

I am trying to hold my tongue, but I think it is just terrible that someone could be attacked by asking a simple question.

Luckily I know that 99 percent of the folks on here are wonderful and very helpful with suggestions and advice, but to a newbie reading the small amount of grumps who make demeaning comments could be very hurtful.

As my dear Mother would say "If you dont have anything nice to say, dont say it at all".

Jeanne