At one point in time, free actually meant free. But nowadays I find myself more and more frequently not being able to afford the high cost of free.

Take for example the latest example of “Free” gone wrong: Microsoft’s Free Virtual Server

In order to download the “Free” Virtual Server, you have to register for a Microsoft Passport, and (as if that isn’t bad enough in itself) you have to agree that Microsoft can solicit you 3 times in the future regarding the Virtual Server package.

Compare it with the VMWare offering Free VMWare Player and you’ll see the VMWare offering really is free!

Or how about the “Free” offers I get with my credit card statements? Free for 30 days, and then the automatic billing of $49.95 a month commences. That isn’t Free! Free is you give me a trial of the service and cancel it after 30 days. If I like it, I’ll sign up for it. Automatically billing someone after a period of time is not free. I did re-check the dictionary, and the meaning of free hasn’t changed there either. For shame on those re-defining Free!

I have debated with myself as to whether this should be listed under Humor or not. It hurts my sense of good judgement to put it under Humor. This isn’t funny, this is today’s reality.