Business « Believe the Lie

The Mastercard I kept on file on Xbox Live is no longer valid due to some fraudulent activity. This was not an issue because I did not need to buy any Arcade games or DLC. In addition, my Live subscription was valid until August 2012. So, imagine my surprise when Microsoft started spamming nearly daily saying there was a problem with my account. I ignored it after checking that I did not owe them anything and that my Live account was still active and paid for.

Yesterday, I guess they decided they were not satisfied so they cut off my Live account. To fix it, I had to jump through some hoops, three or four different webpages. I had to add a new card (which took a few tries before they accepted it), before I could remove the invalid one.

Why does Microsoft care if I have a (valid) card on file? So they can auto-charge me when they feel like it? It’s a terrible policy. If your customer doesn’t have a card on file, then he can’t buy products and services. It’s his problem. It’s his prerogative.

Update: I tweeted the question to @XboxSupport and they said that for recurring subscriptions they require a valid credit card on file, even if the recurring charge isn’t going to happen for a long time.

@sygyzy When you have an auto-renewing membership you need to have a card on file for the renewal. ^PS

September 26, 2011 2:34 pm via Elite Tweet Fleet ReplyRetweetFavorite

@XboxSupport

Xbox Support

A few months ago I started collecting business cards. Not your run of the mill, vomit-inducing VistaPrint ones that every amateur photographer or web designer has, but really nice ones. I have dozens now from all over the world, including die-cut ones and even a wooden one from New Zealand! I will document them when I have time.

I guess, I have always been interested in business cards but admittedly, my interest originally peaked when I saw the infamous American Psycho scene where Patrick Bateman and his colleagues obsess over each other’s cards and try to one-up one another.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Ben (founder) at The Mandate Press in Salt Lake City. I submitted an idea and they were able to execute it flawlessly. One of the designers even decided to try rounding the corners and sent me an email to see what I thought. I decided the look was good (matches the die-cut O) and had her make over half of them rounded.

If I am correct, the paper is 110 lb weight Lethra, in the florescent white color – hence the blog title. The text is actually letterpressed, not printed. Click on one of the close-ups to see the indentation in the card. Amazing stuff.

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Lettra 110 lb, Florescent White

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