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United Rip-Off Kingdom
I wonder if I have stumbled on the latest example of rip-off Britain. I've been checking the availability of Knoppix 4.0 on DVD. It appears to cost about 6 Dollars (£3.32) or 5 Euros (£3.41) where those currencies apply. In the UK the price is more than double at £7.50! As we sort of share a language with America, Canada, Australia and other countries it is not necessary to personalise a version for the UK, so why are that much dearer?
You like to brag about the value of your cover-disc software. How about giving us a real cheapie and making Knoppix 4.0 your next cover DVD?
Tony Hewitt
P.S. In "Lay Down the Law" by Paul Allen he uses the strange phrase "the UK and Wales", implying, inter alia, that it excludes Scotland. Scotland donated a monarch (James VI) in 1603 to join the party which had long been going on between England and Wales and, in 1707, the parliaments were merged. So what was he trying to say? The Scottish legal system remains autonomous, making it harder to write an article authoritatively covering both countries - but that is no excuse for dumping Scotland and leaving Scottish readers to find their own way home. He also avoids the point that, if a Scot buys from and English-based supplier, the contract will be formed under English law. In the event of a dispute, the Scottish customer will be hard pressed to find a lawyer qualified to practise English law and handle the dispute on his behalf. Some solid guidance on how best to proceed would be most welcome.
September 2, 2005 in Vent your spleen! | Permalink
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Comments
I notice that "Rip-off Britain" articles are far less frequent than in previous years. This is because prices in Britain were often compared to those on mainland Europe. But since mainland Europe switched to the Euro the prices have rocketed there. So if you think Britain is a rip-off, try Paris or Dublin for size. Prices are WAY higher than UK now.
As for the UK thing, United Kingdom incorporates the whole of Great Britain and N.Ireland. So the term "the UK and Wales" would suggest that the person writing this is actually excluding Wales from the UK rather than Scotland. In 1707 Scotland and England merged but this was never the wish of the Scottish people. The Union was signed through bribery and corruption. Those English puss**s just couldn't conquer us, much as they tried.
Posted by: Drekster | 2 Sep 2005 16:56:55
Have you taken into pound and dollar exchange rate into consideration?.
The dollar is relatively weak due to very high dept account by people and government with limited recovery, which is why everthing seems cheaper in USA. It also good time to ski in the mountain.
The other secondary side effects is the oil price, which make delivery more expensive....they yet to increase price to compensate this.
If you're visiting USA, my advice to visit Wal-Mat and Fry Electronics store and buy everything as much as you can to bring back home.
Riscy
Posted by: riscy | 3 Sep 2005 07:45:54
