Blockbuster is a bomb

I signed up for a trial membership to Blockbuster's DVD-by-mail trial membership.

I make a point to patronize local video stores over corporate stores such as Blockbuster, but I wanted to take advantage of getting some free movies.

They e-mailed me a coupon for two free in-store rentals, so I went for the first time in years.

I have NOT been missing much. What I found were half-stocked shelves, a mixture of VHS boxes with faded covers, softcore sexy thrillers and a crapload of Shrek 2 DVDs. Not impressive.

Plus they've got the store littered with cheaply priced new and previously viewed DVDs, video games and crap candy and microwave popcorn.

I couldn't even find a DVD I wanted to rent - for free - so I just left, more certain than ever that I would be cancelling my free trial membership just before they charge my credit card.