Dogs and Parked Cars

Image by THEfunkyman via Flickr

Several years ago I was working with a group of men that were being scrutinized by everything they did. Regardless of how good their intentions were and how helpful they were being, some people just didn't like the choices they were making. The common thread in all the complaints they received, seemed to be resistance to any kind of change.

Through that experience, a quote came out of all the discussions. "Dogs don't bark at parked cars." In other words, if you're going to make some changes, expect others to be unhappy. Then one day as we sat around the table, the quote came out again as a reminder that some changes are necessary.

"Dogs don't bark at parked cars," said one fellow.

"Yep," said another man, "They pee on your tires."

Change is necessary. People will be unhappy. Will it be you or the dogs?

Rant: Cell Phone Bills

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

I recently got a new cell phone after asking myself a lot of questions. I decided to go with a phone that would not change the rates and plan of my current phone. Even though I considered upgrading to a smart phone there was one hurdle I could not get over. That hurdle was the fact that my cell phone bill is by far, on average, the largest utility I pay each month.

Electricity, water, gas, home phone and internet are all less than my cell phone bill each month and I have the minimum package that allows you to get free mobile to mobile calling. In fact, I even saw a commercial on television recently for a car dealership that offered monthly payments that were less than a cell phone plan for two Droids or two iPhones. Since when did a car payment become more affordable than a cell phone?

Cell phone companies know there is demand and they are picking our pockets. Their nickle and dime approach for every feature, minute, MB, TXT, and application drives me crazy. I believe that the first cell phone company to offer affordable phones with no contract or rebate and an affordable comprehensive plan for 2 lines under a $100 will own the entire market.

However, for now I guess they can make more money continuing with their current tactics. Cell phone companies defy nearly everything about Chris Anderson's Free: The Future of a Radical Price.