Why I'm Quitting Gmail
Until recently, when I bought used books from Alibris, I payed with Google Checkout. Then I found something peculiar, it appeared as if Google charged my CC twice per transaction ('). I went to my Google account, searched around, and found no way to contact Google and ask them what's up. I immediately remembered the stories about people having their accounts killed and not being able to contact Google and get a meaningful answer, because it is their policy not to waste resources on customer support. Google even went to court to defend its practice.<p>Anyway, I now avoid Google Checkout whenever possible as it's too much of a black box.<p>(') Alibris customer support told me they aren't actually charging twice the money, the first is a "virtual transaction" that makes sure I have the appropriate funds.