[geeks] @home has finally done it...

[Kurt Huhn]

> I'll bet you many DSL providers have similar rules.  You'll either have
> to buckle down and use your home connection as a client only, or pay for
> the kind of service you really want.
>
> --

I've gone around and around with @home sooo many times regarding their terms
of service.  When I signed up for @home the first time (what seems like many
years ago), the clause regarding servers didn't appear in the TOS.  I asked
the engineers and the salespeople at every @home affiliate since, when I
sign up for serveice, wether continuing to run a personal SMTP and HTTP
server is aceptable.  I alwyas get positive response.

I'ts just in th elast 6 months that @home has gotten wierd - claiming they
never had static IPs for consumers, claiming that NetBios is part of the
DHCP standard, blocking incoming ports, going down TWICE A DAY.

It's like giving someone a shiny new Porsche, then taking it away piece by
piece.  First something not really needed, like a cigarette lighter, and
working your way up so that eventually power steering is gone.

Don't get me wrong - I know what the TOS says.  I've just always disregarded
it, with the acceptance of the local @home and Cox reps.  I understand your
position, but I don't accept it.  Did you also know that running a firewall
is also against the TOS, as is running a VPN to your office - according to
one of the reps I spoke to last night?  I don't care to read the TOS
anymore - screw em.

It isn't even that they're now blocking the ports - it's the lack of
communication to their customer base that pisses me off.  A simple email to
their users "we're going to be blocking inbound http and smtp on such-n-such
a day" is all that's needed.  I could have made alternate plans in a matter
of hours.

Bah!  They'll be rid of me soon enough anyway.  As you've suggested, I'm
moving to an ISP that doesn't limit incoming traffic types.  Paying for what
I need, I suppose.  Besides - what geek wouldn't take advantage of that
situation.  I might not have a right to complain - but it won't stop me from
actually doing it.

pleh!

Kurt