Do the RealPlayer RealNetworks Honchos Master Avarice with Cyber Scam?

Wham! Did a cyber scam get me?
Sure did. Let’s look at the facts.

The fateful day was Friday, February 12, 2010. I had received my first DVD from www.NetFlix.com and was eager to watch The Reader on my computer. Trying several programs with the help of Google, I stumbled upon one that promised results — and trying SuperPass free of charge for 14 days and being charged $34.99 every three months thereafter sounded fair and I went for it.

Though the signup process was confusing, including the documentation of my commitment, I signed up and online handed over the critical information stamped on my plastic card.

Within the next three days I learned there is no need for this program and service that charges a recurrent fee month after month. Then I discovered my email system did not contain any confirmation of my subscription to SUPERPASS and I had no idea whom to call to cancel before the 14 days are up. But I took action: Without delay I uninstalled SUPERPASS, keeping my hope alive I would hear from the folks I placed my trust in.

Lo and behold, there was the $34.99 charge when I peeked at my bank account on Saturday, February 27, 2010.

Now I had a name and telephone clue to use in my investigation: SUPERPASS FROM REA and 866-212-1343

"Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!” as Gomer Pyle used to say. SUPERPASS FROM REA and 866-212-1343 are brought to us by the folks at RealNetworks, Inc. who bring us RealPlayer and their “Affiliates.” The registered nurses (RN) who believed RN signaled a product/service related to their noble profession now know the truth — it is RealNetworks. Is it the whole truth?

Like I, you will find much of the truth if you ask Google for a helping hand: Search on “SUPERPASS FROM REA” and ye shall find.

My anger should perhaps be dampened. After all, how can I prove RealNetworks or their Affiliate did not send me a congratulatory email with all the information needed to cancel before my 14-day trial is up? After all, there are protective email features that mistake genuine emails for sham bombardments.

Let me shed some light on the workings (promises and commitments of RealNetworks (they are the ones who bring you RealPlayer and SUPERPASS)

This is RealNetworks’ Privacy Policy. Does it imply they respect you?

This is RealNetworks’ Statement of Non-Discrimination. Does it imply they take money from everybody?

And here is RealNetworks’ Real Affiliate Program and how your money is taken from you.

How many people do you think have unwittingly and involuntarily filled the coffers of RealNetworks and its Affiliates? Hundreds? Thousands? Could it be hundreds of thousands? Annual revenues of more than $500 million require a real big number.

Why was there no company profit to report in 2009 and before? With revenues of $562.3 million in 2009, the net loss attributable to common shareholders of $212.3 million or $1.60 per share raise the eyebrows of the shareholders, I am sure.

Shouldn’t the plight of the shareholders (RealNetworks, Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ: RNWK) motivate the RN SUPERPASS FROM REA month-after-month benefactors not to call for a refund and punishment?

I continued my investigation and studied the RealNetworks, Inc. Form 8-K dated February 24, 2010 submitted to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

What do you think of the destination of your monthly taken by cunning subscription fee — the millions being paid to the top honchos?

On second thought, what if I let RealNetworks, Inc. and Affiliate keep my money ($34.99) and then press forward with the confirmation of and punishment for CYBER SCAM practices?

Robert Kimball
President and acting CEO
RealNetworks, Inc.
2601 Elliott Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, Washington 98121
Telephone: 206-674-2721
Press Contact:
Bill Hankes
Telephone: 206-892-6614
BHankes@real.com

I have double-checked and made absolutely certain that all programs from RealNetworks, including RealPlayer, are permanently removed from my computer.

What about you? What will you do?

When money is unreasonably coveted,
it is a disease of the mind which is called avarice.
Cicero (106 BC–43 BC)
Roman author, orator and politician