Here at Plusnet Towers we've been incredibly busy lately, getting ready to kick off a massive advertising campaign in London. For those of you who live in London, you might have seen the first part of our campaign already - we've been sponsoring the ITV London Weekday weather since the end of July. If you haven't, you can watch the clips here As of Monday we've had posters across London Underground, on London buses and in several London newspapers. As I'm sure you're aware, Plusnet has grown in part due to customers recommending our service to their friends. We wanted to get this across in our campaign, which is why we've gone for '8 out of 10 Plusnet customers would recommend us' across all formats. To coincide with the big launch we're running a competition too. Sticking with the themes of 8 out of 10 and recommendations, we'd like you to suggest 8 things you'd recommend and your reasons why. Email your entry to 8outof10@plus.net by the end of 31st October, we'll pick the best one on 1st November (competition extended), and the winner will receive an iPod Shuffle (yes, the tiny one that talks to you). To get you started, here's an internet themed list of recommendations (well, what else did you expect from an ISP?):
- 4 on Demand - this is now so much better since the generous folks at Channel 4 decided to make the best of their programming available for free. If you want to catch up on some cracking comedy, dine with 5 random strangers, or maybe find 1 episode of Property Ladder where people actually pay attention to Sarah Beeny's advice, head over to http://www.channel4.com/programmes/4od
- MoneySavingExpert - an excellent one stop shop for advice on almost all things financial. It's much more than a price comparison website, there's in-depth analysis, forums, and the restaurant vouchers section is updated regularly with new 2 for 1 meal deals. Check out http://www.moneysavingexpert.com and you'll be astonished at how much you can save, particularly useful if you need a round of belt-tightening in the current climate.
- Spotify - as much music as you like. For free. And legal. Nuff said. If you don't mind the odd advert between songs that is. Register a free account and download at: http://www.spotify.co.uk
- eBay - an oldie but goodie, and pretty obvious really. However, use it to sell rather than buy. Granted you can grab some bargains, but really, who needs a 4' chocolate fountain? You can sell almost anything on eBay too - so clear out your loft this weekend, snap some pics and set-up your virtual car boot sale over at http://www.ebay.co.uk
- Speed up your broadband - if you're using Windows XP, you'd be amazed at the difference you could get in download speeds by adjusting MTU and RWIN settings. It's a bit techie this tip, and there is a tiny bit of maths involved. Follow the steps in our helpful support page and you'll be fine.
- Online everything - you've probably been using online banking for years to avoid queues at branches, but have you thought about what other accounts you can deal with online to save time? Or accounts that you could swap to paper-free billing so you can help the environment? Most credit card companies, electricity providers and gas providers will offer an on-line servicing option.
- 21st century 'divi' - get paid for doing your shopping. Quidco is a different sort of cashback site - an ad-free cooperative that passes on referral commissions to users in exchange for a small admin fee each year. Doesn't sound too dissimilar to the laudable aim of 19th century Lancashire weavers, does it?
- Plusnet Value - I simply couldn't leave this out! Most people can get our lowest price broadband for just £5.99 a month, and if you recommend a handful of family and friends too, it'll be completely free. More info on our home page: https://www.plus.net/
Remember to get your competition entries in by midnight on 31st October for the chance to win an iPod Shuffle, but do keep it all in good taste. We'll post the winning entry and some of our favourites too. One final thing, here's all the legal stuff I need to tell you about, since it's a competition and all: 1. The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over, other than employees of Plusnet, its agencies or their families. 2. The prize is 1 first prize of iPod Shuffle 3. The prize is subject to availability. 4. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if this is necessary for reasons beyond its control. 5. To enter the draw you must submit a list of 8 things you'd recommend and your reasons why to 8outof10@plus.net by midnight 31st October 2009 6. The winner will be decided by an independent person on 1st November 2009. The Winner will be notified by email on or before 8th November 2009. The Promoter reserves the right to re-draw the prizes if any of the prize-winners cannot be contacted within a reasonable period of time (to be established at the promoter's sole discretion). 7. A list of prize winners (name and county only) may be obtained by written request by sending an SAE to 8 out of 10 Competition, Plusnet plc, Internet House, 2 Tenter Street, Sheffield, S1 4BY on or before 15th November 2009. 8. The winner may be required to participate in publicity events after the draw and by entering the promotion acknowledge their consent to take part in publicity and for their name/photo to be published. 9. By entering this promotion, participants agree to be bound by these terms and that the decision of the promoter is final and binding in all matters relating to this promotion. 10. No cash alternative will be offered for the prize. 11. The Promoter reserves the right to alter, amend or foreclose this competition without prior notice in the event that unforeseen circumstances make this unavoidable. 12. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrant resulting from entering this competition or by the entrant's acceptance of the prize. Nothing shall exclude the Promoter's liability for death or personal injury resulting from its negligence. 13. This promotion is governed by the laws of England and Wales. 14. The Promoter is Plusnet plc, Internet House, 2 Tenter Street, Sheffield, S1 4BY. Registered in England No. 3279013.