🚀 go-pugleaf

> I have tried to determine if the company went into bankruptcy.  To my
> astonishment this is not the case.  As far as *I* can tell, the owner simply
> decided that he wan't making a big enough profit any more, so that was that.

Nothing astonishing about that.  In fact, is shows a rare case of astuteness.
The whole point of being in business is to make money, not go down with the
ship.  If the owners were indeed smart enough to see that they were either
not making enough profit or were simply unhappy running the business, then
shutting it down is a very sound decision.

> I find it hard to believe that he isn't in jail yet.  People bought products

There is absolutely nothing to jail him for.

> from him in good faith, up to the day he closed shop.  Part of their purchase
> is the extension of waranty support.  Conveniently I hear, he will provide th

No, not really.  The warranty provided is a manufacturer's warranty anyways.
If a part breaks down, Cardz is merely a shipping depot and that's all.

> trouble!  BBS subscriptions reflect a one year provision of a BBS service. Th
> fact that the BBS closed down, means that there are subscibers (by Cardz's
> numbers over 3,000 of them) that are owed a refund on part of their
> subscription.

Perhaps, but I doubt it.  People have lost money on magazine subscriptions
when the publisher has gone broke or closed up shop.  The thing that is
easily proven is that there indeed was a BBS that people subscribed to; there
was no "scam".

There may be an ethical problem with not refunding subscriptions on a pro rated
basis, but I would wager you should kiss your money good bye.  Mind you, I'm
of the opinion that you get what you pay for.

> So I ask: Can any businessman wake up one morning and close his store down
> ignoring the obligations he has contracted with his clients?  Isn't this a

Yes.  And there is nothing illegal about it.  Also, don't forget that the
buyer has an implicit obligation to beware, too.

> scam?  Why hasn't the owner been arrested yet?

No, it isn't a scam.  They did nothing illegal.  And you can file a claim
against them for you $65, if you want to.  Just contact small claims court
and they will give you all the appropriate information.

> What am I missing?

Remedial lessons in life, 095.

--
William Barr    Internet:  wbarr@bma.jeslacs.wimsey.bc.ca