sherbert wrote on Jan 18
th, 2010 at 5:48pm:
I actually do not see the difference between looking for a cheaper telephone number to use than looking for a cheaper brand of tea, coffee, soap etc.
Getting the same service at a discounted price from the same provider, or indeed getting it for free, would be a better analogy. (We are only referring to the revenue share premium component of the cost of the telephone call - SAYNOTO0870.com is not focused on which provider offers the cheapest rates.)
In this respect, SAYNOTO0870.com is in the same position as MSE and the various "discount code" sites. This may be a perfectly healthy manifestation of consumerism, given the ethical qualifications that may apply to consumerism wherever it is found.
The difference for me arises in that the charges being avoided are generally not properly advised, and secondly, that they are applied in situations where they are wholly improper. This discussion forum extends beyond the issue of alternative number to address these points. That is why I am engaged here, giving particular attention to the latter, campaigning with a progressive focus that deliberately starts with the softest targets. I believe that an opportunity to address the former will arise in the course of this year, and intend to be fully engaged.
Some may believe that online retailers should publish their discount codes for all to use and some may believe that it is valid for public service providers to offer users a choice about what they pay for access. Those who hold these views (or fail to consider these issues) would not see any difference between SAYNOTO0870.COM and the other sites when assessing its ethical position.