Wristbands

[krispark]

I couldn't find a topic on this already but i found these articles today.

http://www.techdigest.tv/2009/02/download_festiv.html

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread436988/pg1

Does anyone think this would be a good idea?

I kind of like it... apart from the bit that they basically control how you spend your money

I mean if you're buying in rounds for your friends, after a few it could refuse you till you buy a burger or some shit.. if these articles are to be believed

[oscar]

You can afford to buy rounds at festie prices.Wow!

Very difficult to keep track on spending especially after to much grog.Can you imagine the Q for top ups Saturday night Sunday morning when most people have exhausted their funds.Also can you reclaim any funds not used at the end of the festival?

Not too keen on the idea.

Edited March 12, 2009 by oscar

[Kagayama]

how are you meant to know how much you've got left without leaving your campsite area?

tbf, one slight clich in the computer system and it all goes pete tong. no beer for anyone!

why replace something that aint broke?

I always make sure every year all my trousers i take with me have a decent zip pocket on them.

Think of the traders as well, they'll have to wait for the money to come through accounts before having any petty cash.

Edited March 12, 2009 by Kagayama

[Salt_On_Everything]

i prefer just looking after my money, seems a bit of a waste of time to me.

[oscar]

i prefer just looking after my money, seems a bit of a waste of time to me.

[krispark]

You can afford to buy rounds at festie prices.Wow!

[ApathyInTheUK]

Yeah, there was a bit of uproar on the forum when this was announced as being a posibility for this year. Most people seemed to come round to the idea after having it properly eplained though.

They didnt want to bring it in this yearin the end because they weren't happy with the reliability of the infrastructure but it will be coming in to place in the future, probably in 2010.

You will be able to top up and check balance by pre registered mobile phone and credit/debit card, in advance on the internet or onsite by card/cash. You can even phone your mum and get her to top it up from home. Balance will be displayed on a screen when you buy stuff as well. Cant remember if a PIN was needed for buying or not. If wristband is lost/stolen you can get it cancelled and a get a replacement with you balance intact (better than if you lose your wallet or have it stolen and have all your cash gone).

Not a bad system IMO (As long as the infrastructure works reliably that is)

[bouncingflea]

"It'll be great for preventing theft (for both stall owners and punters) as well as helping combat drugs problems onsite - dealers aren't likely to have scanners."

The person writing that article seems to think that because people have a wristband with credit on they then magically won't have any cash... surely if people want drugs surely they would just have cash? or will they now search you for notes at the enterance??

Also what about people who take food but buy drink in the arena... sorry no more drink until you buy a £20 burger! excellent

[Azzy G]

I saw this on gizmodo gadget blog, i like the idea, but theres too many drawbacks, i say, if it aint broke, dont fix it!