Is Coast Capital Savings backwards?

Here's a good reason to get a free chequing account with Coast Capital Savings. But I do wonder. Is Coast Capital progressive or just backwards?

Many Canadians are unhappy with bank fees in general, not just the fees for using another bank's cash machines highlighted by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

They think service charges are high and increasing all the time, despite the fact that many customers are adopting low-cost electronic banking.

They also feel they don't get a break from their banks for being long-time loyal customers.

"About 30 years ago, we had no fees," says Caroline Hubberstey, a spokeswoman for the Canadian Bankers Association.

"The cost of banking was covered off in the spread between loan rates and deposit rates. Borrowers paid for the banking activities of other clients.

I see. Sometimes being backwards can be a good thing...

(Again; context is everything)

Whole Story: Why are bankfees so high?

Europe: Fake bloggers soon to be 'named and shamed'

In Europe consumer protection is still king:

Hotels, restaurants and online shops that post glowing reviews about themselves under false identities could face criminal prosecution under new rules that come into force next year.

Businesses which write fake blog entries or create whole wesbites purporting to be from customers will fall foul of a European directive banning them from “falsely representing oneself as a consumer”.

From December 31, when the change becomes law in the UK, they can be named and shamed by trading standards or taken to court.

Source: Times Online