Best Buy drops CheapAssGamer from its affiliate program = hypocrASSy

[CheapyD]

A few weeks ago, I received the following email:

“Dear Affiliate,

It is my unfortunate duty to inform that we have terminated our affiliate relationship. Please note that you will be paid in full for your affiliate earnings to date. I would like to thank you for your participation.

Best Regards,

*edited*
Best Buy Affiliate Program”

Wow, no explanation. Could you spare 2 minutes and tell me what the problem is? I wrote back trying to find out some details, but I received vague responses such as; CheapAssGamer "no longer meets our long term business goals" and it doesn't "align with BestBuy corporate branding goals". I decided that only a phone call to the Affiliate Program Manager would get me a straight answer.

Upon speaking to the Manager, I learned it was the “ass” in CheapAssGamer.com that led Best Buy to terminate CAG’s affiliate status. I'll admit that I was not completely surprised to hear this. In fact, I figured the "ass" must have been the problem as retailers generally enjoy free advertising and the business that CAG drives to their websites.

So, before I made the call to the Program Manager, I prepared myself and did a little homework. Guess what happens when you search for the word “ass” on Best Buy's (http://www.bestbuy.com) product search box?

Here is a small sample:
Buckit Naked: Ass Unlimited (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=39672&skuId=4869529&type=product)
Ass Illustrated (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=57405&skuId=11850981&type=product)
Face Down, Ass Up (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=191024&skuId=4010037&type=product)
Up Your Ass (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=228979&skuId=4853199&type=product)
Dynamite Up Your Ass (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=224393&skuId=12976247&type=product)
Blow It Out Your Ass (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=201114&skuId=4070551&type=product)

There are many more, some that I am too embarassed to post.

When I spoke to the Manager, I pointed out Best Buy's huge double standard and explained how they were forcing me to write this story as my users must be informed of something this significant. I also promised that our forums are moderated for content and that we even have a Baptist Pastor as an active user (it's true!). The Manager agreed that I made some very good points. She also promised to talk to the Best Buy corporate office about this situation and to get back to me in a few days. It has been weeks and my emails and phone calls are now ignored.

As I said to the Program Manager, this site can survive without a monthly check from Best Buy, but it cannot survive if I allow this to compromise the impartiality of CheapAssGamer. I encourage you all to continue to post Best Buy deals, as a deal is a deal, regardless of whether this website is supported by it's purchase. At this point, I am not sure what can be done, or even if its worth doing, but I had no choice but to fill you in on this CAG newsworthy event. I'm not really sure what Best Buy's thinking is with regards to this situation, but I assure you it's No Skin Off My Ass (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=59840&skuId=11730291&type=product).

UPDATE: Just got this email today (3/10/04) from the Program Manager:

"Sorry for the delay in my response.
BestBuy has decided not to re-activate your account.
Wish I had better news.

Thanks,
*edit* "

I don't know why it took so long to get back to me, but I do believe that she feels bad about the whole thing. She seemed like a nice person when we previously spoke, but, since Best Buy is her client, she's got to abide by their decision.

By the way, have you tried search for other "4-letter words" into Bestbuy.com (www.bestbuy.com)?
Good stuff.



Link to article: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/archives/000696.html

[Scrubking]

I say screw them.

For those who don't know, Best Buy sells playboy movies and other softcore porn videos so there hypocrisy is ridiculous.

Of course a deal is a deal and if we can get a cheap game at BB good for us, but otherwise screw em their stuff is way overpriced anyway - ever tried to buy a small pc cable from there?. I say we boycott them unless it is for a REALLY good deal.

[GameDude]

We should order a bunch of big tv's...then return them to the store. They'd lose about $40 or so just on the free shipping! :twisted:

[daphatty]

Sounds like all the more reason to exploit them whenever and wherever possible. Some say an educated consumer is capitalisms worst enemy. I'd argue that a scorned CheapASSGamer is your worst nightmare. BestBuy beware. Make sure you close all your discount loopholes because if you don't, someone here will find it.

[repetske]

I find it ironic that this site was the one thing that got me going back to Best Buy after a long time absence and now it's got me questioning whether to go back any more. Is there someone we can email? Even a few might be noticed.[/img]

[PsyClerk]

Insanity. Maybe someone higher up will realize how stupid this is. You'd think they would LIKE money...

[E-Z-B]

I say just give in and change the name so that BB and Target will allow you into their programs. It's just a name. The deals are what's most important.

[sylentwulf]

Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.

[Salmonday]

I wouldn't have known at all had it not been for the front page story. I mean, you said you were notified that you were out weeks ago and I never noticed. If you didn't want to risk our impartiality, it might not have been good to say this as loud.

That being said, what good would it be to post Best Buy deals when they NEVER EVER actually ship said product anyway?

[ft]

Don't let The Man get you down.

Cheapy made a conscious decision when he chose the name "Cheap Ass Gamer". To change it now would be lame. People will find this site regardless.

I know it's none of our business, but I doubt you (Cheapy) make much from an affiliate. Sure, every little bit helps, but I work in conputers and I know the affiliate/banner revenue is nothing like it used to be.

I know the site is relativly new (a year or so?) Stick it out. You're building a branding, don't toss away all your work because of a few dollars from Best Buy.

And the fact that Best Buy sells tons of stuff with "Ass" in the title is just too funny. That's some straight up "Office Space" type stuff.

[CheapyD]

Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.

What web browser are you using?

[E-Z-B]

Yeah, it's NOT taking up the whole page. It is as you say, just a paragraph already with a link to the full story. You must be using an antiquated web browser.

[Scrubking]

:-#

[Hardware]

If you don't like what Cheapy puts on his site then don't come. I hate bestbuy anyway, their deals never work out anyway.

[sylentwulf]

Looks fine now, I'm using internet explorer 6.0.

Must have just been a one time fluke, sorry if I sounded a little harsh, it just looked REALLY BAD :)

[miniarnold]

I hate how sensitive our society has become. Oh no, the site has the word ASS in its name :shock: . <sarcasm>I am now scarred for life and will sue Best Buy for affiliating itself with this website</sarcasm> :roll:

America just needs to take the stick out its ass and move on.

[punqsux]

I say we boycott them unless it is for a REALLY good deal.

i already only shop there for video games, and as you can guess i dont go there to pay $50 for a game ^^

im sure 90% of the time the games that we buy from them make them lose money (in the case that we actully get the games) so i say keep going, and if you need anything else that they sell, try circuit city, in me experiance ive noticed cc has more informed employees and lower prices

[little_krampy]

I'm sure this decision was made by some big-wig who sits in his/her office all day making pointless decisions. Doubt they even visited the site before deciding. Sad really, especially when their excuse is so weak.

Cheapy - Just out of curiousity, what were some of the other benefits to being a BB affiliate other than them giving you a check every month?

[E-Z-B]

Maybe Best Buy is owned by Clear Channel Radio.

[Theenternal]

Well yesterday because of the poor customer service that I have been recieving I wrote them a polite but nasty letter basically telling them that they are greedy, their customer service policy on service plans suck.

I also bought something from the internet for 27 dollars from them. Found the same item a few days later for 22. And will be returning the item, not for the 5 dollars, but to get my money out of their pockets!!!!!!!

[daphatty]

EDIT: I should have read the entire thread before I posted what used to be here... ](*,) #-o

[Doylerulez]

I think Cheapy is handling this is a very professional manner. He could easily have said boycott BB or flood them with e-mails demanding they take CAG back.
I think it sucks, and the only reason I've ever purchased anything from their website was because of CAG, free shipping good, waiting a month bad.

[Prometheus]

Well yesterday because of the poor customer service that I have been recieving I wrote them a polite but nasty letter basically telling them that they are greedy, their customer service policy on service plans suck.


Trust me, they'll throw it on the pile. Best Buy has been and will always be a conglomerate of swindlers who have almost nil consideration for joe consumer, especially one who actually knows he's being swindled.

I, for one, will gladly follow the advice and post/utilize any and every deal that comes along from CAG. Best Buy just lost a great thing.

[Katsu]

I realize that I'm going to be in the minority here, but I really think that a name change would probably benefit more than hurt. True, I've only been coming to CAG.com for a few months now, but I cannot help thinking that this site (and value concious gamers in general) would benefit from a more 'business friendly' site name. I personally come to CAG not because of the catchy name, but because of the great deals I find here.

Companies (and especially web sites) go through name changes all the time. And while I can understand that there are no doubt many personal (and ethical?) reasons for wanting to keep the name CheapAssGamer.com, the reality still remains: the word "ass" is going to be a problem if you want to do business with Corporate America. It's all about the money game. Marketing. The Bottom Dollar. If you want to get paid to play their game, you have to play by their rules.

Until CAG can generate a substantial about of money, it's just not going to have very much say in the business realm. So if CheapyD doesn't care about making Best Buy's (or any other companies who has a problem with the word 'ass') money, then by all means he should go with his heart, keep the name, and fight the good fight. If he wants to make more money, then a name change is in order. He's obviously chosen the former, but I would think no less of this website and it's community if it were to suddenly change names to "ValueBottomGamer.com". :)

So, CheapyD, if you should ever choose to re-name the site in the future, just know that not everyone would think you were selling out. Ass or no ass, this site rocks.

[basketkase543]

It looks like the Janet Superbowl Slip has managed to scare another company from their regular business tactics. Cheapy, you wrote a great article man. It was very eloquent and you brought up strong points. Keep fighting the good fight.

[defender]

I, for one, will gladly follow the advice and post/utilize any and every deal that comes along from CAG. Best Buy just lost a great thing.

Here is the problem with that statement. What is BB really losing? If we continue to post deals at BB as usual then what are they losing out on? The only thing that has happened is that CheapyD won't get any money from Best Buy as an affiliate.

If users still post and shop at BB then what are they losing? Seems to me like they are gaining if we continue to post and shop there.

[daphatty]

This is simply an opportunity for the other affiliate sites to step up to the plate. There are plenty of other sites associated to CAG that have offered WAY better deals than Best Buy. Best Buy's deals were mediocre at best. (The GGC doesn't count because In-Store deals do not benefit this site.) Good riddance I say. You weren't much of a savings to us after all. Don't let the door hit you in the ASS on the way out! :twisted:

[defender]

As for having to take the name Ass out of the title...

I am pretty sure that Jack Ass the Movie is in each of these stores.

If he wants to change the name thats fine but I dont think he has to be successful.

[daphatty]

Yo defender, what's up with that Asian Vomit avatar man :?: :!: :-& [-X

[TauTet 629]

Best Buy sucks. In the past few months I have had only negative experiences with Best Buy. Their customer service sucks and I think they seek out and hire the most ignorant people. I usually only shop there as to pricematch and use their $5 off coupon. I have about decided the $5 off is not worth the hassle. Do not even get me started on Best Buy.com. :evil:

[EggViper]

its sad bestbuy decided to drop CAG from their affiliates list but i dont think Cheapy should remove the ass from the url. i remember when i first came to this site, the phrase 'cheapassgamer' made me laugh, and was basically the only reason i joined the site. also if u look deep enuf that phrase defines us pretty well.

[guyver2077]

dam wusssies...had to be crappy best buy,,

[magilacudy]

Is this the announcment Cheapy said he was going to make in that other thread? Although I had the impression it had to do with a name change.

[eldad9]

There's no problem whatsoever -

You've already got a 'wholesome' domain name, right? All you need is a redirection script on that domain, so all redirection seems to best buy to originate from that domain. And just link to the script instead of directly to their site.

[The-Bavis]

Any chance that this action by Best Buy is connected to your warranty problems you had with them?

http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4966&highlight=

[CheapyD]

Cheapy - Just out of curiousity, what were some of the other benefits to being a BB affiliate other than them giving you a check every month?

None.

Any chance that this action by Best Buy is connected to your warranty problems you had with them?

http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4966&highlight=

Not likely.

By the way, it would be great if you CAGs could try and spread the word as much as possible.
Use this link: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/archives/000696.html

[bmac1632]

Damn you Janet Jackson's boob!! You are ruining everything. First Howard Stern and now CHEAPY!!!

[Dane]

And to think....I just applied there.

I figured it would be easy, as no one there knows jack about anything. I mean, how hard is it to be knowledgeable about your section of the store?

Maybe I'll go apply to Sam's Club instead...

[spadre07]

I know I am a new member, and as such not bound to thinking that the ass is a tradition for this website, or anything like that. But I know I like this site, and if it helps this site monetarily, then I tink the ass should be dropped. I am sure Best Buy is not the only corporate sponsor, that is bothered by the ass. I am not saying that we have to sell our souls for corporations, but if all you have to do is drop the ass, to increase your revenue, you should consider it.

[jdpimp]

I have been boycotting Best Buy for a good 9 months now, and ask everyone I know to do the same, this just gives me more reason. To me, even a good deal is not worth shopping at Best Buy. and their website is horribly constructed also. I encourage everyone if they'd like to visit www.bestbuysux.org (http://www.bestbuysux.org/index1.html) There you will find customer complaints and pro-bb comments.

Thanks for informing us Cheapy, I think you handled it extremely well, and I think its important to support a website such as this.

[Osh Kosh B'iotch]

You know, I just realized that this probably had more to do with many CAGs exposing the backorder scandel than the terminology of a site's name.

The products they sell on their site that contain "ass" prove it's a double standard.

[daphatty]

You know, I just realized that this probably had more to do with many CAGs exposing the backorder scandel than the terminology of a site's name.

I had the same thought. There's alot of that going around. It's not just limited to BB. Unfortunately, there is no real way to prove that is the cause.

[William Smith]

In a way, this seems like sour grapes on Cheapy's part. Business is business. Let the market decide. There are many cliches that could be placed here but the long and the short of it is, it's a free country. They can choose to do what they wish. Is it fair? No. But since when have big businesses been fair? Pizza Hut pays their delivery drivers $.50 to deliver a pizza, and HAS for more than ten years. What's inflation? How could wages have doubled in the market place, and this one element remain the same?

A billion dollar company that treats it's associates like rubbish will continue long after this site has been disbandoned.

[ZForce915]

I have been taking my business elsewhere for a long time. If I can get a game at Circuit City instead of Best Buy, I'd do it in a heartbeat. CC pricematches, and takes the $5 BBGC coupon.

You don't need them, CheapyD. I don't think anyone liked them anyway. If Best Buy deals surface I suggest we find a way to take that deal to another retailer (through pricematching, etc.). That way we won't miss out, but we won't be putting money in Best Buy's pocket.

[blookie]

I say Cheapy goes on the offensive. Instead of watering the name down, let's change it to FuckingReallyCheapAssGamer.Com. Then, I'll spearhead a "hide a ziploc bag filled with your doodie" campaign in their stores. Think how much fun that'd be? Like a treasure hunt and we're the pirates. DOWN WITH THE MAN!

[JimmieMac]

Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.

WTF is this? If you were sitting in the next cube over I would bust you in the grill with a sock full of quarters.

[Theenternal]

You know, I just realized that this probably had more to do with many CAGs exposing the backorder scandel than the terminology of a site's name.

I had the same thought. There's alot of that going around. It's not just limited to BB. Unfortunately, there is no real way to prove that is the cause.

What scandal? Do you mean things like the 5 dollar GH,Platniums, that once out in the open get hit up by a bunch of people some ordering like 50 copies? Or is this about something dirty they did?, besides sucking?

[Scrubking]

You know, I just realized that this probably had more to do with many CAGs exposing the backorder scandel than the terminology of a site's name.

I had the same thought. There's alot of that going around. It's not just limited to BB. Unfortunately, there is no real way to prove that is the cause.

What scandal? Do you mean things like the 5 dollar GH,Platniums, that once out in the open get hit up by a bunch of people some ordering like 50 copies? Or is this about something dirty they did?, besides sucking?

I think they mean the fact that BB just cancels your order whenever they feel like it.

[Chaneke]

ChearyD
if you say the world , I do it........

(game boy box, ready in fire).....J/K...

............ :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil:

[TC]

Cheapy sounds like BB affiliate people are about as much help as BB store employees. :roll:

Oh well If I had to pick one place to sacrifice it would be them. That store gives me nothing but attitude. Between "service plan attacks", Pack-Mule free shipping and employees rolling thier eyes at the sight of a coupon I can't stand that place. More of my friends are starting to think the same way.

I'll go to BB for a super deal that they make no money on but anything else will be purchased at other retailers.

[daphatty]

You know, I just realized that this probably had more to do with many CAGs exposing the backorder scandel than the terminology of a site's name.

I had the same thought. There's alot of that going around. It's not just limited to BB. Unfortunately, there is no real way to prove that is the cause.

What scandal? Do you mean things like the 5 dollar GH,Platniums, that once out in the open get hit up by a bunch of people some ordering like 50 copies? Or is this about something dirty they did?, besides sucking?

The onewingedangel-Target raincheck abuse comes to mind. Anyone have a link?

[daphatty]

Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.

WTF is this? If you were sitting in the next cube over I would bust you in the grill with a sock full of quarters.

Shoulda read a little further down JM. He retracted his statement as it was user error rather than blatant BestBuy flaming on Cheapy's part.

[Spiritseed]

the only thing that I like about BB is that right after christmas you can take whatever un-opened game you have to them for store credit. I did this whenever Sears had all of the ps2 games for 9.98 last January I bought 20 of these at $200.00 and took them to different Best buy's at an average of 29.99 each, claiming I got them as presents. I got a Ps2, about 10 games and controllers, sound system, and a bunch of dvd's. For a total of about $600.00. Needless to say I screwed them over hardcore and now I don't feel bad about it.

[pachi]

Cheapy, is it possible you can register under the afflite programs under a different name?

[simpsonps121]

CheapyD - I am sorry that they have done that. I would not have a problem if someone was offended, but yet to have worse things that they sell blows me away. Makes no sense. I am sorry for the loss of revenue.

On the flip side - I "personally" have never bought anything from BB online. I did get the 10% off because of the $5 Greatest Hits Games, but that worked out well for me. My dryer broke, so I saved over $30 with it. woohoo.

As to Best Buy - I will start another thread. Here goes: http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=84172#84172
The store employees have been superb to me. And so has the customer service whenever I have called in. (It may be a short thread.)

Final Words - Do what is best for you. All of us are cheap anyway, so we will stick with whatever your name is. :-)

Take Care,
Matthew

[daphatty]

Cheapy, is it possible you can register under the afflite programs under a different name?
Good question! You'd think that would be possible. I've heard a few others mention a redirection URL something or other. Maybe you could register under that? (Clearly I am pretending to know a smidgen about webstuff but I really don't. Just trying to help...)

[m_d_amore]

cant you use VGdeals.com? maybe they will do it with that??

[Naughty_Insomniac]

Well, along with everyone else here I think it sucks. I also don't think the "ass" should be dropped, especially considering the other things they are already selling with "ass" in the title ... some of which are downright pornographic. :roll: ](*,)

While I don't think the CAG name should change, if Cheapy decides that it's the best way ... well then, I'll stand behind him whatever he decides. *sings Stand By Your Man* :)

[Scrubking]

Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.

WTF is this? If you were sitting in the next cube over I would bust you in the grill with a sock full of quarters.

Shoulda read a little further down JM. He retracted his statement as it was user error rather than blatant BestBuy flaming on Cheapy's part.

Actually he didn't retract anything, and his apology was seriously lacking. I am glad he got flamed for making a dumb ass complaint.

[MorganWebbLover]

Screw BestBuy ! Now I'm going to make it one of my life goals to ripping off BestBuy anyway I can.

[TonyC]

Nice article CheapyD, I agree with 100%.

Best Buy......ack, it ain't worth wasting my time on, plain and simple: They Suck...............

[bmulligan]

I think you need to go home and rethink your life. /\


Ripping off BestBuy could land you in jail, boycotting them would hurt them more. I agree with Defender, if we continue to post BB deals, then the only result is that they don't have to send a check to Cheapy anymore. They win, we all lose. I don't like to deal with assholes and I don't have to, so I guess I'm in the boycott line.

[campbelld]

Our only strength as cheap asses is in our numbers. We must show Best Buy that we are disappointed in their decision. We must also show them exactly how many of their customers they have disappointed and the impact of that on their sales. Large corporations speak only the language of currency. I suggest a letter writing campaign. As the Best Buy corporate office sees the letters rolling in and the number of customers that CAG provides, they will see the dollars rolling out. There are no guarantees, but I think this is our best chance of forcing them to review this. Feel free to use this letter. If you write your own letter, try to make it very professional. If we come off sounding like a bunch of lunatics, BB will wonder how much they are really losing.

Dear Sirs:

I am very disappointed in your decision to discontinue support of CheapAssGamer.com. I am a loyal supporter of the site, and I look forward to visiting it daily for information about great offers from retailers such as Best Buy. However, without crucial funding provided by your affiliate program, it may be difficult for CheapAssGamer.com to survive. The site makes the best deals on your site and in your stores easier to find. I am more likely to buy from a retailer whose deals are listed because they are more accessible to me. With this in mind, I hope that you would reconsider your decision.

Sincerely,
(name)

The address is
Best Buy Co., Inc.
Corporate Headquarters
P.O. Box 9312
Minneapolis, MN 55440-9312

What do you guys think about the idea of a letter writing campaign?

[Dale Earnhardt Jr]

Boycott Line to, Im Glad That the nearest BestBuy is 87.12 miles away and its in another state

[Scrubking]

Our only strength as cheap asses is in our numbers. We must show Best Buy that we are disappointed in their decision. We must also show them exactly how many of their customers they have disappointed and the impact of that on their sales. Large corporations speak only the language of currency. I suggest a letter writing campaign. As the Best Buy corporate office sees the letters rolling in and the number of customers that CAG provides, they will see the dollars rolling out. There are no guarantees, but I think this is our best chance of forcing them to review this. Feel free to use this letter. If you write your own letter, try to make it very professional. If we come off sounding like a bunch of lunatics, BB will wonder how much they are really losing.

Dear Sirs:

I am very disappointed in your decision to discontinue support of CheapAssGamer.com. I am a loyal supporter of the site, and I look forward to visiting it daily for information about great offers from retailers such as Best Buy. However, without crucial funding provided by your affiliate program, it may be difficult for CheapAssGamer.com to survive. The site makes the best deals on your site and in your stores easier to find. I am more likely to buy from a retailer whose deals are listed because they are more accessible to me. With this in mind, I hope that you would reconsider your decision.

Sincerely,
(name)

The address is
Best Buy Co., Inc.
Corporate Headquarters
P.O. Box 9312
Minneapolis, MN 55440-9312

What do you guys think about the idea of a letter writing campaign?

There's one problem with that letter. I'm not a "loyal" supporter of their site - I'd wager most of us aren't. I never have been loyal to them and now I definitely never will be.

[racerman8]

I never like Best Buy. I mostly shopped at Circuit City until I heard about the $5 off from the gamer gift card. Since the BB in my area stopped having them and employees there told me it is discontinued, I won't be shopping there for games unless I can't find them else where.

[rocky76]

I really don't have problem Bestbuy stopping its affiliation with CAG. It's business and if they don't think they are not making money from the relationship, they can end it... but it's other things that bothers me...

Like the reason they gave CheapyD, they didn't like the name? Where does that come from?

[The Cheapest Ass Gamer]

I stopped buying from BestBuy long ago, when they wouldn't fulfill their orders for sale items. What a bunch of asses, LOL.

BTW, Fun fact: If you search for "ass" at BestBuy, the Shrek soundtrack shows up on the 7th or 8th page, hehe.

[RedvsBlue]

Hey Cheapy I live about 10 minutes from their corporate headquarters. You want me to head in there with a few friends and some baseball bats 2x4s or whatever?

[Quackzilla]

We could all buy a GBA SP, drop them in the toilet, get a replacement, and drop it in the toilet.

No questions asked on water damage.

For $100 you could clear out their entire stock!

[CheapyD]

Like the reason they gave CheapyD, they didn't like the name? Where does that come from?

As stated in the article, this was the reason given to me by the Best Buy
Affiliate Program Manager during a phone call with her.

Hey Cheapy I live about 10 minutes from their corporate headquarters. You want me to head in there with a few friends and some baseball bats 2x4s or whatever?
No, but a picture of you guys out front with a CheapAssGamer sign would be hilarious.

[Anonymous]

It's obvious.

BestBuy was losing too much money to this website... so they found a lame excuse to stop paying. Simple as that.

[x0thedeadzone0x]

Sounds like Bestbuy's being really immature about the whole situation. At first they say that they don't like the name "Cheapassgamer" because of the "ass", yet they have stockloads of Items such as pornographic movies right on their site, totally contradicting that fact. Talk about hypocracy. :roll:

But what really goggles me on this whole thing is that they don't pick up Cheapy's phone calls. What, are they not mature enough to handle the situation and pick up the phone? That's pathetic. The manager sounded like she was going to try to change it and then just blew you off. Just to prove that BestBuy's customer service really sucks.

I hope that all their affiliates drop their asses, because ignoring Cheapy like that infuriates me. They're mature adults, they can't handle the word ass but yet can sell items in their stock containing much then just the word "ass"? Bull. Well, maybe just to get them to shut up, you should consider a re-direct link for the affiliates. Even to be redirected to cheapassgamer.com would be a little better if you had a more "appropriate" term for the affiliate links.

Regardless of what you decide, and it sounds like you're handling the situation well but they're not, us cheap asses are completely behind you all the way.

[JimmieMac]

I still vote that we should chuck a hot cup of mule piss into someones eyes.

And if that wasn't brought up to be voted on, it should be.

and we'd also have to find a mule.

and we'd need a name of someone at the front office that wronged us.

[SS4Brolly]

Ill gladly boycott them.

Unless a good deal pops up, then Ill order. But then it'll probebly be put on backorder forever, and Ill never get anything, so it'll be like Im still boycotting.

[KingDox]

Sorry CheapyD, I know you put alot into the site the least BB could do is help you out with all the suport you've given them. This whole ass deal is just silly and dumb. I'll support any decision you make on this matter.

[daphatty]

Hey CheapyD, how about expanding on the CAG T-Shirt Idea? I would love to wear a T-Shirt at E3 that says "CheapAssGamer.com" on the front and on the back it says " AND I PROUDLY BOYCOTT BESTBUY!"

Whudduya think? Maybe you and defender could get in on the idea since he has the means to sell product like that. I'd GLADLY wear one each day of the show!

EDIT: And yes, I would buy three shirts as my statement implies.

[YoshiFan1]

Wow, another reason to hate Best Buy. It really sucks that they are doing this. I'm not going to boycott them but I will never go there to buy anything unless they are the cheapest (like if I want a game that retails for $29.99 everywhere, I'm not going to Best Buy to get it).

[DaBargainHunta]

CheapyD, I just sent you some useful info via PM.

[Ivanhoe]

Remember those mcdonald bestbuy dollars?
Well i had liek 8 of them collected and used them for that great 9.99 skis of arcaida deal.

So the total was like 1.70 or somthing i had to pay.

Well of course the item was backordered forever
and then cancelled from bestbuy

And what a suprise i didnt get a my bestbuy dollars back.

I never buy from bestbuy.com. I have bought or attempted to buy 1-2 items over the 6-8 months ive been coming to this site. and those 1-2 times have been from links from cheapassgamer.com


Their reasoning is messed up and i would continue to request a real reason. (although they dont need to give one)
Since they did give you the ASS reason. you should continue to call em up and find out more and point out there ASS on there website search .

As for changing the name of your website?
well i would only think about doing that if you wouldnt be able to continue your site on your own without BBs checks. AND if they gave you 100% assurances that if/when u change the name their checks will be coming back .

cheapassgamer.com is great the way it is.



Im thinking the real reason is they dont like people posting there good deals and then having there deals sold out in hours instead of days like they plan. or somthing like that.

screw em . bb sucks

[Anonymous]

Man I tell ya.

Janet Shows one Tit and the world goes to Hell.
Howard Stern and all that crap..

now this...

Jeez

[spoo]

CheapyD I am very glad to see you handling this in a very professional way. Maybe the reason BB stopped supporting the site is because they could be loosing $$ on The GGC or any other stupid reason. If they did not like URL they would have never supported CAG in the first place. I bought a $500 camera from BB about 2 years ago and did not open the camera and took it back to the store a week later. I decided I did not want a $500 camera and to save the $500. I took back the camera that I paid a check for (the check already cleared the bank) and they said I could get store credit or they would mail me a check. I was pissed but I said ok mail me a check. The check came 4 1/2 months later.
I was getting off the point. CheapyD do not change the name I think BB will still tell you no and will never support your site again.

Spoo

[Anonymous]

Brush them hata's off Cheapy. We're all with you in the fight against BB!

[Mr. Anderson]

Oh, heh. I wasn't logged in. That was me above.

[Anonymous]

I find this all very interesting :wink:

[donssword]

Glad to see your approach to this one cheapD.

However, I think this brings up the name issue again. As a 38 year old gamer with 30-something friends, we have run into some issues with the name as well.

Sending links to fellow professionals who work with companies that are either stodgy, or have gov't affialiations (gov't contractors, etc.). has been a prob. A lot of larger companies put content filters in place on their email and web, that prevent emails with certain content from being sent/delivered.

I currently work at a small company, but I am sure there will come a time in the near future when I return to work for a large comapny, and will have to deal with these issues myself. Hell, I even have a friend at a small company that is run by a former gov't spook, and I have to watch my sailor talk in emails to him as well.

Taking the high road is good, but keep in mind a lot of folks would not mind a new URL.

[TonyC]

I still vote that we should chuck a hot cup of mule piss into someones eyes.

And if that wasn't brought up to be voted on, it should be.

and we'd also have to find a mule.

and we'd need a name of someone at the front office that wronged us.


LMAO!! Too Funny!! :lol:

[magilacudy]

No, don't blame tits... and asses. I love them and they are dear to my heart. They are good, they are my friends. I don't want to hear this any more!

*putting hands over ears*

[CaseyRyback]

If I was going to pin the problem on anything it would most likely be the award they recieved as worst online retailer.

But for the amount of press ou give them every week and revunue that streams into their company(B&M and online) for them to do this is flat out wrong. Circuit City has been luring me away for a while and it seems Best Buy has pretty much pist me enough to stop shopping there all together.

[Archie Gates]

While I enjoy this site and have benefitted from it a few times, I think the word "ass" in the name isn't necessary. There are tons of less offensive alternatives that are more "family friendly." It may not bother most of the readers here, and it doesn't bother me, but there are drawbacks to having the word "ass" in your name.

Cheapy's obviously seeing first hand what some of the drawbacks are. He's losing money over it. And he could be missing out on some publicity because of the name. Maybe TechTV would mention the site, but then decide not to because of the name. Or those money-saving guys on the local news. Magazines, newspapers, etc. They'd be more likely to give your site word of mouth if the name was something like "Frugal gamer.com" or "Cheap Gamer.com."

But calling it hyprocacy seems a little much, in my opinion. Cheapy should have known the consequences of using "ass" from the start.

[CheapyD]

But calling it hyprocacy seems a little much, in my opinion. Cheapy should have known the consequences of using "ass" from the start.

You didn't read the article, did you? :roll:

[Genesis921]

This is nothing but a double standard on the part of "Best Buy" (The reason I " " that is because that is also a complete lie) if you are familiar with "Best Buy" you should already know that in their "Special Interest" section of the store they sell numerous "softporn" items without using any type of covering to protect the children that might attend their store and observe some of the items in question.
I now tell all of the users of this website to completely boycott "Best Buy" and take your business someplace else.
Idiotic decisions have to be punished and the way to do it in this scenario is by hurting their already thick wallet.

I can go on and on about how bad "Best Buy" is to their employees and their customers and how they are stealing from you every time you buy one of their "psp's" or "prp's".

-A mad cheapbuttocksgamer (Political correctness is your enemy).

[magilacudy]

I wouldn't make the big guy mad if I were you Archie Gates.

[WhipSmartBanky]

As far as filtering, "game" is just about as filtered as "ass" so any URL containing either term would be problematic for people.

Anyhow...

There was the same stink locally about a shop called "Bad Ass Coffee." I swear, the people who complain about things, be it mother, senator, nun - need some serious deep dicking.

[magilacudy]

On a side note, has anyone heard of this restaurant that was in the news like a couple of months ago. The restaurant was called C.O. Jones. I don't know where it was located, but there was a big hubbub about their name. CAG doesn't seem as bad compared to that name :lol:

[terribledeli]

Eh, I stopped buying things from best buy a couple of months ago.

It sorta defeats the purpose of paying for overnight shipping and having it arrive three days late.

[BigHow]

On a side note, has anyone heard of this restaurant that was in the news like a couple of months ago. The restaurant was called C.O. Jones. I don't know where it was located, but there was a big hubbub about their name. CAG doesn't seem as bad compared to that name :lol:

If I'm thinking of the same place, it's an awesome Mexican joint in New Haven, CT. My friends and I used to get wrecked on their margaritas all the time. Ah, memories of college...

[magilacudy]

Dang did anyone notice that it took a while longer to load this site up. I think this thread was linked on Hardocp.

[BigHow]

Dang did anyone notice that it took a while longer to load this site up. I think this thread was linked on Hardocp.

Yeah, it's up on the frontpage right now. And here I was thinking that it was my 'net connection.

[wookieballz]

It's good to see you're sticking your ground on this, CheapyD.

One affiliate isn't worth compromising the integrity of this site and what it stands for. If Best Buy wants to stick to their policy of "we'll seem PC on the outside, sell porn on the inside, and let CAG go in the process," well, to hell with them.

I liked Fry's better, anyway.

[daphatty]

Is HardOCP supporting CheapyD? I can't see the site myself because my company filters out the word "Hard." :lol:

[Anonymous]

It's obvious.

BestBuy was losing too much money to this website... so they found a lame excuse to stop paying. Simple as that.

[Gothic Walrus]

Wow...this sucks. Let's just hope that this is a one-time occurence - we can't have CheapyD going broke...

[scuba]

I say screw them.

For those who don't know, Best Buy sells playboy movies and other softcore porn videos so there hypocrisy is ridiculous.

Of course a deal is a deal and if we can get a cheap game at BB good for us, but otherwise screw em their stuff is way overpriced anyway - ever tried to buy a small pc cable from there?. I say we boycott them unless it is for a REALLY good deal.

All of the really good deals they have end of being mistakes and they end of canceling everyones order.

[GameDude]

Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.

Ummm...shut up. It's HIS site; if wants to write something, he can. If you don't like it, don't come. In fact, I wish you didn't come. This isn't some corporate "professional" website. This site owns, and if you don't like it, you can FOAD!

[Anonymous]

CheapBumGamer

[Anonymous]

WHERES THE EDIT POST BUTTON?

WTF LOL!?!

Kiss me

[GameDude]

I wish EGM never mentioned the site. CheapyD would still be paying like little money for the server, the deals would still be around longer, and there wouldn't be such corporate pressure. :(

[Anonymous]

Try searching the word F*** on Best Buy's site. :D

[Storamin]

* EDIT * Evidently somebody deleted about 4 posts above mine, they were 1 word answers and were obviously done to annoy. That's why I posted mine.

[Anonymous]

Hey I searched for the word $$$ and got Served. Strange Huh!!

[Anonymous]

What was so imature about pointing out the hypocrisy of BB refusing to advertise with a site that has the rather harmless word "Ass" in it?

[CheapyD]

Try searching the word F*** on Best Buy's site. :D

Wow, you know I never even tried this.
I can't believe what I'm seeing!!!!!

[Anonymous]

What happened to my posts????

[WhipSmartBanky]

Try searching the word F*** on Best Buy's site. :D

Wow, you know I never even tried this.
I can't believe what I'm seeing!!!!!

This (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=241065&skuId=10962381&type=product) , however...takes the cake!

[CheapyD]

*f-word warning*
What about this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=298589&skuId=12106179&type=product) ?

[Anonymous]

I came in here from [H]ard|OCP, where a link was posted. REad the front-page story, and jsut rolled my eyes. This is pretty much exactly how BB does thier business. Remember the GeForce cards that were mis-priced, and they refused to honor the deals they had made, post-payment?

Yeah. That's them.

Cheapy, this is my first time on your site, but DO NOT BACK DOWN. The name is your identity, and what you do is provide an appreciated service to your customers, the people who frequest your site. You did exactly what you ahd to do, to try to rectify the situation, and the megacorp will eventually pay for thier stupidity. I, for one, do not shop there if I can at all help it, and this little bit of BS jsut makes me stay away that much more.

[KingDox]

ok, here is what we need to do. We need to email corporate and not about cheapyD. We need to complain about the stuff BB is selling on it's site. We need to tell them that we find stuff like

You Appreciate It Fu**er - by the Fu** You Ups

to be offienisve and want them removed from their site. Use their own corporate policy against them. I bet the higher ups don't even know they are selling this stuff.

[WhipSmartBanky]

Heh...it's funny in that bizarro world kinda way.

The holy grail of offensiveness (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=183668&skuId=3918292&type=product). ..the c-word, f-word, ass, queer, mongo...

You've been warned.

[CheapyD]

Heh...it's funny in that bizarro world kinda way.
The holy grail of offensiveness (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=183668&skuId=3918292&type=product). ..the c-word, f-word, ass, queer, mongo...
You've been warned.
You win.

[chunk]

Ummm...shut up. It's HIS site; if wants to write something, he can. If you don't like it, don't come. In fact, I wish you didn't come. This isn't some corporate "professional" website. This site owns, and if you don't like it, you can FOAD!

ditto.....I'm tired of "professional" websites......this site has some personality.........I hope its own popularity doesn't eat it alive like what eventually happens to most cool sites

btw....when was this listed in EGM?
although I can't say I like the idea of everyone scooping up all the deals I guess that is just the way it works

[punqsux]

Heh...it's funny in that bizarro world kinda way.

The holy grail of offensiveness (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=183668&skuId=3918292&type=product). ..the c-word, f-word, ass, queer, mongo...

You've been warned.

i have that cd, it rocks =op

[JSweeney]

I just hope and pray this doesn't make it to Penny-arcade or Fark.

My reasons:
1. Hard OCP's extra traffic dragged the site to a crawl.
2. Ever read the message boards over at fark? That's the last thing we need here.
3. Penny Arcade? That worries me because you'll get the "fashionable" set from every other videogame message board coming here, and infecting our community with all of thier stupid little fad topics and self referential humor.

These boards are currently my favorite game related boards on the internet... I don't have to deal with the soul crushing fanaticism that plagues IGN or Gamefaqs, or most of the more "mainstream" game sites... and deal websites? Unless you want to read about 40-50 year old women complaining about how they couldn't get target to give them a sheetset for 90 percent off even though it rang zero, there's not much... and fat wallet posters seem to be more intent on claiming deals came from them originally than to even bother seeking out deals.

I worry for the future.

[Whambamm]

Heh...it's funny in that bizarro world kinda way.

The holy grail of offensiveness (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=183668&skuId=3918292&type=product). ..the c-word, f-word, ass, queer, mongo...

You've been warned.

That's hilarious...especially the name of song #11.

[Mustang O-Line 75]

I have been coming to cheapassgamer.com for quite some time now. This site has been my homepage for at least 3 months now. I used to check it every once in a while, but all of the different things that cheapyd does to keep this site running have made me check the site every time I sit down at the computer. Whenever you get into a touchy subject such as this, there are quite a few different opinions. Mine is this:

If Best Buy is too good for our ass then we should be too good for theirs. The only time I go to best buy is for game boy advance games anyways.

Sometimes, you need to make a stand, and stick up for what you believe in. And I believe that when a company takes action like this without a real reason, there is no reason they should deserve my business. I work at a small market/deli and one of the things that we try to do is treat our suppliers well. I would always make our bread guy a sandwich when he made deliveries. It is this kind of politeness and thankfulness that is missing from corporate america today.

CheapyD, whatever you choose to do about the name, I support 100%. You have been making this site bigger and better all the time for almost a year now. That means that you need to know someting about running a good site. :D Thanks for all the great deals and for this great site. =D> =D> =D>

[magilacudy]

I just hope and pray this doesn't make it to Penny-arcade or Fark.

My reasons:
1. Hard OCP's extra traffic dragged the site to a crawl.
2. Ever read the message boards over at fark? That's the last thing we need here.
3. Penny Arcade? That worries me because you'll get the "fashionable" set from every other videogame message board coming here, and infecting our community with all of thier stupid little fad topics and self referential humor.

These boards are currently my favorite game related boards on the internet... I don't have to deal with the soul crushing fanaticism that plagues IGN or Gamefaqs, or most of the more "mainstream" game sights... and deal websites? Unless you want to read about 40-50 year old women complaining about how they couldn't get target to give them a sheetset for 90 percent off even though it rang zero, there's not much... and fat wallet poster seem to be more intent on claiming deals came from them originally than to even bother seeking out deals.

I worry for the future.

While I was waiting for the page to load, I was thinking about that too. However, I don't think 40-50 year old women will stick around a gaming site that long. However, the more community we have the better in my opinion. There are always going to be malcontents and fanacists hanging around, but we just have to live with it. We're all united in the name of finding the best deals on video games and being cheapasses (or whatever PC term you want to come up with), so all of us no matter what site we come from are allowed to be here as much as you or I. UNITY!

I feel like one of those NBC 'The More You Know' skits... but you get my point...

[sage19]

Funniest thing yet, enter some of those "bad" terms into Compusa's web site, enter "ass" into their seach and it changes it into "ahs" for your search term. F*** becomes Buck.... does it for just about every swear work I can think of...

[Forest Mercenary]

I think we all know the reason;

Best Buy read some of the message board posts, realized how us CAGs dread their store like the plague compared to the cheapass paradise of CC(well I do anyway), so they got jealous, and decided to repay us this way.

[magilacudy]

I think we all know the reason;

Best Buy read some of the message board posts, realized how us CAGs dread their store like the plague compared to the cheapass paradise of CC(well I do anyway), so they got jealous, and decided to repay us this way.

Yeah, I was thinking that too. But I doubt this is the only affiliate site (well ex now) that has had people talk negatively about Best Buy. If they really cared what customers thought about their reputation they'd try to do something to improve it.

[elprincipe]

Well everybody, here's a suggestion: whenever you find a good deal at a BB B&M store, go pricematch it at Circuit City. They'll always give you a better deal since they give you 10% of the difference too. As others have already said, it's not worth shopping at bestbuy.com in any case because you never get your order anyway.

If Cheapy wants we can do a letter-writing campaign. If the numbers were large enough they might sit up and take notice. Or someone who's so inclined could mail bomb* them or something, but I wouldn't suggest that of course :twisted:

* I mean email, you unabomber-lovin' freak.

[defender]

It's cheapyD's call but its easy enough to kill any direct links to bestbuy. bestbuy.com could become badbuy.com

lol

Personally I dont shop at BB. the few times I tried to get in on a deal they just cancelled the order after 2 weeks of nothing....who needs that crap.

[webster]

:twisted: I say boycott them and just price match at Circuit City

[Anonymous]

::runs to order "Blow It Out Your Ass" and "Ass Illustrated"::

[KaneRobot]

Oops. ^^^^That's me. I wouldn't want people to think I WASN'T ordering those quality products.

...I'll just do it at Circuit City instead.

[JSweeney]

While I was waiting for the page to load, I was thinking about that too. However, I don't think 40-50 year old women will stick around a gaming site that long. However, the more community we have the better in my opinion. There are always going to be malcontents and fanacists hanging around, but we just have to live with it. We're all united in the name of finding the best deals on video games and being cheapasses (or whatever PC term you want to come up with), so all of us no matter what site we come from are allowed to be here as much as you or I. UNITY!

I probably didn't do a good enough segue on that to devide my thoughts properly. The first part of it was about the site and boards getting notice by Fark and PA, which I would worry about... having seen what thier boards and posting base are like.. It's just not as fun to read those as this board is.

The second half wasn't about deal site users seeping over here, but rather what the landscape is out there if thier was no CAG.

More people is good, up to a point. As soon as you hit certain points, things happen:

1. Bandwidth costs skyrocket. I wouldn't want to see CheapyD strained with that (and the boom in bandwidth cost always comes months before advertisers would pay for it).

2. You become a target for other sites trying to make a name for themselves. I'm just glad there aren't people trying to start board wars between here and other sites.

3. Your message board content will often become diluted, and/or dumbed down.

All people are welcome.. it's just a problem when you get a HUGE influx of new people at one time... they just want to come in and run the place.

[dtcarson]

I just thought of something...I haven't read this whole thread, but if the reason BB cancelled the affiliate link is because of the name, that's just silly.
The affiliate link means CAG gets a percentage of the sale or an amount per sale, based on sales made through the CAG link. So someone who uses the aff link, is *already* here, and obviously doesn't mind the name, otherwise they wouldn't be here. That doesn't make any sense why they'd cancel, except of course for hypocrasy--because that Beyond The Valley CD they sell is actually pretty offensive, whereas 'cheap-ass' is a wellknown, not-too offensive slang term [you can add 'ass' to virtually any adjective to make it even more so: slow-ass drivers, lazy-ass workers, etc.]

[method]

Cheapy, you should try the Better Business Bureau @ www.bbb.org. They might be able to help out.

Also, after you do, try to get this on slashdot and see if it will be accepted as a story by the mods there. The more publicity and bad press these people get, the better. They should not treat their loyal customers this way.

[Sylent Khaos]

We should order a bunch of big tv's...then return them to the store. They'd lose about $40 or so just on the free shipping! :twisted:

...thats a good idea. Seriously, they just lost my business. Circuit City is way better any way. Screw them, I won't buy anyting from them unless I'm taking advantage of them (like Halo2 for -$50.00, where they give me $50.00 for buying it from them). Best Buy better fix up and look sharp.

[Mr. Rhee]

perhaps these are the reasons why CAG was cut off:

1) Worst retailer award
2) Gamer Gift Card discussion
3) Backorder Complaints
4) you were making too much money
5) "Ass" in the domain

solutions:

get multiple backup affiliate account(s) and promote it only via email list/pm, then rotate your links/codes etc.

then block bestbuy corp from surfing this site

or change/mod the domain name, I already pm'ed you a suggestion. if you truly want more press/traffic, the current name will work against you.

either way, good luck.

[CheapyD]

perhaps these are the reasons why CAG was cut off:

1) Worst retailer award
2) Gamer Gift Card discussion
3) Backorder Complaints
4) you were making too much money
5) "Ass" in the domain


1) maybe, although I really didn't say anything bad (http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5186)
2) seems unlikely
3) seems unlikely
4) definitely not
5) The official reason given to me

[VelvetHammer]

Perhaps it was not the website's name, but the fact that it helped in the promotion of coupon exploits that earned it Best Buy's disdain. I personally think that the consumer should use any and all store policies to their advantage. Perhaps Best Buy saw it as enticing fraud. Big corporations are so silly. They get so focused on the bottom line that they forget who makes it so fat.

[Sylent Khaos]

With all the porn and other "offensive" (I'm not offended by the "ass in the this site's name, nor anhy of the porn found) material found, why is it that the term "cheap ass gamer" is offensive? What about "Blow it out your Ass" or "Up your Ass"? I say your better off without them. I wwould look for another store's website to rep. Brush you shoulders off CAG, your doing an excellent job.

[daphatty]

Perhaps it was not the website's name, but the fact that it helped in the promotion of coupon exploits that earned it Best Buy's disdain. I personally think that the consumer should use any and all store policies to their advantage. Perhaps Best Buy saw it as enticing fraud. Big corporations are so silly. They get so focused on the bottom line that they forget who makes it so fat.

This is starting to sound like an X-Files conspiracy theory thread.

The Truth Is Out There!

[eldad9]

Cheapy, you should try the Better Business Bureau @ www.bbb.org. They might be able to help out.

Also, after you do, try to get this on slashdot and see if it will be accepted as a story by the mods there. The more publicity and bad press these people get, the better. They should not treat their loyal customers this way.

That's completely ridiculous. It's their site, and their affiliate program. They don't owe anybody anything. It's like complaining to the BBB that a certain store doesn't carry a brand you like. It makes no sense. It's not what they're there for.

And it isn't newsworthy. Now, if Best Buy had refused, say, muslimgamers.com then you'd have a news story.

For crying out loud: this site is already spread across TWO DOMAINS! make the other one an affiliate and just work around the stupid thing. enough with this thread already.

[CheapyD]

Cheapy, you should try the Better Business Bureau @ www.bbb.org. They might be able to help out.
That's completely ridiculous. It's their site, and their affiliate program. They don't owe anybody anything. It's like complaining to the BBB that a certain store doesn't carry a brand you like. It makes no sense. It's not what they're there for.

True.

For crying out loud: this site is already spread across TWO DOMAINS! make the other one an affiliate and just work around the stupid thing. enough with this thread already.
This would work if there was some automated process that approves sites, which is not the case.

The point of me posting this story was not for you guys to figure out a way to get me back into the BB affiliate program, but I do appreciate your efforts. Honestly, I could give two craps about Best Buy at this point and I'm certainly not going to jump through hula hoops to get back into their program.

This story is CAG News and this is CAG. That's why its posted here; and
if I can get some extra publicity for the site and make BB look foolish, then all the better. So please feel free to get the story out to other websites. You can use this direct link: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/archives/000696.html

[daphatty]

For crying out loud: this site is already spread across TWO DOMAINS! make the other one an affiliate and just work around the stupid thing. enough with this thread already.

:-({|= Somebody get this guy a tissue. Not even his problem and he's crying about it. :-({|=

Note: Thanks, eldad. I've always wanted to use these smileys. :D

[magilacudy]

Someone play him a tune on the world's smallest violin :-({|=

haha =D>

[WhipSmartBanky]

For crying out loud: this site is already spread across TWO DOMAINS! make the other one an affiliate and just work around the stupid thing. enough with this thread already.

eldad bitches more than elmom...

[Scrubking]

Eldad9 got served!

[eldad9]

This would work if there was some automated process that approves sites, which is not the case.


All the same, if it were me (which it is not, no need to play me a violin or anything) I'd just submit vgdeals as an affiliate. It's not like you've got anything to lose except for a few minutes.

"Sure guys, you think this domain name isn't suitable, let's use that one instead"

[magilacudy]

I think 'You got served' should be the unofficial trademark/tagline of CheapAssGamer.

And the Muh Cow or moiety's unarmed monkey should be the official mascot.

That way we'd be a kinder and gentler more acceptable affiliate.

[Naughty_Insomniac]

This story is CAG News and this is CAG. That's why its posted here; and if I can get some extra publicity for the site and make BB look foolish, then all the better.
You are da man Cheapy!! =D>

[daphatty]

I think 'You got served' should be the unofficial trademark/tagline of CheapAssGamer.

And the Muh Cow or moiety's unarmed monkey should be the official mascot.

That way we'd be a kinder and gentler more acceptable affiliate.

And Triple T should be the enforcer!

"I am an enforcer man! Don't nothing go down in my house! Sure I check a few fools! I give 'em the pain!"

[GameDude]

Ummm...shut up. It's HIS site; if wants to write something, he can. If you don't like it, don't come. In fact, I wish you didn't come. This isn't some corporate "professional" website. This site owns, and if you don't like it, you can FOAD!

ditto.....I'm tired of "professional" websites......this site has some personality.........I hope its own popularity doesn't eat it alive like what eventually happens to most cool sites

btw....when was this listed in EGM?
although I can't say I like the idea of everyone scooping up all the deals I guess that is just the way it works

I think it was in EGM in December or so. I'm not really sure. It was in that and another magazine like maybe PSM or something.

[xpertinfun]

First Howard Stern, Now this......And to think, This all stemmed from a Super Bowl halftime show... :roll:

[Ben_F]

Bestbuy and the ass logo needs to be put permenately at the top of the page.

And ditto for me, customer service + price within couple dollars = Walk across the street to CC for me. BestBuy has ASSraped me one to many times, pushing that damn PSP down my throat or quadruple checking my purchase of 10 GGC at a penny each TWICE, Or just outright being ignored by the salespeople or the customer service desk.

Proudly a cheapASS gamer till the end of BestBuy.

Oh yeah, sorry for the loss of revenue Cheapy. Maybe setup a paypal donate on the front page and draw 2 or 3 random winners a month for a Cheap game or shirt of something? That would help pay server costs which must be growing monthly.

Oh yeah, last part of the rant.
I pray to jeebus nightly that this site doesent grow "to much", i like the forum alot, most others i used to be members of are just mindless post incresing threads now, as if having 6000 on a anime board automagically makes your penis jump 5 extra inches longer than it already was. Here we actually have mostly intellectual debate and are not morons. Yay.

EDIT: Im a moron, forgot there was paypal link on sidebar of frontpage. Maybe move it to the top and include drawing for shirt?

[Anonymous]

you also have a Lutheran Pastor that has lurked for a long time.... Me..

[The-Bavis]

you also have a Lutheran Pastor that has lurked for a long time.... Me..

This is weird. Subject: baptist pastor
Then he writes he's a Lutheran pastor. Very believable. :roll:

[WhipSmartBanky]

Maybe he's both...you know, for tax purposes.

[CheapyD]

you also have a Lutheran Pastor that has lurked for a long time.... Me..

This is weird. Subject: baptist pastor
Then he writes he's a Lutheran pastor. Very believable. :roll:

Read the article.
It makes perfect sense.
I make mention of an active Baptist Pastor in the article....this gentleman is saying he is a Lutheran Pastor.

[magilacudy]

I am an ordained Universal Life Church minister.

Well by ordained meaning I filled out a form on their website and they gave me a certificate that I printed out :)

Hopefully that can count for something!

[darkchild81]

I getting fed up with Best Buy too. Besides thier lousy service, whenever I want to go buy a kung-fu movie, I don't go over to the "Action DVDs" section, I have to follow the trail of perverts and go to the "Special Interest/Girls Gone Wild DVDs" section. I'm not even looking for that crap and I feel dirty.

As soon as I get my last order that has been "on its way" for three weeks, I'm not going deal with them anymore.

Best Buy is dead to me.

[WhipSmartBanky]

I am an ordained Universal Life Church minister.

Well by ordained meaning I filled out a form on their website and they gave me a certificate that I printed out :)

Hopefully that can count for something!

http://www.ulc.net/

Hehehe...believe me, I've been SO tempted. Change my username to ReverendBanky and the fun would never end!

[robogriff]

I know I'm a day late and an dollar short on this post, but I think Cheapy should model CAG after fuckedcompany.com. Pud (the owner of fuckedcompany.com) has at least 3 links to the site (fuckedcompany.com , f---edcompany.com, and luckedcompany.com). After sticking with the fight Pud is now a millionaire.

[NeonElixir]

I've had such horrible interactions with Best Buy that I no long shop there as well. They're policies are absurd and customer service is beyond ridiculous. I'm not even going to post the whole story that made me stop shopping there for good, but at one point all I could get out of them was automated e-mail responses from different people. A little while later I gave BB one more chance and went to purchase a CD that was on sale for like $6. They had none on the shelf, an employee said the computer said they had 7 in stock but he couldn't locate a single copy. They gave me a rain check and the customer service guy offered me a choice of receiving a phone call or e-mail when the item was in stock. I told him I wanted them to call me..... I still haven't received my call. My dad was up there about a month later and they had quite a few copies of the album on the shelf....

I hate Best Buy.

[Simmen Stenil]

If you ask me, it's not the name that caused them to stop, it's because they know they'll get the money either way.

[CheapyD]

First post updated
http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=83569#83569

[evilmax17]

...and to think CheapyD, you got mad at me when I called BB a bunch of Nazis in my first joke logo. Of course, I was talking about their order canceling, but it shows even clearer here. See! I know what i'm talking about.

[Anonymous]

It's obvious.

BestBuy was losing too much money to this website... so they found a lame excuse to stop paying. Simple as that.


I agree this is the likely reason.

[carlagyrl]

Best Buy sucks!!! I used to think that they were great but then I realized that some of their stuff was a whole hell of a lot cheaper at other stores plus they are always out stock on EVERYTHING that is advertised in the circular. I don't think that I wll be going back there unless it's a really really good deal [-X

[Wshakspear]

... I figured "Nashville Pussy" would be on there...but DAMN! Any swear word brings up list upon list of uncensored cd's and movies. wow

[dtcarson]

Anyone have email address [or better yet, phone number] that we can contact to express our outrage and offended-ness about some of the other things they list on their website? And if they refuse to do anything about it, make sure we remind them that 'Well, you quit working with CAG because of that word.'
But I'm sure consistency, or their getting the point, would be too much to ask;

[ah_sq]

wtf?

ass is not allowed?

well then, i will be screwing their bandwidth now, let see how smart ass they feel now.

[The-Bavis]

I just ordered something from bestbuy.com and it popped up a survey for me to take about my experience. I rattled on and on a couple of times about reinstating cheapassgamer.com into the affiliate program. I figure if they get a lot of comments from a lot of fronts, maybe they will reconsider.

Here's what I wrote:

I often find sales and deals that Best Buy is having through the website cheapassgamer.com. Recently, this website was removed from the Best Buy affiliate program reportedly due to the off-color word in the web address. This is a ridiculous reason since Best Buy is already a place where someone can buy music riddled with obscenities and pornography with words and descriptions much worse than cheapassgamer.com. Please give the owner of cheapassgamer.com the payments he deserves for sending business your way.

[ShishkaRob]

Don't worry CheapyD, I wouldn't worry at all if I were you. The people who work at Best Buy are such creeps anyways. I can't go into a Best-Buy store and look around for 1 minute before tons of sales associates race towards me and ask me if I need any help. I absolutely hate the store, and the people that work there. The try to do the "Bait & Switch" trick on me all the time. Sure they sell sweet stuff, but it's their service that makes me refuse to ever buy anything from there. Talk about a crappy store and even worst customer service. They really should be called "Worst-Buy" or "Best Rip-Off."

[blackjaw]

i call bullshit

i will keep supporting you through the other links...screw bestbuy