[PLUG] RHN subscription warning!

[Don Buchholz]

FWIW, anyone who is subscribing to the RedHat network should
be aware of the following clause in the current RHN "Use and
Subscription Agreement":

  ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS. For annual subscriptions to the Service,
  the initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective
  Date and shall continue for one (1) year. Thereafter, the term
  shall renew for successive terms of one (1) year each unless either
  party gives written notice to the other of its intention not to
  renew at least sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of the
  next term. Customer may provide notice of non-renewal in writing
  to Red Hat by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
  to the following address: Red Hat, Inc., Customer Service, 1801
  Varsity Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606. You may not terminate
  the Service or this Agreement by email.

Best current practice for dealing with this kind of clause (if you
need the service) is to enclose a notice of non-renewal with the
original purchase.

I do find this type of agreement (especially the requirement for
registered/certified USPS mail) to be extremely objectional.  
RedHat's use of this *scam* has certainly lowered my respect for
them at least a couple of notches.

- Don Buchholz
- <buchholz at easystreet.com>