Syracuse, NY — Today the topic in media law with @NotGoyRutterman was advertising. We discussed the big Supreme Court cases–Central Hudson vs. Public Service Commission and Virginia State Pharmacy vs. Virginia Citizens Consumer Council–and the smaller, more timely, ones. My favorite case involved Blockbuster Inc., a video game, DVD and Blu-ray rental store.
In “Blockbuster to settle lawsuit over late fees,” a June 2001 article in the Hartford Courant, Sarah Hale reported that Blockbuster paid $460 million after settling more than 12 class-action lawsuits “accusing the company of charging exorbitant late fees.” Hale dove into the case,
The class-action lawsuit alleged that Blockbuster overcharged customers for late videos and unfairly profited as a result. In particular, it pointed to a change in the chain’s late-fee policy.
In February 2000, Blockbuster revised its policy on late fees. Instead of requiring videos to be returned by midnight on the due date, the chain allowed customers to keep rentals until noon the next day. The new policy confused many customers. For example, a video rented Monday would be due at noon Wednesday. Customers who returned the video after noon were charged for two extra days.
All of this negative press forced Blockbuster to change its heinous ways. The era of the “No Late Fee” campaign had unofficially begun.
Since I was such a forgiving fellow, I visited my local Blockbuster two weeks ago to rent “Heavy Rain,” an fantastic new game (or movie?) for the PlayStation 3.
The store was completely empty. The one and only employee helped me find the stores only copy of ”Heavy Rain.”
“You guys got any Super Nintendo games?” I said, as he handed me the video game case.
“Seriously dude? Not since, like, the 80s. Sorry,” he said, with eyebrows raised.
The 80s?, I thought. More like, the 90s. What a clowner. Mention it? Nah. Forget it.
I didn’t have my Blockbuster card, so the guy looked up my account. The only one on record was the one my mom cosigned for me when I was 14-years-old.
“______ Alfonso?” he asked.
“Yes sir. That’s my mom. That’ll do.”
He scanned the game. $10 something appeared on the rectangular screen.
“Woah,” I said.
“Yeah,” said the guy. “What were Nintendo games back in the day? Like $3 for a week?”
“Ha. Ha. Maybe,” I said, handing him the money.
“Also, to let you know. Our policy has changed. Games need to be returned in five days or you’ll be charged a late fee. Need a bag?”
“Great, no thanks,” I said, grabbing the game and receipt.
I never finished the game and I forgot to return it.
I hope Blockbuster declares bankruptcy soon. I’m tired of getting fleeced.
- east coast paper boy
p.s. Use Netflix or Redbox. A lot less headaches and heartaches.
Tags: @NotGoyRutterman, ads, advertising, blockbuster, blockbuster to settle lawsuit over late fees, Central Hudson vs. Public Service Commission, chapter 11, class action lawsuit, filing for bankruptcy, grad school, hartford courant, heavy rain, journalism school, late fees, law class, netflix, new york, no late fee, ny, playstation 3, ps3, redbox, s.i. newhouse school of public communications, sarah hale, su, super nintendo, syracuse, syracuse university, video store, Virginia State Pharmacy vs. Virginia Citizens Consumer Council
Oh the blockbuster renting days – may they never come back again! We dropped a mint at that place, they could have opened more chains of stores on the late fees we paid them!
So once you beat Heavy Rain can we except a review of it?
Yes, yes you can.
Since I don’t have a PS3 here in Cuse’, it might be awhile.
I was 30% done. It was great. The graphics and control scheme were phenomenal. Very unique.
Thanks for the comment on the Census story. You better make sure you fill yours out Jorge. Pronto.