There’s a great story regarding online video game purchases that I came across at FoxNews of all places. According to the article, British online retailer, Gamestation, did an April Fool’s gag where they included language in their terms and conditions that gave them ownership of shopper’s souls when they clicked the box on the way to purchasing games. They called it the “immortal soul clause”:
“By placing an order via this Web site on the first day of the fourth month of the year 2010 Anno Domini, you agree to grant Us a non transferable option to claim, for now and for ever more, your immortal soul. Should We wish to exercise this option, you agree to surrender your immortal soul, and any claim you may have on it, within 5 (five) working days of receiving written notification from gamesation.co.uk or one of its duly authorised minions.”
That isn’t all:
“…we reserve the right to serve such notice in 6 (six) foot high letters
of fire, however we can accept no liability for any loss or damage
caused by such an act. If you a) do not believe you have an immortal
soul, b) have already given it to another party
,
or c) do not wish to grant Us such a license, please click the link
below to nullify this sub-clause and proceed with your transaction.”
The retailer said they did it to make a point that up to 88% of online shoppers don’t bother to read the contracts they’re agreeing to when making online purchases. Those customers should fear not though as the company noted that it would not be enforcing the ownership rights,
and planned to e-mail customers nullifying any claim on their soul.
Classic.