bamazalea wrote:

QUOTE:
My thoughts on all of this:

You have people in this community that have lost their jobs (I know of a lot here in Daybreak) and whats the first thing you cut off when financial crisis happens....the "non" needs. Unfortunately, you can't do that with this option.

Why does Qwest/Daybreak not make this optional. If it's such a great deal and such wonderful service, why would anyone pass it up? So what are they worried about? Those that choose to use Qwest and pay through the HOA can and then there can be the few that opt out. Why make this mandatory?

I think that Qwest has such a monopoly going on here, they can afford to lose the few that choose another service due to "bad service" or choose to have no service at all.

And I like to think ahead at the resale value. When you are selling your home, having to sell an HOA fee that is this high makes it a harder sell. But if it was optional, that fee would drop considerably and your home would look a lot more financially appealing.

Deep thoughts by Bamazalea.............

I can certainly sympathize with the thought that it would be nice to be able to "cut" internet if times get tough, but I think you're missing something here.

Why do you think Qwest gives us such a screaming deal? It's precisely because it's in EVERY home. It's precisely because it's mandatory. What incentive would they have to give us a better deal than the general public if people could opt out and either choose no service, or one of their competitors? Bulk pricing is no different with internet than it is at Costco... it's cheaper because it's being offered in huge amounts. They're getting a deal out of this, and in return, we are too.

I'm very glad that the HOA gave us all a chance to vote, though. Sure, it turned out in the way that I personally hoped it would, but even if it hadn't, I would happily go along with what the community majority wanted. I knew what I was getting into when I bought into an HOA.

Deep thoughts by lemonjenny.