IMPORTANT UPDATE II: The Camera started not working again. Flip video was kind enough to offer support for this problem and indicated they would do the same for other customers who had defective cameras. I noticed that many people on Amazon who write bad review for this camera seem to have older computer equipment and I can understand why that is a problem beyond the scope of this problem. Whether the problem with my device is an anomoly remains to be seen. But it an oddly intermittent problem, but mostly doesn't work. Although for an hour this evening I thought the problem was solved.
[IMPORTANT UPDATE TO THIS POST: 7;42 pm September 26, 2008 -- After changing out the batteries several times, leaving the camera plugged into my USB port all night on two separate nights, once with the batteries in, and once with them left out, and by attempting to update the BIOS several times (to which the computer responded: bios has been updated already or something to that effect), I let the camera sit on my desk for several days. And wonder of wonders, it no longer sticks on the opening screen and seems to be working. Whatever was wrong seemed to be a software glitch that somehow went away on its own. So for now, the camera does indeed work. I will let readers decide for themselves if they should consider purchasing a separate warranty for this camera as the manufacturers warranty is only 90 days. And there are numerous comments on this camera at Amazon.com so go check those out for youself. But for now, my Flip video camera is working again. I'm going to give it a good workout and report back in a couple of weeks. Whatever the problem with this camera was, and the problem lasted for quite a few days, it does seem to have resolved itself for now. I'm hoping that the problem stays resolved, but we shall see. I'm still not sure if this camera is something I can recommend for important work -not catching that macaca moment might be something some would like to avoid - but the Flip video is indeed a handy device when it is working.]
I must embarrassingly admit that I made a grave and irresponsible error when I previously recommended the Flip Video camera to readers of this website. I ordered my Flip video camera in May of this year and after making perhaps two dozen videos, and being careful not to abuse this seeming little wonder of technology in any way, but treating it gently in the manner I thought it was deserving of, it is with utmost regret that I must recommend to our readers that they refrain from purchasing this former wondrous marvel. The little Flip comes with a very ungenerous 90 day warranty, and wouldn't you know it, just more than 90 days and slightly under 120 days after my purchase of this Chinese wonder, it has bitten the dust. I get the opening screen and the camera stays frozen there.
A letter to support at Flip video didn't even elicit a response, although the Flip website promises to respond within 4 hours. Well, one thing I can say. If all else fails, I am still prepared to write a letter of complaint to my local newspaper editor with my trusty old Underwood shown below. Too bad the Flip video isn’t so hardy. The only place this Flip is bound for is the trash heap. The team at Flip video flipped me the bird, so here’s one back at you, you thieving scumbags.
If Pure Networks is run by a bunch of Republicans, their behavior is understandable. If they’re run by those claiming to be Democrats, this kind of business model is completely unacceptable to those of us of the left wing of the Democratic Party.
It's time for me to quit pussyfooting around though, my fleabag Flip video camera is a minor loss in the grand scheme of things. But for what the Republicans have cost this nation, I must admit that I do need to put my anger on steroids and really get that cathartic experience one can only feel when he or she lets them really have it. Stay tuned for more of the same in the months to come. I’m done with Flip Video and will move on to more important and less mundane matters.
A 90 day warranty? Are you joking? A warranty of less than two YEARS is illegal in Europe. No wonder the American economy is going down the drain. No controls whatsoever. Capitalism at its worst.
Posted by: Peter on September 23, 2008 9:27 AMPeter, the only way we can get warranties of two years on most electronic items here in the US is to pay a large extra fee. In the case of the Flip Video, it would have been about 25% of the purchase price. But quite often, the warranty companies go out of business or make you fill out so much paperwork to get that warranty coverage when you need it, the time invested in dealing with the warranty company to get coverage is more trouble than just buying a new product. Some of them will turn down the warranty if you don't cross every t and dot every i. These companies quite often try to do everything legal and illegal under the sun to avoid paying for your replacement item.
But health insurance over here is worse that the warranty coverage.
Sometimes companies get fined or sued for bad behavior, but often the fine is minimal (US conservative government policy) and in the lawsuits, often the lawyers get most of the recovery and the consumers gets something like "a five dollar coupon for your next purchase of the same lousy item".
It's a pitiful state of affairs. I used to enjoy talking to the real old timers, businessmen in the US a that grew up in the Roosevelt depression era. Many would spend hours telling you the importance of honesty and fair dealing and treating your customers fairly and honestly. I've never heard that kind of talk from anyone currently running a business in the US. I'm sure there are some out there, but we've mostly abandoned that kind of business since the Reagan era.
Posted by: Buck on September 23, 2008 10:08 AMIt's quite easy to generate quality items for the market: every professional *dealer* in Europe is liable during the warranty period - even on eBay, and even for used items like cars (for a one year period).
And, since lawyers's fees are also regulated here, you tend to get the better part of any recovery (if any).
Since we tend to adopt American strategies, I'm not too positive it's going to stay like that. Maybe the European Union with it's lame beaurocracy will even prove to be a benefit in this respect.
Posted by: Peter on September 23, 2008 10:34 AMDear Mr. Batard,
We at Flip Video review customers’ evaluations of our products and services to help us provide the best customer experience possible and were puzzled by the comments made on your blog.
You wrote that you had written to us and we did not respond. In checking our database, we found no email from you (we checked under the names Buck Batard, Jerome Doolittle, and Chuck Dupree), otherwise please be assured that we would have indeed contacted you within our regular response time. Perhaps you can provide us some additional information regarding where you directed that letter/email to and if you received an incident number from us which would indicate that we had received your inquiry.
We ask that you give us an opportunity to address your issues with your Flip camcorder. You could either submit your issue through our support website at http:/theflip.com/support or you may email us directly at support@theflip.com.
Thank you,
Flip Video Support
Buck Batard is a nom de plume which many bloggers use. I don't reveal my true name for reasons which are entirely personal and not related to this blog.
But I did get a letter from your customer support in the last few days (below). I presume this is how you treat all your customers.
If I'm going to be treated special just because I'm a blogger, but the rest of those who have had similar problems with your camera will have to tough it out, I don't want that help. I don't deserve special treatment because I'm a blogger or a journalist. Nor do I want it or expect it. I just want you to treat everyone fairly.
I realize most journalists probably don't take this stance, but we here at Bad Attitudes are here because, well, we have "bad attitudes". i.e. in this instance that which is not accepted by most of the people who do certain work and thus consider themselves "special". I'm just a regular guy who was lucky enough to be offered a chance to speak at this soapbox. I'd suggest you review the length of your warranty and modify it so that more of your users like me won't be stuck with 120 day wonders. When you update your warranty coverage to something reasonable, I will be glad to shout it from the rooftops as loud as I can so that the whole world will know that Flip video is a company that can admit its errors and quickly correct them. We have too many companies and politicians in this country who live by a very different ethical standard than what many Americans expect and want. If a company can stand out from the crowd, their business may exceed their wildest expectations and not only that, dedicated customers will keep them at the top. My crystal ball doesn't see that in the cards for Flip video. Your product could be a valuable tool for journalists all over the country. But if it routinely fails in less than 120 days, journalists can't take the chance that it will fail them when they need it most. Thus they will use something more reliable. Just ask folks why they use a Blackberry. They are made to stand up to not only normal use, but to abuse.
************************************
Dear Valued Customer!
Thank you for contacting The Flip Video Store!
Our Flip Video’s have a warranty of 90 days. Outside of that warranty we would still be able to send the camera to our Technical Support for video recovery. We do apologize for the lack of response you experienced and the defective nature of your camera. If you need your videos recovered please contact our order department at 1-866-523-3547. If you have any further inquires do not hesitate to contact us.
Jennifer
The Flip Video Store
6600 Silacci Way
Gilroy, CA 95020
http://www.theflip.com
Email: orders@theflip.com
HAHA thats funny because i got my Flip over 6 months ago and it is still goin' strong. Not the companies fault that you got a bad Flip. Its technology, deal with it and stop whining. :]
P.S. and stop abusing your electronics :]