What is The Vigilant Consumer?

BusinessWeek has written about Consumer Vigilantes, superhero-esque individuals who wage war against corporate America. After getting screwed one too many times by the likes of Comcast, US Airways or other companies, they fight back, armed with technology. Whether in the form of a YouTube video entitled Macbook Destruction or a website such as ComcastMustDie.com (it even has 2 different theme songs), these new tools of expression have liberated the fed-up customers, exposing their complaints to the masses.

As if the recognition and the internet fame are not enough, occasionally these ambitious revolutionaries are handsomely rewarded. Some get a fluffy letter with a formal apology from a corporate bigwig. Others receive an adjustment to their account (for the inappropriate overcharges). Or, drum-roll please, the lucky few score the holy grail of all the splendor, a coupon for savings on future services (you can detect the sarcasm here). Although I joke, many herald folks like Bob Garfield (founder of ComcastMustDie) as saviors who empower them with the tools to fight back. Hats off to Bob and these other Consumer Vigilantes who pave the way for those of us who don't have the time and energy to build a website or film a video every time a company doesn't deliver on its promise.

For The Vigilant Consumer, however, the "vigilance" comes first. It's all about proactive consumerism, tips and tricks that can prevent you from getting screwed in the first place. Protect yourself and get more for your money. If I've piqued your interest, please come back for more.

Next up: What you MUST do before making an online purchase. A few minutes can save you lots of money!