Yes, this is the latest scam. I subscribed to the teaser trial for WSJ for an introductory of $1.00 for the first month. The subsequent monthly fee increased to

Yes, this is the latest scam. I subscribed to the teaser trial for WSJ for an introductory of $1.00 for the first month. The subsequent monthly fee increased to $40. After three months and not really having time to read the publication (a quality publication, btw), I decided to cancel my subscription. Well you guessed it, easy to sign-up, hell to pay to cancel. You need to call the 800-number, go through an extensive menu of options, finally talk to an operator, who needs to transfer you to... yes you guessed it again, a retention specialist. After three counter-offers (why didn't they just price it at $9.99/month to begin with? ), I just kept saying "... please cancel my subscription." And yes, the counter offers got better and better until that $40/mo subscription was down to $9.99. I may have kept it at that rate. Seems like web services and publishers are all adopting this easy-to-sign-up/hard-as-hell to drop strategy. It's the scamifying of America.