WGA and shoplifting

Microsoft has a "shoplifting" problem, like many stores. The stores put detectors at the entrance to the store and alarms go off if the "theft protection" hasn't been deactivated. For the most part, it works OK. The employees are usually polite when it happens to someone who is obviously honest.

Their solution -- WGA -- is like a detector that goes off and suddenly slams the doors shut. Nobody shows up, but a message is on the door saying, "We have detected a possible theft. Please insert $150 into the slot in front of you to open the doors. If you think perhaps you did not actually steal anything, call this number on your cell phone."

So you call the number on your cell phone. The person on the other end already assumes you are a crook, naturally. You read off your receipt number to him and he says, "Yes, that's a valid receipt, but the doors still won't open. Sorry, nothing I can do."

You'd better hope your cell phone battery didn't die. It'll take you half an hour to track down someone to talk to.

Meanwhile, the shoplifters have learned how to cover the theft-detection devices with lead foil and slip out without the alarm going off.