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"moderator_can_edit": false, "is_remote": false, "is_verified": false, "missing_perm": null}, "realtime_paused": false, "posts": {"21307392": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "At least in busy places like grocery stores, it has been found that credit and debit cards take less time than cash or checks at the check out and thus save on labor costs and reduce customer annoyance from having to stand in long lines.  This would at least partly justify keeping the same price for credit cards as cash.  <br><br>But this might not hold true for gas stations that don't necessarily have long lines anyway.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_14:05:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "b2aad3e60e9e5957193cad7a2050efb9", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 02:05 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307393": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I got caught by this same exact thing in NJ as well.  I didn't realize it until my tank was half filled and at that point it was too late.  Annoying thing is that I had the cash on me, but I just found it easier to pay with the card at the time and save the cash for a wedding later that night rather than having to hit up an ATM.<br><br>I don't mind gas stations doing this, but it should be made clear to the customer rather than using deceptive advertising.  In defense of the gas station they did have the credit price on the main board as well, but the cash/credit part was tiny and in odd placement and I just assumed the prices were the usual regular/plus/premium prices.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_14:11:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "a9f441dbde6b3c5f4ee97770deda367b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 02:11 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307394": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "My understanding is that this practice went away because credit card companies began enforcing their contracts with the stations.  When you contract to accept Visa or Mastercard you have to agree NOT to charge higher prices to consumers.  You can get your ability to handle credit cards revoked for this kind of nonsense -- unless something has suddenly changed and Visa/Mastercard doesn't mind retailers discouraging the use of credit cards.  How likely is that?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_15:39:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "db517db7c0298181ba6f84a353e0b2fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 03:39 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307395": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Kevin: The stations get around this regulation by calling the credit card price the \"real\" price and then offering a cash \"discount.\"  The only problem is they're advertising the \"discounted\" price on their huge signs.  But I still don't see why Visa/Mastercard lets them get away with the practice, as it's effectively the same thing.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_16:01:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 04:01 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307396": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "According to the TOS for mastercard (too lazy to look up visa) it is okay to offer a \"discount\" for cash payers.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_16:37:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "dab4dcec82db0707a555647532bc43b4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 04:37 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307397": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "&gt;&gt;What really surprises me are that there are still places where attendants have to pump the gas for you.<br><br>LOL -- one place anyway -- it's called \"New Jersey\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_00:19:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "1d083ce3abaffe146ba1b59d69826675", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 12:19 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307398": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I passed two <i>different</i> Valeros yesterday, and they have changed their big signs to advertise the CASH price for regular unleaded in the top position and the CREDIT price for regular unleaded in the second position (where the price for plus unleaded used to be).<br><br>I haven't passed my regular station yet -- and I probably won't again as I am moving.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_10:51:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 10:51 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307399": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "What's eating into your pocket in NJ is those unnecessary labor union gas attendants.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_11:29:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "62ad5e8c557024bd808c1ad9247052dc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 11:29 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307400": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ted: are you sure?  Gas prices in NJ are among the lowest in the country, and as far as I know, gas attendants in this country are not unionized.  I'd welcome any evidence otherwise, however.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_12:07:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 12:07 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307403": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Flexo wrote, \"I haven\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t passed my regular station yet\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac?and I probably won\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t again as I am moving.\"<br><br>Might that be overreacting to the sign placement?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_12:48:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "24e52056459104a55bd10a6719efa07d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 12:48 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307404": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Here in the MD suburbs of DC there is a chain of stations (FREESTATE) that only takes cash and is the low price leader in the area.  The lines to gas up and/or pay are always long on the weekends, although mid-day during the week is fine.  Pricing for these stations is consistently 3-7 cents less than the stations 1/4 mile down the block that take credit cards for regular unleaded.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_13:29:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "9ab15f4e5b020c7a000baf68881f2fe6", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 01:29 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307405": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Marcy, that is a good point and reminds me of another point:  In the old days, after the cash/credit difference first disappeared, I used to seek the stations that had the old pumps where you needed an attendant to process your card, because the stations with the fancy self-swipe pumps were naturally getting their customers to pay for the high-tech pumps with higher gas prices.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_13:42:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "24e52056459104a55bd10a6719efa07d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 01:42 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307406": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "No question the gas station owner is trying to steer the consumer away from credit cards -- you sound a bit skeptical about the owners motives, but this is part of a much larger fight between merchants and the  banks issuing credit cards. See this newspaper column, \"Credit card interchange fee outrageous\" for one explanation.<br><br>I consult for the Merchants Payments Coalition on the issue, and they've got a lot more information about this up at their website, <a href=\"http://UnfairCreditCardFees.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">UnfairCreditCardFees.com</a>.<br><br>Long story short: Merchants aren't the bad guys here. They're just trying to keep their heads above water, and while they watch profit margins narrow, the banks' profit margins thanks to the interchange fee keep going up and up.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_14:37:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "7bf5fd03cef85ff6a0bee436db992b91", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 02:37 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307407": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "?!er: I'm aware of the slim profit margins for the owners, but the merchants are not free and clear of deceptive practices.  Either raise all prices to compensate for the low profit margin, or advertise the CREDIT price (non-discounted) on the large signs that draw people into the stations.  When Station A is (inappropriately) advertising their lower cash-only price reflecting the \"cash discount\" (say $2.80), and the Station B across the street is advertising their price for all transactions (say $2.85), you pull into Station A for their lower price, and once the gas is being pumped you realize Station A's *real* \"non-discount\" price is $2.88, you've been a victim of deceptive advertising.  You have to be observant if you've been used to paying credit cards for all transactions, but you shouldn't have to be, you should be able to compare apples with apples.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_15:00:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 03:00 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307408": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Visa rules are available here:<br><br><a href=\"http://usa.visa.com/download/merchants/rules_for_visa_merchants.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://usa.visa.com/download/merchants/rules_fo...</a><br><br>Surcharge rules are on page 15.<br><br>I believe that what this particular station is doing violates these rules, as it is stated that the cash discount offer must be clearly disclosed.<br><br>Also: If credit card interchange fees are eating up so much of the merchant's profit, switch to debit only! It's a flat fee instead of the fee-plus-percentage of a credit card.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-22_16:25:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "8fd6f3825ff66f0d102fb916b4870eb5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2007 04:25 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307409": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "But you forget - a debit card means you have to actually have money in your checking account to pay for the gas.<br><br>This means 90%+ of Americans couldn't use this option ;-)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-23_01:57:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "98e865f6a1d5063e106d31a0740452ff", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/23/2007 01:57 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307410": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The problem is that, ironically, the more expensive gas is, the less money most gas stations make.  Gas stations make most of their money by sales at the mini-mart or from car wash sales.  They typically make a fixed amount per gallon of gas, whether the gas sells for $1/gal or $4/gal.  But at $4/gal, the CC merchant fees eat far more of their (fixed) profit than at $1/gal - and people are much less likely to buy a Coke if they just caughed up $75 to fill up their truck...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-24_00:10:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "22ae2d092b02d57ef6b4d5fc936bbceb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/24/2007 12:10 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307411": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Foobarista: As I've said, while I feel somewhat sorry for the station owners' plight as gas prices rise, it's not an excuse for advertising only the \"discounted\" cash price.  The bottom line is that if I want the best price, I'm going to start having to carry much more cash than I normally would, and be more discerning about the stations I frequent.  I still find the practice of charging cash customers one price and credit customers another price inappropriate (raise all prices is the credit card fees eat too much into profits) AND don't use misleading advertising.  If it is truly a cash DISCOUNT as required by the merchant agreement, list the regular credit card price.<br><br>If this type of advertising was truly allowed, gas stations could offer gas at $1 a gallon with a $30 car wash, and list the price on the sign as $1.00 for regular unleaded.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-25_00:34:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "06/25/2007 12:34 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307412": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Flexo said, \"If this type of advertising was truly allowed, gas stations could offer gas at $1 a gallon with a $30 car wash, and list the price on the sign as $1.00 for regular unleaded.\"<br><br>I like 1 penny per gallon with a $3 per gallon pump rental.  If the total was competitive, I would buy that guy's gas for his creativity.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-25_06:50:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "24e52056459104a55bd10a6719efa07d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/25/2007 06:50 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307413": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This just happened to me yesterday.  I agree that you are used to seeing the 2nd price on the sign as the next grade gasoline and not a \"credit card\" price.  This is just wrong - it should be more clear.  I was half-tanked before I noticed the difference.  My wife went back to her credit card receipt and noticed a 6-cent/gallon charge.<br><br>NJ Officials certainly did not to a good job informing consumers that this was coming.<br><br>Finally, with cash, there is almost never a receipt.  It is easier to hide cash sales and cheat the Government.<br><br>Never again will I go to Valero....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-28_10:46:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "0df8da07baf68f49aec4932bbfd52fbb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/28/2007 10:46 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307414": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hi,<br><br>I am so glad you raised this issue. I have had this happened at a Valero gas station. They do not display the price for using a credit card and you find out only if you look at figures when the guy is pumping which is how I caught this.<br><br>So how do I beat this, well simple, avoid Valero!<br><br>Once people stop coming they will stop deceiving the customer.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-29_23:04:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "3ea79705fee42a0e96dd4c9779914d82", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/29/2007 11:04 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307415": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "i see not many of people here are getting the actual point, \"hiding gas sale has never happened and do not need to be hiden\"  you are probably thinking tax but goverment charge merchant tax on per gal  which is .44 cents a gallon before its even delivered to the gas station.  and credit card fees are normaly 2 to 3 % + 10 to 25cents per transaction  so do the cal  for every gal merchange will pay minimum of 10+9 = 19cents per gal if gas price is $3 per gal, so in reality they can offer 6 - 9 cents and be able to stay in market with bigger companies.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-02_18:10:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "a1ca1127fa2e3fd99c906820789855df", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/02/2007 06:10 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307416": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I went to the gas station this morning, Garden State Fuel on Rt. 130 in Bordentown, NJ, and their sign displays the cash price as well. When you pull up to the pump, they display both cash and credit. The attendant atleast let me know that since I would be paying with credit, I would be charged a different price. I was blown away and can't even believe this is LEGAL!<br>And for all of you who aren't from New Jersey, we DO have one of the lowest gas price averages in the US. On average, we're $0.10 cheaper than PA alone.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-03_09:20:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "2639761fbb5195ea571f9b656426c8e1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/03/2007 09:20 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307417": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I had the same experience last month on Rt 27. There are an Valero Gas Station and a BP Gas Station. Since I was used to go to the Valero Gas Station to fill my car, and the BP station and the Valero station showed the same price on their roadside sign, I went to the Valero station, and you  know what happened next: I was charged about 6 cent higher per gallon than the price listed on the road side sign. I felt that it was kind of deception going on there. Later I filed a complaint about this to State Office of Weights and Measures. The office sent a person to investigate the issue. Today I got reply from the office saying the Valero station is in compliance. So if you feel you've been treated badly by Valero, you need to file complaints to the Office, and talk to your senators. See the <a href=\"http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/announcements/press/release.asp?Month=5&amp;PressReleaseKey=916\" rel=\"nofollow\">link</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-03_10:51:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "9e5aff5327b89247ad929b8e0707d945", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/03/2007 10:51 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307418": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Obviously the one way to combat the practice is to NOT support that station.  Drive to one that has one price.  Boycott Valero!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-05_07:55:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "00a5004b7f98312bd7b7839635fb8125", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/05/2007 07:55 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307419": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You might want to check your state's laws.  The laws of several states have laws against surcharges for using plastic to pay for products &amp; services.  Florida's law specifies that it's a 2nd degree misdemeanor to do so.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-06_05:24:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "a6cceb04dff63d2d63b95c5c3b20a234", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/06/2007 05:24 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307420": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Floridian: In some cases, merchants are able to get around that law by declaring that the lower cash price is a \"discount\" from the regular price.  The question then is whether they, in the case of gas stations, can advertise their \"discounted\" price to compete with other stations, and by the time you pull into the station and notice that you're bing charged more, drivers may not be motivated to pull away and find another station.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-06_09:22:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "07/06/2007 09:22 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307421": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Where I live in Southern California, there are two stations that advertise dual pricing: the first is now a Chevron, the other is a Valero (though the only Valero in town to do so). Both have large signs advertising both prices.<br><br>Remember though, it costs now about 9 cents a gallon to process your credit card, by which point the station makes maybe a nickel GROSS per gallon sold.<br><br>The minority of sales and majority of profits are from non-gas sales.<br><br>Personally, I now usually fill up at one of the Arco's (BP). Cash or debit only, 45 cent charge for debit.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-07_10:35:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "3dfaa52ae50928e01106759c0341c7d5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/07/2007 10:35 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307422": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "iam a gas station owner and here are the facts. because the consumer likes to use credit cards how do you thing the cc company makes their millions. thats right by charging to merchants. here is the break down. mc/visa charge 2.5% plus a .35 cents transaction fee amer.express charges 3.1% plus a .35 cents transaction fee you do the math on how much it costs a gas station. when gas was a dollar we made 10 cents a gallon and when gas went to 3.00 dollors we still make 10 cents. when you buy $35.00 in gas on your ax it costs us $1.43 in fees. thats aprox. 12 gallons @ .10 profit. that gives us a loss of .23 cents", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-25_13:02:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "f836cd189242032c44f23b0d814b6813", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/25/2007 01:02 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307423": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Jack: Thanks for sharing the info on the fees.  There's no denying credit card companies are making massive profits through these fees.  It's not an excuse for some gas stations to use deceptive advertising.  <br><br>I drove past the original gas station this past weekend and noticed their large sign was changed to include the cash price for regular unleaded in the top position and the credit price for regular unleaded in the second position where the \"plus\" price used to be.  It's hard to see that one price is cash and the other is credit until you pull into the station.  Also, I still maintain that charging more for a credit card transaction is a violation of the credit cards' terms of service, even if you call it a \"cash discount.\" On the signs, it is the top price that is compared when choosing a station.  You don't know that you're comparing apples and oranges until you pull into the station.  <br><br>Regulators confirmed that this practice is okay -- so as consumers, it's something we'll have to look out for.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-07-25_13:25:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "07/25/2007 01:25 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307424": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is not a problem in NJ. From what I have seen, these Valero and the independents who may offer a discount for cash are within the consumer protection laws for posted prices.  Look it up.<br>Full serve (best called mini-serve) is consumer-friendly, fast, safe, secure, compfortable convenience mandated and VERY popular ... certainly not \"crazy\" when you consider New Jersey consistently ranks among the states with the LOWEST average price for regular gasoline, and is often the second or third lowest.  That \"attendant-only pumps the gas\" law promotes greater competition.  The law is good for the local and state economies (payroll taxes, employment, etc.), and gas statin attendants do nopt belong to a union.  This is a law with overwhelming bi-partisan support in the state.  Get your facts straight.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-08-07_10:16:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "cce95ed97ea8c55e86ab626dbeb74177", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/07/2007 10:16 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307425": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Flexo,<br><br>Can you mention any commercial that is not deceptive. The credit card companies T&amp;Cs (terms of services) that you defend so much  have the most deceptive ads possible by mentioning low transfer fees, low introductory APRs, then in very little character fonts all the penalties and fees for the following years. Were these clearly visible at first ? No.   <br>I guess you do not yet a merchant business, otherwise you would even \"love\" more these credit card companies.  Most of you here want to boycott gas station merchants but none want to boycott legal racketers and rippers off namely credit card companies. Of course you cannot understand that point of view as long as you are just comsumers and not retailers.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-08-21_02:17:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "35d3d9ae356a936b85ecb993c55a908d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/21/2007 02:17 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307426": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "TT: I am no fan of credit card companies, either, and I don't defend them when they are deceptive.  You can't excuse retailers for being deceptive by saying, \"But the credit card companies do it, too.\"  I deal with merchant accounts so I understand the retailer's point of view.  I also understand that gas stations are working with razor-thin profit margins.  The problem here is that customers have been led to expect street advertising from gas stations that includes the regular, \"plus,\" and \"super\" prices for a gallon of gasoline.  When a gas station suddenly changes that or advertises a \"cash-discounted\" price as the standard, the customer cannot make a fair comparison from the street.<br><br>I've simply stopped going to Valero because of this.  They've changed their signs since then, but I want to pay by credit card to earn rewards and to keep my wallet free of dollar bills, and whether or not they're advertising deceptively still -- most of the stations I've seen have changed their signs to show \"cash\" and \"credit,\" though it still looks as if the two prices are \"regular\" and \"plus\" -- there's no reason for me to pay more than I can at other stations.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-08-21_10:24:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "08/21/2007 10:24 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307427": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hey Happy Rock, did you get your discount when paying cash in July?  Do you live in Jersey.  I have a bet going with my girlfriend that you don't get a discount when paying for cash (she says you do), but we live in Ohio (the bet didn't specify what state).", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-09-02_23:13:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "182730f107729ad2bd800a2f36f1063b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "09/02/2007 11:13 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307428": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Credit Cards are not money.  It is a convinience that is given to a buyer.  Now if you are being charged to use that convience, it is ok.  Or you can carry some Real Money in your pocket for change, instead of making the Credit Card company rich.  Believe in Cash, it is as good as Gold.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-10-03_11:30:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "1a1236496f8beddc94d596806ce49ee4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "10/03/2007 11:30 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307429": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Does anyone know what the law is for Texas as far as not advertising a price differance for credit cards vs cash? And are visa/mc check cards treated like cash or credit?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-10-10_20:49:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "737dbd5f6128fdead3a4df01dd210ca6", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "10/10/2007 08:49 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307434": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Actually, it *is* illegal to have a lower price and charge more when a credit card is used.  It is ONLY considered a cash discount when the price normally charged is discounted once cash is presented.  The cash discount cannot be a discount from the credit card price--if that makes sense.<br><br>In other words, the price is the assumed \"regular\" price for everyone, therefore it should be the advertised price.  If there is a discount on that price, the regular price should still be advertised for everyone, though you could also advertise a cash discount along with it.<br><br>Advertising only a \"discount\" price IS deceitful, and is not in accordance with Truth in Advertising laws.  Unfortunately, too many consumers are ignorant to this fact, so it goes unreported more often than not.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-11-02_20:10:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "eb966b657e5e85ab3a074da3f6cc4648", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11/02/2007 08:10 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307435": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I pay cash anyway its a lot better to pay in cash because you can see what you are paying. I always spend $40 on gas and then I can use the best option for the carwash, I use the air vaccum, I buy 10 snickers bars and I buy 24 pepsi cans for less than $20. And that $20 make me feel better than the $40 on just gas.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-11-17_23:05:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "8101a321bdb0dcd6d80c71b5e8720d02", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11/17/2007 11:05 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307436": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I pay everything in cash", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-11-20_13:04:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "1c9e974c08914cda5ca2e7620c4fd3b6", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11/20/2007 01:04 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307437": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Actually, I think this is a violation of Mastercard's terms of service, and you can complain here:<br><br><a href=\"http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contactus/merchantviolations.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contac...</a><br><br>One of their complaint categories is: \"The merchant/retailer is adding a charge for using your MasterCard card.\"<br><br>I was just at a gas station in State College PA (the Shell at 1282 N Atherton) which advertised 3.15 on the big roadside sign, but charged 3.23 at the pump for credit, with a sign saying \"8 cent discount inside for cash or shell card payments\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-11-24_23:06:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae5ab05d6f675e99828395909f7c572a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11/24/2007 11:06 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307438": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I've boycotted Valero because of this... A few times I didn't realize that they were charging me a lot of surcharge just for using my credit card.  I fought (in vain) for misleading the customers.  Since then (4 months ago) I've stopped using Valero.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-11-27_20:34:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "b78da950e38d4de281d4794de0ec5797", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "Yesterday 08:34 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307439": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thank you for that Mastercard \"report violations\" link Matt.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-01-28_19:38:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "13c2abdb0209ffabf46473518ba0ec83", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "01/28/2008 07:38 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307440": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "People, you have to remember NJ and Oregon are the only states by law that requires service gas.  Mr. (comment 59) Champakal, all other states I have seen gas charge more for service gas pumping then self serviced.   I have heard and saw a publication some where that gas stations are charged 5 to 7 cents more per gallon for serviced pumping.  Reason,  extra credit charges by gas companies to gas station francise owner.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-01-30_10:24:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "9d5a9e2531a062bdf53f26746cc38083", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "01/30/2008 10:24 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307441": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I agree with the last point of the article. The advertised price should be the one for credit. I just had a sour experience with a Shell station (see my site - <a href=\"http://www.muychingon.com/2008/02/05/shady-shell-practices-buyer-beware/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.muychingon.com/2008/02/05/shady-shel...</a>) where I didn't see the sign for cash or credit until I had already paid. On top of that, the signs that you actually see from the street are all the ones with the \"cash\" prices. And the small sign that specifies \"cash\" or \"credit\" is very small, unlit and basically out of sight.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-02-05_11:05:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "8ede0c0354ec2671dde30631f1ba387a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "02/05/2008 11:05 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307442": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I suspect Valero of watering the fuel and diesel . Who can I report this to t get a sample ?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-03-18_13:20:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "6c5cf47c81267f8e328140888eca7877", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "03/18/2008 01:20 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307443": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I went to a BP station in FL and diesel on the sign said it was $4.05.  I go to the pump swipe my card and next thing I know I am being charged $4.10!  I go to complain and the lady tells me this is perfectly legal to do.  One problem, I told my wife what happened, she did a little research and infact what they are doing is illegal.  There are no signs siginfying a price difference.  The BP gas station is in violation of both VISA &amp; MASTERCARD Rules along with Florida State Statue 501.0117, which is a second degree misdemeanor.  I am going back with my documented info and requesting my money back.  If they don't want to comply I am sure the state and the credit card companies will be quite interested in my findings.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-04-08_13:33:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "abf4e2786a65a98855e79d3dadb423c3", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "04/08/2008 01:33 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307444": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I also have a concern about the misleading prices at gas stations. If they want our business I think they should be upfront and advertise which prices are for cash and which are for credit. This is a criteria I use when I go to fill my tank since I do not usually carry a lot of cash but at the same time want to make a good decision of what price gas I want to put in my vehicle. I think it is false advertising and it should be illegal to do. It is not just Valero it is a variety of different companies.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-04-11_18:13:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "5c97043787f28dc2188bc172d76a40f1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "04/11/2008 06:13 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307445": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I live in Westchester County and have a Lukoil station right near me.  They always pumped the gas and now became a self service station.  They also charge 5 cents more a gallon for credit cards.  I have been told it is illegal to do that.  Any further comments.  I haven't read anything so far that says it is illegal.  It is not shown on their signs that there is a price difference.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-04-19_13:26:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "930154cec478285217c005665ccd09c2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "04/19/2008 01:26 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307446": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I just came across the double charging, and let me tell you, I am livid.  I live in michigan and was just reading on the michigan.gov website about the breakdown of charges that make up the gas price.  Funny, in michigan everyone is already charged 4 cents per gallon for credit card transactions.  So how can they legally charge even more on top of that.  I have written my govenor and hope to hear a response.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-04-20_15:40:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "1e9591b31b4da1562ad336b49066fa1c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "04/20/2008 03:40 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307447": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Merchants have a federally protected right to offer lower prices on cash items.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-04-27_21:50:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "2741aa5d90ddf46e6239d53f2c659119", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "Yesterday 09:50 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307448": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Please provide a reference.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-11_22:15:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "0e07b089d3a11b6ae25b7370b39bdbc4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/11/2008 10:15 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307449": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Average crdit card fees are 2.2% price of the gas. Which means they are at par with gross profit of the gasoline. Average station runs at 8-9 cents over the year per gallon. Credit cards fees are more than that now in Florida. Not to mention, everytime someone uses papertowels, it is about a penny each. There is no way merchants are going to survive, unless, there is dual pricing, and yes it should be displayed as to one should know what they are paying. I am just a small dealer, and I know my days are numbered along with my investment. The only model will survive in long run is no attendants, no help, no water squeeze, and anyone to give help like at big box.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-12_21:20:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "43f186041b046a6b9de187d62b6bb91f", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/12/2008 09:20 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307450": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "you people are all clueless.  The reason for the higher credit card price is that the credit card companies are raping the gas stations.  Do you realize that the credit card company makes more $ per gallon than the gas station.  Americans are so stupid, and this is because they don't use cash.  The credit card company rule is that you cannot charge more for using credit cards, but you ARE allowed to give a discount for cash, and that is how the gas stations have outsmarted the big credit card companies.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-14_09:25:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "3ef40f7b82f1c70e8b2e6d108dab26ca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/14/2008 09:25 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307451": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hey, smart11972...spoken like a true deceptive service station owner!!!  I don't think the issue is with the difference in price...it is with the deceptive advertising.  The station should state on their signs Cash/Credit pricing.  Also, I can see when credit card companies charge fees, but I use my ATM card...no fees associated there!  Who drives around with an extra $100 in their pocket???<br><br><br>BTW...It's illegal and it's called \"Full Disclosure\":<br><br>June 7, 2007 <br>Contact: Senate Republican Office / 609-292-5199<br>Senator Diane Allen (R-7) Allen Legislation to Protect Consumers Against Inflated Gas PricesSenator Diane Allen (R-7) introduced legislation today to protect consumers from price gouging and false advertising by gas stations.  The two bills would establish new penalties for violating the law.<br>The first bill provides that if a gas station charges two different prices for cash or credit card they must advertise both prices on their signs.   The second bill would clarify the existing law that does not allow gas stations to change their prices more than once in a 24 hour period.  This legislation will allow a gas station to lower their gasoline prices at any time in a 24 hour period without penalty.<br>\u201cSome of my constituents have complained that they\u2019ve seen one price advertised on a sign, and when they paid with a credit card and got their receipt they discovered they paid a lot more for using a credit card,\u201d said Allen.  \u201cThis practice violates customer trust and should be against the law in New Jersey.\u201d<br>A gas station that violates the price clarification would be liable for a penalty of $5,000 for each violation, and could also face other penalties.<br>\u201cWe to want make sure that when customers go to fill up their cars and trucks that gasoline stations are providing full disclosure,\u201d added Allen.  \u201cFurthermore, if gas station owners feel they can lower their price and be more competitive, why should we stop them?  It just makes sense to encourage lower gas prices.\u201d", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-16_13:02:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "a90cacaf1176eb3b50b6254390f0dd12", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/16/2008 01:02 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307452": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is a rip off to the public.  They can call it a discount but, it is really a service charge to use a credit card.  I suggest anyone who would pay with cash, should use single dollar bills or better yet, use change, a lot of change that has been prepared in advance.  Once it becomes a burden to visit a bank several times a day, the service charge will stop.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-16_14:23:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "86270e1ef4420cd42e183b71c89eeee4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/16/2008 02:23 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307454": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Not trying to be critical, or show that I know it all, just figured I would point out that the term is actually \"loss leader\", not \"lost leader\"...meaning a company takes a loss on one product or service to get people in the store etc. so they buy other things that they hope will exceed the loss.  Again, not telling you this in a bad way.  Have a good day.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-28_21:21:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "bc239c584a5df31016072df2dacd6521", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/28/2008 09:21 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307455": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hi GasPrice1: I don't see where anyone wrote \"lost leader.\" Must have been somewhere else.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-28_23:44:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "05/28/2008 11:44 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307456": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Flexo, see comment 11.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-29_00:25:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "dab4dcec82db0707a555647532bc43b4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/29/2008 12:25 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307457": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Kurt: Got it. Thanks.  :-) Never mind, back to your regularly scheduled whatever.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-29_00:37:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "05/29/2008 12:37 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307458": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I never use a credit card but I do use my debit card always because I never know how much Cash to have on hand to fill my tank.  But because debits are handled as credit cards the \"discount\" does not apply to me.<br><br>Personally I think this is a despicable practice!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-05-29_09:49:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "a13f7235c4fdb11a55e9021a8bd2f175", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/29/2008 09:49 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307459": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Price advertised should reflect price charged.  Period.  File complaints with proper authorities.  Use your consumer power to boycott the stations that do this and they will take notice.  Either they fight for you business or go out of business.<br><br>Let's put another spin on this...the amount that gas stations pay for their gas is based on market posted prices.  They all basically pay the same and must then set a price to compete for your business.  Margins are slim and competition is tough.  Eating into the amount that customers like you and I pay for gas includes credit card fees.  Offering discounts for those paying with cash helps these merchants stay in business.  <br><br>Visa/MC/Amex/Discover, etc all make money two-fold on these deals:  the fees charged to the merchants and the fees that you pay when you run a balance month to month.  Chew on that for awhile.  It's a win-win for them.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-06-02_18:00:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "10fe520949121d72e1211de8e93dd46a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/02/2008 06:00 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307460": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Some stations here in South Jersey are doing it as well. I have seen Citgo and one called Pioneer, which is a local \"generic\" in my opinion. They list both on the sign, but my friends and I have been caught by it assuming it was the usual reg, premium, super listing and not seeing the tiny \"cash\" \"credit\" words. <br><br>It does seem to be a \"discount\" for the moment as these stations are cheaper for \"cash\" than the local one-price Wawa and Sunoco, but the credit price is about 2 cents higher than the local average.<br><br>My son just got a Wawa credit card. He gets 10% rebate on gaspurchases for the first 90 days and 4% after that. It is given to you in the form of a wawa gift card.  Great deal and he is just 18. (tiny credit limit). I go there a lot for gas and might consider it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-06-03_07:14:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "d2e4f98ea9e8d54bfe5f363b3f3c2e54", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/03/2008 07:14 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307461": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Flexos comment is right.<br>They can't tack on a surcharge to the final price because you are using a credit card (that part is law). But they can give a discount off the final price if you use cash, They can swing it as a coupon, the same way you have coupons like Lowes 10 of 25 which is only valid if you use a VISA card. As a business owner I am glad that this is starting to happen. As for America Express our business outright refuse to accept it. Our profit isn't that big, the CC don't pay rent, don't contribute to my local community like I do, don't have the expense of consumables like I do so why give them my profit?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-06-18_15:44:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "9e598893721b3cbd5e3474d649196752", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/18/2008 03:44 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307462": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I pulled up at to US Gas in town when I saw the price on the billboard. When I got out to pump, it was about 5 cents more per gallon.  I got back in the car and drove to the next gas station.  It was about the same price at the other gas station, but I didn't like feel duped by the the lower advertised \"cash only \" price.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-06-22_17:07:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "59c10c777a2ef68835670505e41b6c3a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/22/2008 05:07 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307463": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This happened to me just this morning 6/27/08.  To say I'm upset is putting it lightly.  I have gone to this local gas stations for years.  The gentleman that pumps the gas has always been courteous and pleasant.  This morning he asked if I was paying cash and of course I wasn't but I had never been asked that before.  He then pointed to the sign that was then going to charge me 9 cents more per gallon for using my debit/credit card.  Now, if that had always been the policy I would have been preparedm it wasn't the policy last Thursday but now it appears that it is.  I said to the attendant.  Is this legal? and with that out from the bay came another man, HIM I wouldn't call a gentleman.  He was rude, and told me to go somewhere else if I didn't like it.  I told him \"Welcome to America\" where I can get raped by the big oil companies, overseas companies and my local company all in one day.  I was also rude and left after paying the self-imposed raping fee.  I will not go back.  I'm so angry that 3 hours later I'm still hanging onto it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-06-27_11:56:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "aabe7fa6442fadfaebe1abf98bbef814", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "Yesterday 11:56 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307464": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Interesting. I have recently found out in DC the \"Lowest Price\" gas stations take cash only. To compete, a Citgo across the street charges two prices. Cash to match the Lowest Price store and then a charge price. This takes me back to the '70's when this was much more common.<br><br>I guess these days are coming back all over the east coast. The question is, is this a national trend?<br><br>Perhaps Valero and the Citgo have different merchant agreements which allow the price discrimination between payment types?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-06-27_14:25:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "487fa7dd924c179b0b1bc4f84e1aee22", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "Yesterday 02:25 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307465": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I saw Cindy said something about Wawa's credit cards. I just wanted to point out that it is Wawa's national policy is to charge the same rate for cash or credit. <br><br>Even when buying with cash I usually go out of my way to find companies that have the same price for cash or credit. It only seems fair. (Wawa happens to be my favorite)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-06-30_15:25:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "489f8f7b65f3aaaa0403906edcd0f2af", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/30/2008 03:25 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307466": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I was completely disgusted when my \"cheap\" NJ gas station all of a sudden had a cash price and a credit price, and of course I found out 2 seconds after he programed the pump for credit not even allowing me to switch to cash. What's this cash discount I'm reading about? I've NEVER seen that in the 16 years I've been driving. I actually called my VISA card and they told me that merchants do reserve the right to pass on the cost that the credit companies charge them. Why all of a sudden? It's this whole gas mess! I don't feel sorry for anyone but us consumers. Everyone else can figure a way to absorb extra costs and probably even wind up with a profit. Gee, wouldn't be nice for our employers to say \"We're increasing your salary to accomodate your increasing expences.\" Another point, I don't like carrying a lot of cash on me so I always use credit and enjoy the cash back rewards for paying it off monthly. Now, I'm going to have to make sure I have at least $70 on me at all times so I don't get screwed at the pump. Gas stations should not be allowed to do this. It's just WRONG!!!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-02_07:53:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "4781e11f77f0d070532254dae6263c0f", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/02/2008 07:53 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307467": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I just pulled into a Valero in Rancho Cucamonga, CA where the sign on the highway read $4.39/gal. After I got ready to pump the gas using my Discover card (because they have 5% rebate on gas purchases from July to Sept.), I noticed the price for credit was $4.53. I got back in my car and left.<br><br>As I was leaving, Valero had a sign advertising a Valero credit card that will save you .10/gal.<br><br>LOL - The jacked up price is .14/gal. higher for credit!<br><br>I rarely carry cash any more, I've always thought electronic transactions were the preferred method of payment these days. 1 step forward, 2 steps back.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-06_14:50:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "83e1be7f7a484877fe10de8593928582", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/06/2008 02:50 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307468": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "In accordance with credit card rules for merchants you can not charge a customer a fee for using credit cards.<br><br>Gas stations do not offer a discounts for cash, they charge a higher price for credit cards. In some states this practice is against the law.<br>But dont expect any of these useless lawmakers/enforcers to do anything about it , unless it actually affects them.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-08_11:58:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "b81eced90b6aba8fc5b2165cedf5a005", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/08/2008 11:58 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307469": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "On Monday night, 7/7/2008, I too noticed for the very first time that a BP on Route 27 near Rocky Hill (NJ) has 2 prices for gas. I've been using my BP card for years at another local BP station, and there were never 2 prices.  Yes, I HAVE A BP CARD and they still charged me the HIGHER PRICE. <br><br>Discount my foot! It's a way to pass along the costs...or a way to maintain current profit levels...or a way to ripoff consumers. And yes, everyone but an employee can 'pass along the high cost of gasoline. grrrrrrrrrr.<br>Wait! <br>Maybe I can tell my employer that I have to increase my salary to cover the higher cost of gasoline which has increased my transportation costs!  (Sheeeee-eeeeet.)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-09_23:51:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "7e4721fcb3ee361b05c26445074ede9c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/09/2008 11:51 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307470": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I heard that the credit card companies take up to 3 % (12 cents a gallon on $4 a gallon gas!) for every gallon of gas sold and the average profit for gas before fees was ony 12 to 14 cents.  CNN reported that a typical gas station made only $60 a day selling gas...seems like a lot work for little money.  It appears Visa and Master Card are getting rich, not the folks selling gas!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-10_11:06:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "a2b68c10b3e5a8be94b67be1d9e84104", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/10/2008 11:06 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307471": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Is it cheaper to withdrawl cash from an ATM with the fee than to just buy the gas with the credit card?????", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-10_13:43:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "1e79dc947776d07bf968ca70e608c17e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/10/2008 01:43 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307472": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The BP station (which just a month ago was a no-name station) on Route 27 near the intersection of Route 518 (Kendall Park) is charging a higher price for using a credit card...even a BP CREDIT CARD! (But the BP station just north of them in North Brunswick which has been there forever and a day, isn't doing that.) Oh, and one day the one in Kendall Park also 'ran out' of gas, except for the highest priced formula. (Riiiiiiiight). Be careful of the Kendall Park BP. Personally, I don't trust them so I won't patronize them.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-13_18:04:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "7e4721fcb3ee361b05c26445074ede9c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/13/2008 06:04 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307473": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "People - wake up and realize the obvious here.  I don't care how they want to call it  - these are NOT \"cash discounts\" - they are merely a deceptive description for what they really are - credit card surcharges - and some are now running as much as 15 to 30 cents per gallon.  Do the math - that's an extra $20-30 /month on average.  I can remember back in the '80s when Getty proudly touted \"Same Price Cash or Credit\" at their pumps, and had ads attacking competitors who charged extra for using credit cards (Shell was one practicing this disguised as \"Pay Cash and Save\" - while they didn't even have to post the credit prices!)  The ad compared the practice to a restaurant charging extra for a customer using a credit card to pay for a meal. The outrage practically made this injustice disappear by the end of the 80's, but with merchants losing profits with today's gas prices, it has crept back into play.  Given $4+/gal, who's really going to have $75 or more in cash on them when they fill up ... unless they run to the ATM beforehand.  What also bothers me is that there is no law nationwide to clearly post both cash and credit prices, should the stations choose to do this.  And those stations who force customers to pay \"cash only\" better be fully insured - as they will become obvious targets for robberies.  I don't have a Getty station in my area, but if they are still around (they're being rebranded as Lukoil nationwide) I'd like to know if they are continuing their practice of charging the same price, cash or credit - and if they are, perhaps rolling out those old ads from the '80s would help curb this injustice once again.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-21_11:02:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "579fbf3dfd194439782b84f51cf8eb3c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/21/2008 11:02 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307474": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I admit that i'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but i seem to recall in the history books that we left England on of items very simular to this. I am not saying that we over throw the government, but i do think that we, the people of this country, should be on the phones, e-mails, snail mail, what ever it takes to let our so called reprensitives know that we are not happy with the job they are doing. If we worked like they do we would be fired.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-21_13:30:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "861d831e1793eb6ea2181002845afd76", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/21/2008 01:30 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307475": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Merchants are absolutely delusional if they think that credit cards are \"hurting\" their business!  The amount of business that is attributable to people using the \"convenience\" of credit cards far outweighs any loss due to CC fees.  At one point, my favorite gas station (low price, close to home) started claiming that their credit card machine was \"broken\" when I asked them to \"fill-it-up\" with premium.  I said, \"Okay, then just give me $5 worth of gas.\"  The attendant (yes, I live in NJ) said \"You would fill it up with credit card?\"  I said yes and all of a sudden, their credit card machine was no longer \"broken\".  Merchants have to accept the fact that credit card fees are all part of the cost of doing business.  If they dislike credit card fees so much, there is a simple solution, stop accepting credit cards!  And watch yourself go out of business!  The only reason that credit card companies get away with charging the fees that they do is because merchants cannot afford to not accept credit cards because of the impact it wouldhave on their business.  Good or bad, personal debt is what our economy relies on!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-07-22_12:56:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "900be628f57fe52f173b4facbbf5722e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "07/22/2008 12:56 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307476": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I am surprised at how many fear mongers are out there rearing their ugly heads. I do not work for an oil company, a convenience gas station, or for a credit card company. However, I feel compelled to state the obviously absent facts here. <br>I do own a small automotive service business and we have been reeling from the increases in credit card processing fees in the past couple of years. We spend on average, between $500-$900 every month, in credit card fees. <br>Now, from our perspective, the 45% of our customers who pay with cash or check, or even low cost debit cards, are going to have to pay higher prices, just as those paying with credit cards will, because we need to raise our labor rates to cover the ever increasing costs of doing business, specifically the costs associated with increases in credit card usage. Is that fair? <br>If I were a customer who pays my bills with cash or check, should I have to pay more because other customers use a payment form that actually costs the business a significant amount of overhead? (Keep in mind that it takes many repair bills to cover that expense every month. Considering  that  every sale must also cover other costs too: cost of parts, labor, taxes, building mortgage &amp; property maintenance, tools, training, large equipment  (like hoists), etc., and finally, a small fraction for owner profit.)<br>I only came across this article/discussion as I was looking for information on the legalities of offering a discount to customers who pay with cash (that means actual cash or check), or a little less of discount if you pay with debit card. <br>It's unfortunate that when ever we feel wronged on an issue, we rarely get to the see the flip side of the argument.<br>What's really going on with the retail gas price situation is that people are paying with credit cards, buying less in the convenience store (where the only real profits are), and the only ones getting rich are the fuel companies providing the gasoline (certainly not the retail sellers - check it out) and the credit card companies. <br>PLEASE stop bashing your local merchants, they are only trying to make a living - just like you. Look around at how many businesses cannot survive in the current business climate we have. Our only options are soon going to be large retailers and service companies, where you might have to park a mile from the door, stand in the snow and slush to fill your tank and wipe your windows, eat out of styrofoam containers, etc. <br>Really. They are the only ones who will be left - once you take the profit out of the small local businesses, and give it to the conglomerates who can save pennies but cuting your wages and insurance.<br>Take a real hard look at the credit card industry. The are making great profits, and even though people are filing bankruptcy at an alarming rate (we just had an employee go through it), the credit card companies keep giving cards to young adults without financial sense or experience, especially to struggling college students, and to mature adults that are already too far in debt to be able to pay them off each month. Not to mention the rates Visa, MC, Discover, etc. are charging to retailers to cover the extra costs associated with all the perks and programs promoted to those end card users. Often times the card users never really even benefit from those programs, but the credit card companies sure do!  <br>Our economy is faltering, credit card companies lobby for laws that only protect them and their profits, AND the government will bail them out when they get into trouble. (Like the insurance companies that got bailed out after Katrina - even though they had lots of real estate they could have sold, and were making great profits!) (Golf anyone?) <br>Oil companies are posting record profits too! (Profits are from pumping &amp; refining gas to sell, and from gas credit card fees.) Yet, our government still subsidizes this industry. Why?<br>Who is going to bailout the little guy, your corner market,  local barber, or your auto repair shop when the expenses to their bottom line put them out of business because they can no longer compete with the big retail bullies (like Wal-Mart)? Just look at what happened to many of the little family farms - gone.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-08-07_18:27:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "c193bf47991976ecfb856e395d31ef80", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/07/2008 06:27 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307477": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "What REALLY stinks is that my car only takes premium.  Now they've changed the big signs to list only the prices for regular/cash and regular/credit.  How am I supposed to comparison shop for premium when i don't know what stations are charging for it????!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-08-21_10:14:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "85d5476bbb3c269aeceaf95ca1fec5c6", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/21/2008 10:14 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307478": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I think it's funny that a state doesn't even trust its citizens to fill<br>their own gas tank without mayhem ensuing.  Living in Texas and<br>California for years, I can't even *remember* the last time I<br>saw a full service station.  How can you be trusted to vote<br>intelligently if you can't even fill up a gas tank?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-08-23_01:38:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "678f30f035a38f200dcea7b9deddb170", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/23/2008 01:38 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307479": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Eric,<br><br>You don't know how bad it is.  In NJ we actually got it on the ballot (after *lots* of hard work) ...but the blue state sheeple are so used to having the government (and now apparently the gas station attendents) take care of them from cradle to grave that they voted it down!  I often heard \"I wouldn't know how to operate the pump\" as an excuse.  ...especially from the women.  Like government programs, once they were used to having someone else do the work, the cost no longer mattered to them... never mind that they would still have the full service lanes available to them. They screwed the rest of us good and locked us into this unnecessary/unwanted service forever.  NJ is a state where the people truly do have the government that they deserve.   It's so frusterating to me to pull into a station &amp; have to wait for some slow @$$ed lame third world illegal attendent when I could be in, filled, and gone before they can get the cap loose.  What a bunch of LIB losers we have in this state...  and you know what?  The're going to ensure higher taxes by electing Obama(nation) in Nov.  Meanwhile they'll all lament the mass migration of businesses out of here &amp; mass migration of illegal parasites into the state.  Their problem is that they compare everything to Utopia instead of Reality.  11 Million people and apparently at least 5.6 Million don't have the brains to:<br><br>1) Insert Nozzle in tank<br>2) Select Grade and payment method<br>3) Begin Pumping<br>4) Replace Nozzle<br>5) Vote Republican or lose the above options", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-08-26_14:34:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "c0419c25189d594945405587bad696d9", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/26/2008 02:34 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307480": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "There is no labor union in New Jersey that represents gas station attendants. State law requiring this is supposidly for safety reasons.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-05_19:38:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "d25f574ba21e72f9c76f8de48bc8d1b6", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "09/05/2008 07:38 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307481": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Statistically, the working class has always done better with Democratic presidents.  Some of the worst years for the northeast were under Reagan which McCain of course wants to return to.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-05_19:44:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "d25f574ba21e72f9c76f8de48bc8d1b6", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "09/05/2008 07:44 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307482": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<a href=\"http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2008/09/22/gas-stations-charging-credit-users-more-than-cash-users/\" rel=\"nofollow\">More discussion about this topic at this link.</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:33:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "09/22/2008 01:33 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307483": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Really, why should the person who pays in cash be charged the extra 7 to 10 cents per gallon that is tacked on to a credit purchase?  Why should I the cash customer be paying your credit charges privellage!!  This charge is not collected by the oil company.  This charge is charged directly to each gas station by the credit card company's.  So with all of the gas taxes (Federal and State) you really think the Moma and Papa stations are making a killing.  You ought to think twice about that.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:07:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "9d5a9e2531a062bdf53f26746cc38083", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "09/22/2008 04:07 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307484": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "most branded stations are forced to have reader pumps by the oil company. The cost to run a card is usualy 2.5 to 3%do the math.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-10-05_13:51:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "48394e065ef26d184a833ca71a6208f6", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "10/05/2008 01:51 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307485": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Frankly, I am appauld at this new development. If they can legaly do that then they need to fully advertise both prices so that you are not surprised when you get to the pump. A local grocery store in MA does just that. They advertise a price for those who carry their shoppers card and a higher price for those who don't. That is a more ethical way of doing business. <br><br>I never carry cash. Everything is about convenience.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-10-17_12:26:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "6146a9ca584c8c3a6061693044a91076", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "10/17/2008 12:26 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307486": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I use a credit card to purchase gas, simply because 1) its faster to swipe at the pump  (  and here in NY, unlike NJ, almost all stations are self serve , so no attendants to handle a cash transaction at the pump; you have to go inside and actually stand in line with the people buying beer and twinkies !!)  2) I have online record of all my gas purchases and 3) since i use the discover card 5% cash back, the cash discount would need to be greater than the 5% im getting back. So far, for the cash/credit prices ive seen, its been exactly 5 % or less.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-10-24_01:12:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "0b5f7bab25038d6dbf4a49b7c45f1345", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "10/24/2008 01:12 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307487": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "This makes me so angry because I have a specific credit card just for gas purchases (Discover Open Road) that earns 5% cash back.  Now it is pointless!  I hope the gas stations get their payback with a huge increase in robberies, since now we all know they're packing major cash :)<br>How you like them apples???", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-18_10:56:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "f7b9edcf70308aee2420f428d4c74d86", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11/18/2008 10:56 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307488": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Check out this situation:<br><br>I leave a softball game and I'm thirsty and low on gas.  I stop at a gas station, I pay at the pump with my credit card, no qualms.  I go into the station to buy a drink with my credit card and they say I can't pay for that with a credit card.  I left the drink on the counter and walked out as the attendant asked me to put the drink back if I'm not going to buy it :)<br><br>So I can spend 30 bucks on gas, but then they don't allow me to buy a drink, poor customer service.  Here's my question:<br><br>Does it hurt the gas station if I swipe my credit card and pump in $.50 worth or less of gas and then end the transaction.  May even do that over a few times over????  If so, this may be a good way to fight back ;)  Especially a good way to get back gas stations that charge extra for credit purchases.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-03_23:25:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "79e4eed8bd83d3eb35819b5637cf5f74", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "01/03/2009 11:25 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307489": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Low pay, no benefits, bad working conditions, safety violations..If you don't mind these things then come work at WaWa...It's time to unionize the Gas Associates..Employees need to organize so that WaWa will be required to follow the Law..Help us Organize at WaWa..Have the Teamsters or other unions contact us..thank you", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-11_08:08:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "41b47979395c3238bb36b1c3c3a4b07c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "01/11/2009 08:08 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307490": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "And it cost money to provide the extra service. Pay up for YOUR convenience and let little old cash payer me not pay for YOUR services!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-03-20_23:21:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "cf3fbb6d705e1fbbc5c3ca831257164d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "03/20/2009 11:21 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 21307485, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307491": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The gas station gets robbed by the bank every swipe of a card by the bank fees banks charge. Believe me some chump with a gun will only get chicken feed compared to what the bank gets from these fees in a month at a gas station.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-03-20_23:29:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "cf3fbb6d705e1fbbc5c3ca831257164d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "03/20/2009 11:29 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 21307487, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307492": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is a deceptive practice at best, and one I ran into for the first time today.  The price posted on the board was evidently the cash price, but noted only in very small print.  I did not notice the price at the pump was 5 cents higher than was posted on the board until after I had filled up.  Only then did I see the additional small wording on the pump that said a 5 cent discount applied to cash transactions only.<br><br>I plan to pump exactly 1 gallon of gas from this station a few times a week from now on.  Let's see how they like a taste of their own medicine.  I can't wait to see if they try to slap minimum charge requirements on to discourage me.  I'll take great pleasure in turning them over to Visa/MC at that point.<br><br>Be honest and upfront with your pricing merchants!  If you are advertising a cash price for your product, make sure the customer can read it before they purchase!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-05-17_22:30:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "9ea84cf1e9f35485fd9585c0a2d33745", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "05/17/2009 10:30 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307493": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I just turned in a gas station just south of New Braunfels, Texas for advertising two different prices. Here is where you complain to MasterCard:<br><a href=\"http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contactus/merchantviolations.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contac...</a><br>(Thank you Matt!) Sadly, they want the full name and address of the offending (and offensive) retailer, so make notes. Check mark the \"The merchant/retailer is adding a charge for using your MasterCard card.\" <br><br>OK, guys and gals, where do I complain to Visa Card and Discover Card?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-07-27_14:35:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "a4116d2cef71dbbeeb654a1b8b328329", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "Yesterday 02:35 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307494": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I just got off the phone with Discover Card 1-888-DISCOVER (1-888-347-2683) and apparently they don't care if there is a difference in cash vs. credit card prices. At least according to the lady I talked to.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-07-27_14:47:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "a4116d2cef71dbbeeb654a1b8b328329", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "Yesterday 02:47 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307495": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Nobody is charging more for credit cards, rather it is a discount for cash.  Nothing the credit card companies can do about it.  Not even something Obama could do about it.  I started this 10 years ago, fought off the credit card companies and the state department of weights and measures and consumer afairs, and I won at every stop.  If the credit card companies were fair to the retailers, we wouldnt even have this blog going.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-08-09_19:49:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "3ef40f7b82f1c70e8b2e6d108dab26ca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/09/2009 07:49 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307496": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "In my observations, it's the cash price that is the price competitive with the other stations that do not discriminate. You can call it a \"cash discount\" if you want, if that keeps Visa and Mastercard from revoking your merchant agreement, but you're not offering a break to those who pay cash, you're charging a premium to those who use credit cards to make up for the high merchant fees. I do feel bad that Visa and Mastercard have backed merchants into a corner... but that's not the customers' problem. Group together and fight the merchants for a fee system you believe is more fair, lobby the government for more oversight, or find a different business with a better profit margin.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-08-10_00:25:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "08/10/2009 12:25 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 21307495, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307498": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "In my case, my cash price is cheaper than anybody elses credit price, so i cannot speak for others.  Visa and Mastercard haven't backed me in a corner, I have backed them in a corner.  I am keeping them from getting away with robbing from merchants like myself, by encouraging there customers to put away the cards and pay cash.  It IS the customers problem.  Consumers are constantly looking to everybody else for solutions, but themselves.  With your philosophy, how is General Motots, Chrysler, Bank of America, Citigroup, AIG and others my problem?  The answer is that it isn't, but their problems have become our problems--so why shouldn't the high credit card fees I pay not become everybody else's problem?  The last thing that I want is for the Government to get involved in my business.  Can you imagine Nancy Pelosi and Barach Obama regulating gas stations and merchant fees???  By charging more for credit cards (which I don't deny doing), I, along with many others, are solving a problem for ourselves, without asking the Government for help.  How can we ask for a more fair system from the credit card companies if they have a monopoly?  They are the ones in control, and the ones who can make a system more fair.  As far as profit margin, mine is healthy.  I am a millionaire, and I want to make and keep as much money as possible, which is why I live in a capitalist country and society.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-08-10_08:25:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "3ef40f7b82f1c70e8b2e6d108dab26ca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/10/2009 08:25 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307499": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Since you're probably not a natural born citizen, you don't mind the government getting involved to provide you with tax breaks.  <br><br>Don't worry, you and others charging extra to use credit is not a problem for me as long as I can go to a Speedway, Meijer or other non-credit charging station.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-08-10_16:01:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "79e4eed8bd83d3eb35819b5637cf5f74", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/10/2009 04:01 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 21307498, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307500": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Actually I am a natural born citizen (4th generation by the way).  I don't want tax breaks from the government-I want capitalism to flourish.  I want welfare done away with as well as all of the other government social waste (and I dont want to hear about the 3% of people that get welfare who actually deserve it).  And FYI, I've never seen any person at a speedway without a turban on.  The beauty of being in a free democratic country is that you can go anywhere you want for gas.  By the way, I am the highest volume gas station in the area, and the main reason is that I have a large sign that says \"AMERICAN OWNED AND OPERATED\".  If Americans stopped using credit cards, it would dump TRILLIONS of dollars each year back into our economy.  If you look at China, you will see that people there seldom use credit cards, which is why individuals are not in nearly as much trouble in this recession as Americans are.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-08-10_16:21:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "3ef40f7b82f1c70e8b2e6d108dab26ca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/10/2009 04:21 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307501": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah this is now happening in Michigan also, I've noticed it at Bp and Mobil. Now here is the kicker, Mobil was charging 10cents more per gallon if you used a credit card, Bp was charging 20CENTS A GALLON MORE if you used a credit card. Now how the $*&amp;# is that legit, I'm sorry its not. Bp go to hell! Something needs to be done about this. Oh and a comment on the signs they put reg cash, reg credit, then premium listed out so it looks like reg-mid-premium, VERY unclear. Just one more way they make the consumer bend over, how will they change the economy if they just charge us more for everything, don't they realize that in doing that we CAN'T buy stuff? Stop bailing out corporations and bail out the consumers, DUH..... am I the only person who sees this? lol? For example: The Big 3. I NEED a car but cant afford one, ironic?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-08-21_10:28:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "4858ac99b17a4b5852f69bd445527fff", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "08/21/2009 10:28 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307381": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Use the credit card to buy gift cards.  This only works if the surcharge does not apply to the gift card of course.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_11:17:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "07d1d38590b7bf7c015aa91f7e1f3cf1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 11:17 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307382": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I remember back before we started using credit cards extensively (early 80s) that all gas stations gave a \"cash discount.\" I was very surprised when they dropped it. I am not surprised that they are bringing it back, particularly in the case of independent station owners, who don't make much off the sale of a gallon. What really surprises me are that there are still places where attendants have to pump the gas for you.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_11:34:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "7bfe50c8951cf9e85eff70db17886e4b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 11:34 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307383": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The funny part is that most people spend way more money with credit cards.  From what I have read, that is why some many companies can charge the same price for cash and credit cards purchases.  The extra spending they receive on credit cards far exceeds the small percentage the credit cards fees take up.  Forking over 50 cash, versus swiping a card is a big psychological differences.<br><br>I will be putting this to a test personally with a cash only July, to see if I really will save 12-18%.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_11:35:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "f91004f10587565d0585139bd56f6703", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 11:35 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307384": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I noticed this when I was on vacation to CA about 2-3 years ago. The price differnece was about $.10 a gallon. I paid cash.<br><br>What I don't like about it is that I love pay at the pump - no lines, no hassles. :(<br><br>I guess that is another way to drive customers into the stores and get them to buy more snacks, cigarettes, etc.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_11:44:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "380f30503b57c136d82cc339eccaedd3", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 11:44 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307385": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I am surprised Jersey is doing this. I have to tell my parents because our gas station is close enough to Jersey that we lose a tiny slice of customers. (The crazy full-serve people)<br><br>Fascinating. I thought advertising like this was illegal because it was deceptive. I am also surprised that gas stations are still allowed to charge two prices. My parents don't and I highly doubt they will. (Prices are back below $3 in PA, DE, MD, and VA anyway.)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_11:47:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "487fa7dd924c179b0b1bc4f84e1aee22", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 11:47 AM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307386": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is good news (the cash/credit difference, not the sign issue). The only reason I stopped paying cash was because the price advantage disappeared. Coincidentally, I am working on an article where I mentioned the old days of paying less for cash so now I have to update that part.<br><br>I received a server error so I am resubmitting this comment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_12:08:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "24e52056459104a55bd10a6719efa07d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 12:08 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307387": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\"I thought advertising like this was illegal because it was deceptive. \"<br><br>I think as long as they advertise the higher price and charge a lower price for a cash transaction they are in the clear.  Seems reasonable to me.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_12:57:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "dab4dcec82db0707a555647532bc43b4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 12:57 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307388": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I too had thought this was an illegal practice and it does seem to be pushing the line if the large sign advertises the cash price but the pumps themselves list the credit price.<br><br>I've been known to skip stations that advertise their price on the main sign being a discounted price if you purchase a car wash.  When I pull into a station, I would expect to pay the price that was displayed on the main sign.<br><br>I'll have to keep my eyes open here at our gas stations to see if there is any difference in the sign/pump prices.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_13:28:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "8d26fc7398e3d13e210ec30ea2a4e193", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 01:28 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307389": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I've noticed this popping up more in California, too. Just a year ago there were no stations with two price tiers, now there are a few that I know of. I'm sad to see this myself since I use a 3% cash back card to get money back from the sale, and it's about awash with the cash/credit price difference. Hopefully my favorite stations will continue to be one price.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_13:31:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "67dc29a10a1c6d8b00e0e1ed2bc03dd1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 01:31 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "21307390": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Patrick: In NJ it won't necessarily drive people into the stores to buy higher-profit-margin items because the attendants often take your cash right at the pump thanks to the full service requirement.<br><br>J: It's not a price advantage for cash -- cash prices are in line with the station's historical trend -- it's the credit card prices that jumped.  I guess it's just semantics, but it's important to note that there is *not* suddenly a \"new discount\" at these pumps.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_13:44:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "flexocc", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 01:44 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": true, "is_realtime": false}, "21307391": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Flexo, yes, I noticed from your first post that cash is the old combined price--for now--but in the long run credit-payers will become like bottled-water-buyers by bearing the profit burden for the cash-gas-payers (paying cash for gas is like only buying lost-leader sales items at the grocery store).", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2007-06-21_13:56:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "24e52056459104a55bd10a6719efa07d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "06/21/2007 01:56 PM", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}}, "integration": {"receiver_url": "", "theme": 4, "reply_position": true, "disqus_logo": false}, "timer": {"timer_url": "http://localhost:8005", "thread_id": "42483717", "user_id": "anonymous", "forum_id": "214864", "hash": 4478884297680081394}, "thread": {"days_alive": 0, "slug": "cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices", "paginate": false, "num_pages": 1, "num_posts": 113, "per_page": 0, "total_posts": 0, "realtime_paused": true, "id": 42483717, "queued": false}, "reactions_limit": 10, "context": {"show_reply": true, "use_fb_connect": true, "forum_facebook_key": "a754e38c7443c66a17fb4f842187453e", "use_yahoo": true, "subscribed": false, "use_twitter_signin": true, "use_openid": true, "realtime_speed": 5000}, "reactions_start": 0, "settings": {"debug": false, "disqus_url": "http://disqus.com", "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"}, "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"};
	/* */ this.jsonData.cookie_messages = {"user_created": null, "post_has_profile": null, "post_twitter": null, "post_not_approved": null}; this.jsonData.session = {"url": null, "name": null, "email": null}; /* */

	
	this.curPageId = 'dsq-comments';

	this.frames = {};
};

var disqus_popup_reference = null;

if(typeof DsqLocal == 'undefined') {
	DsqLocal = {};
}



/**
 * Dsq.Strings: UI strings
 */
Dsq.Strings = new function() {
	this.ADD_NEW_COMMENT = "Add New Comment";
	this.LOG_INTO_DISQUS = "Log into DISQUS";
	this.USE_MEDIA = "Use Media";
	this.LOGOUT = "Logout";
	this.SHARING_OPTIONS = "Sharing options";
	this.SHARE_ON = "Share on";
	this.TWEET_THIS_COMMENT = "Tweet this comment";
	this.SHARE_ON_NEWSFEED = "Share on news feed";
	this.SEND_UPDATE_TO_YAHOO = "Send update to Yahoo!";
	this.REBLOG_ON = "Reblog on";
	this.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS = "Configure options";
	this.POST_AS = "Post as";
	this.SORT_BY = "Sort by";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL = "Subscribe by email";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS = "Subscribe by RSS";
	this.POPULAR_NOW = "Popular now";
	this.BEST_RATING = "Best Rating";
	this.NEWEST_FIRST = "Newest first";
	this.OLDEST_FIRST = "Oldest first";
	this.HIGHLIGHTED = "Highlighted";
	this.UNSUBSCRIBE = "Unsubscribe";
	this.REQUIRED = "Required";
	this.OPTIONAL = "Optional";
	this.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A = "You are commenting as a";
	this.LOGIN_BELOW = "Login below";
	this.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT = "Please login below to comment.";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL = "Subscribe to all comments by email";
	this.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS = "Do not subscribe to comments";
	this.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS = "Real-time updating is";
	this.ENABLED = "enabled";
	this.PAUSED = "paused";
	this.PAUSE = "Pause";
	this.RESUME = "Resume";
	this.SHOW = "Show";
	this.JUST_NOW = "Just now";
	this.REPLY = "Reply";
	this.EDIT = "Edit";
	this.FLAG = "Flag";
	this.MODERATE = "Moderate";
	this.CANCEL = "Cancel";
	this.REPLYING_TO = "Replying to";
	this.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS = "Report missing reactions";
	this.POST_A_COMMENT = "Post a comment";
	this.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT = "Flag inappropriate comment";
	this.FLAGGED = "Flagged";
	this.NO = "No";
	this.YES = "Yes";
	this.NEVER_MIND = "Never mind";
	this.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR = "Are you sure you would like to report this comment to a moderator";
	this.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION = "This will flag comments for moderators to take action";
	this.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN = "To rate, please log in";
	this.JUST_A_MOMENT = "Just a moment...";
	this.GUEST = "Guest";
	this.NAME = "Name";
	this.EMAIL = "Email";
  this.WEBSITE = "Website";
  this.SETTINGS = "Settings";
  this.MODERATOR_OPTIONS = "Moderator options: ";
};
// Dsq.Strings

/**
 * Dsq.FmtStrings: functions that return interpolated UI strings
 */
Dsq.FmtStrings = new function() {
	// Seems we have to use named interpolation for Django to translate. Investigate more.
	this.LOGGED_IN_AS = function(username) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate('Logged in as %(username)s', {username:username});
	};

	this.LOGOUT_FROM = function(disqus) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate('Logout from %(disqus)s', {disqus:disqus});
	};

	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL = function(total, num) {
		if (num === 1) {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comment", {num:num, total:total});
		} else {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comments", {num:num, total:total});
		}
	};

	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION = function(num) {
		if (num === 1) {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comment", {num:num});
		} else {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comments", {num:num});
		}
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s comment'
				: '%(num)s comments'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_LIKES = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s like'
				: '%(num)s likes'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_POINTS = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s point'
				: '%(num)s points'
			), {num:num});
	};
};
// Dsq.FmtStrings





Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN = '4f0bfca82e06c976a1efdd7c783a5fd0';
Dsq.COMMENTS_RE = /(<li.*?id="?dsq-comment-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/li>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_RE = /(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-header-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/div>)\s*(<div.*?class="?dsq-comment-body"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_BODY_RE = /\s*(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-message-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
// HACK: Safari ends with "-->" while other browsers end with "--&gt;" as expected.
Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE = /&lt;!--\[(.*?)\]--(?:>|&gt;)/gim;



var FragmentPacket = function(reader, writer, writer_url, is_child, receiveCallback) {
	var that = this;
	this.reader = reader;
	this.writer = writer;
	this.writer_url = writer_url;

	this.is_child = is_child || false;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;

	this._lastHash = null;

	this._accumMsg = '';

	this._lastSeqno = 0;

	this.MAX_DATA_LEN	= 1024;

	this.WAIT_TIME		= 10;

	this.READY		= 0x1;
	this.WRITING	= 0x2;
	this.FIN		= 0x4;
	this.ACK		= 0x8;

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;
	var listener = function() {
		that.recv();
	};
	return window.setInterval(listener, 10);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.log = function(msg) {



};

FragmentPacket.prototype.recv = function() {
	var hash;
	if (/MSIE/.test(navigator.userAgent)) {

		hash = this.reader.name;
	} else {

		var hashIndex = this.reader.location.href.indexOf('#');
		if (hashIndex == -1) {
			return;
		}
		hash = this.reader.location.href.substring(hashIndex+1);
	}
	var flags = parseInt(hash.substring(0, 4), 10);
	var seqno = parseInt(hash.substring(4, 24), 10);
	var data  = hash.substring(24);

	if (this._lastHash !== hash) {
		this._lastHash = hash;
		this.log('recv: ' + hash);

		this.log(' flags: ' + flags);
		this.log(' seqno: ' + seqno + ' len: ' + hash.substring(4, 24).length + ' (' + hash.substring(4, 24) + ')');
		this.log(' data: ' + data + ' len: ' + data.length);

		this._lastSeqno = seqno;

		if (flags & this.WRITING) {
			this._accumMsg += data;
			this.sendFlag(this.ACK, seqno);
			if (flags & this.FIN) {
				this.log('recv finished: ' + decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));
				this.receiveCallback(decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));

				this._accumMsg = '';

				this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
			}
		}
	}

	return {
		flags: flags,
		seqno: seqno,
		data: data
	};
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendRawPacket = function(packet) {
	if (/MSIE/.test(navigator.userAgent)) {
		this.writer.name = packet;
	} else {

		this.writer.location.href = this.writer_url + '#' + packet;
	}

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendFlag = function(flag, seqno) {
	this.sendRawPacket(this._zerofill(flag, 4) + this._zerofill(seqno, 20));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {
	this._send(0, encodeURIComponent(msg));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._send = function(packetNum, msg) {
	var that = this;
	var recvBuf = this.recv();

	if (packetNum === 0) {

		if (!(recvBuf.flags & this.READY)) {
			this.log('client is not ready, waiting...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		}
	} else {

		if (!( (recvBuf.flags & this.ACK) && (recvBuf.seqno === this._lastSeqno) )) {
			this.log('waiting for ack from client...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		} else {
			this.log('received ack: ' + this._lastSeqno + ' ' + recvBuf.seqno);
		}
	}

	var flags = this.WRITING;
	var num_packets = Math.ceil(msg.length / this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	this.log('num_packets: ' + num_packets);

	if (num_packets === packetNum) {

		this.log('message successfully sent!');
		this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
		return true;
	}

	this._lastSeqno++;

	if (packetNum == num_packets-1) {
		flags |= this.FIN;
	}

	var data = msg.substring(packetNum * this.MAX_DATA_LEN, (packetNum+1) * this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	var packet = this._zerofill(flags, 4) + this._zerofill(this._lastSeqno, 20) + data;

	this.log('sending raw packet: ' + packet);
	this.sendRawPacket(packet);

	return this._send(packetNum + 1, msg);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._zerofill = function(num, width) {
	var retval = num.toString();
	var retval_len = retval.length;
	for (var i = 0; i < width - retval_len; i++) {
		retval = '0' + retval;
	}
	return retval;
};

var PostMessagePacket = function(receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId) {
	var that = this;
	this.receiver = receiver;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;
	this.id = id;


	this.receiverId = receiverId;
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;

	var listener = function(e) {

		if (!that.id) {
			that.id = e.data;
			return;
		}


		var id = e.data.split(';')[0];
		if (id !== that.id) {
			return;
		}
		var data = e.data.substring(e.data.indexOf(';') + 1);

		that.receiveCallback(data);
	};

	if (typeof window.attachEvent == 'function') {
		window.attachEvent('onmessage', listener);
	} else if (typeof window.addEventListener == 'function') {
		window.addEventListener('message', listener, false);
	} else {
		throw new Error('No method found to create event listener for PostMessagePacket.');
	}
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {



	var needs_reget = false;
	try {
		if (typeof this.receiver.id == 'undefined' || typeof this.receiver.postMessage == 'undefined') {
			needs_reget = true;
		}
	} catch(e) {


	}
	if (needs_reget && typeof this.receiverId != 'undefined') {
		this.receiver = document.getElementById(this.receiverId).contentWindow;
	}

	var packet;
	if (!msg) {

		packet = this.id;
	} else {
		packet = this.id + ';' + msg;
	}
	this.receiver.postMessage(packet, '*');
};

PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = null;
PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id = function() {
	var id = (new Date()).getTime();
	if (id == PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id) {
		id++;
	}
	PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = id;
	return id.toString();
};

var JsonRpc = function() {

	this.ids = {};

	this.objectToJSON = function(obj) {
		var json = '';
		var results = [];

		if (obj === undefined || obj === null) {
			return 'null';
		}

		switch (obj.constructor) {
			case Object:
				for (var property in obj) {
					if (obj.hasOwnProperty(property)) {
						results.push(this.objectToJSON(property) + ': ' + this.objectToJSON(obj[property]));
					}
				}
				json = '{' + results.join(', ') + '}';
				break;
			case Array:
				for (var i = 0; i < obj.length; i++) {
					results.push(this.objectToJSON(obj[i]));
				}
				json = '[' + results.join(', ') + ']';
				break;
			case Number:
			case Boolean:
				json = obj.toString();
				break;
			case String:

				var specialChars = {'\b': '\\b', '\t': '\\t', '\n': '\\n', '\f': '\\f', '\r': '\\r', '\\': '\\\\'};

				json = obj.replace(/[\x00-\x1f\\]/g, function(match) {
					var ch = specialChars[match];
					return ch ? ch : '\\u00' + match.charCodeAt().toPaddedString(2, 16);
				});

				json = '"' + json.replace(/"/g, '\\"') + '"';
				break;
			default:

				json = 'null';
				break;
		}

		return json;
	};

	this.createHandler = function(send_func, registered_funcs) {
		var that = this;
		var handler = function(message) {

			try {
				var rpc = eval('(' + message + ')');
			} catch(e) {
				alert('bad JSON: ' + message);
				return;
			}
			if (rpc.method) {

				if (!registered_funcs[rpc.method]) {
					return;
				}

				var retval = registered_funcs[rpc.method].apply(null, rpc.params);
				if (rpc.id) {
					var response = {
						result: retval,
						error: null,	// TODO
						id: rpc.id
					};
					send_func(that.objectToJSON(response));
				}
			} else if(rpc.result) {

				if (!that.ids[rpc.id]) {
					return;
				}

				that.ids[rpc.id](rpc.result);
				delete that.ids[rpc.id];
			}
		};
		return handler;
	};

	this.execute = function(send_func, method, params, response_callback) {
		response_callback = response_callback || null;
		var id = (response_callback) ? (new Date()).getTime() : null;

		var request = {
			method: method,
			params: params,
			id: id
		};

		send_func(this.objectToJSON(request));

		if (id) {
			this.ids[id] = response_callback;
		}
	};
};
JsonRpc = new JsonRpc();

var ParentMessenger = function(childUrl, receiverUrl, container, receiveCallback) {


	if (navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Safari') >= 0 && parseInt(navigator.userAgent.substring(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Version/') + 8), 10) == 3) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	} else if (window.opera) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}



	if (!receiverUrl &&
		navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Gecko') >= 0 &&
		parseFloat(navigator.userAgent.slice(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 3, navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 6)) < 1.9) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}


	if (/msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent)) {


		if (document.domain == window.location.hostname) {
			receiverUrl = '';
		}
	}

	var that = this;
	this.childUrl = childUrl;
	this.receiverUrl = receiverUrl;
	this.container = container || document.body;

	this.packetHandler = null;


	this._ready = false;
	this._error = false;


	var _createReceiverForFragmentPacket = function() {

		that.receiver = document.createElement('iframe');
		that.receiver.src = receiverUrl;
		that.receiver.id = 'receiver_' + (new Date()).getTime();
		that.receiver.name = that.receiver.id;

		that.receiver.frameBorder = '0';
		that.receiver.frameSpacing = '0';
		that.receiver.style.borderStyle = 'none';

		var receiver_onload = function() {
			var receiver = document.getElementById(that.receiver.id).contentWindow;

			try {
				receiver.document.body.innerHTML = '';
			} catch(e) {

				that._error = true;
			}
			receiver.document.body.style.padding = '0px';
			receiver.document.body.style.margin = '0px';

			var child = receiver.document.createElement('iframe');
			child.id = 'child';
			child.name = 'child';
			child.src = that.childUrl;

			child.frameBorder = '0';
			child.frameSpacing = '0';
			child.style.borderStyle = 'none';
			child.style.width = '100%';
			child.style.height = '100%';
			receiver.document.body.appendChild(child);

			that.child = receiver.document.getElementById('child').contentWindow;
			that.receiver = receiver;

			that.packetHandler = new FragmentPacket(that.receiver, that.child, that.childUrl, false, receiveCallback);

			that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();

			that.packetHandler.sendFlag(that.packetHandler.READY, 0);

			that._ready = true;
		};

		that.receiver.onreadystatechange = function() {
			if (this.readyState == 'complete') {
				receiver_onload();
			}
		};

		that.receiver.onload = receiver_onload;







		if (Dsq.Utils.ie) {
			if (that.container.clientWidth === 0) {

				var _waitForWidth = function() {
					if (that.container.clientWidth > 0) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					} else {
						window.setTimeout(_waitForWidth, 100);
					}
				};
				_waitForWidth();

				that._once = false;
				that.receiver.onresize = function() {
					if (!that._once) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					}
					that._once = true;
				};
			}
		}

		that.container.appendChild(that.receiver);
	};


	var _createReceiverForPostMessage = function() {

		var receiver_onload = function() {

			that.packetHandler.send();
			that._ready = true;
		};

		var id = PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id();
		var receiverId = 'child_' + id;


		ParentMessenger['_receiver_onload_' + receiverId] = receiver_onload;

		that.container.innerHTML += '<iframe ' +
			'src="' + childUrl + '" ' +
			'id="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'name="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'onload="ParentMessenger._receiver_onload_' + receiverId +'();" ' +
			'></iframe>';

		that.receiver = document.getElementById(receiverId).contentWindow;
		that.packetHandler = new PostMessagePacket(that.receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId);
		that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();
	};

	if (typeof window.postMessage == 'function') {
		_createReceiverForPostMessage();
	} else {
		_createReceiverForFragmentPacket();
	}

};

ParentMessenger.prototype.sendMessage = function(message) {
	var that = this;
	if (!this._ready) {

		window.setTimeout(function() { that.sendMessage(message); }, 10);
		return;
	}
	this.packetHandler.send(message);
	return true;
};

Dsq.NewFrames = function(url) {
	this.url = url;
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype.init = function(onFailure) {
	var that = this;

	try {
		this.messenger = new ParentMessenger(this.url, Dsq.jsonData.integration.receiver_url, this.container, this.receive_callback);
	} catch(e) {
		if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
			onFailure();
		}
	}

	if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
		var iId = window.setInterval(function() {
			if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				return;
			}
			if (that.messenger._ready) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
			} else if (that.messenger._error) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				onFailure();
			}
		}, 10);
	}
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype._execute = function(method, args, callback) {
	var that = this;
	if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
		return false;
	}
	JsonRpc.execute(
		function(msg) { that.messenger.sendMessage(msg); },
		method,
		args || [],
		callback);
	return true;
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame = function(container, parent_post_id) {
	var that = this;
	this.container = container;
	this.parent_post_id = parent_post_id;

	var sendFunc = function(msg) {

		Dsq.Debug.log('Dsq.ReplyFrame.sendFunc');
		that.messenger.sendMessage(msg);
	};


	var postComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		Dsq.jsonData.posts[response.message.id] = response.message.post_meta;
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key]) {
			Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key] = response.message.user_meta;
		}


		var reply_position = (typeof(disqus_insert_wrt_sort) == 'undefined' 
			? (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reply_position ? -1 : null) 
			: (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? null : -1));
		
		if (response.message.post_meta.approved) {
			Dsq.Post.insert(response.message.post_meta.parent_post_id || reply_position, response.message.id, response.message.post_meta.message);
		}

		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onSuccess(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var postComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(response.message, 'Error');
		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onFailure(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var editComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);
		
		message.innerHTML = response.message;
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
	
	var editComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('Sorry, there was an error editing this comment.', 'Edit Error');
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	var getUserByEmail_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var msg = response.message;
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(parent_post_id);

		if (msg.username) {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'login', {
				'username': msg.username,
				'display_name': msg.display_name,
				'avatar_url': msg.avatar_url,
				'verified': msg.verified,
				'email': fields.email.value
			});
		} else {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'register');
		}
	};

	var validateAuth_onSuccess = function(response, auth_choice) {
		Dsq.Templates.postComment(parent_post_id, null, true, auth_choice);
	};

	var validateAuth_onFailure = function(response, auth_choice) {
		var pid = parent_post_id ? '-' + parent_post_id : '';
		var msg = response.message;

		if (auth_choice == 'register') {
			var fields = ['email', 'username', 'password'];

			for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; i++) {
				var field = fields[i];
				var errorDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-' + field + '-errors' + pid);

				if (msg[field]) {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = msg[field];
				} else {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = '';
				}
			}
		} else if (auth_choice == 'login') {
			Dsq.$('dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid).innerHTML = '<p>We couldn\'t log you in. Please verify your login.</p>';
		}
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.receive_callback = JsonRpc.createHandler(sendFunc, {
		'postComment.onSuccess': postComment_onSuccess,
		'postComment.onFailure': postComment_onFailure,
		'editComment.onSuccess': editComment_onSuccess,
		'editComment.onFailure': editComment_onFailure,		
		'getUserByEmail.onSuccess': getUserByEmail_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onSuccess': validateAuth_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onFailure': validateAuth_onFailure,
		'reload': function() { window.location.reload(); }
	});

	this.url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY +
		'?' + (new Date()).getTime() +
		'&f=consumerismcommentary' +
		'&t=cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices' +
		'&ff=' + Dsq.Thread.ff +
		'&default_text=' + disqus_default_text +
		'&ifrs=' + encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css);
	if (this.parent_post_id) {
		this.url += '&parent_post=' + this.parent_post_id;
	}
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype = new Dsq.NewFrames(Dsq.ReplyFrame.url);

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.post = function(author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe) {
	this._execute('postComment', [author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.edit = function(post_id, message) {
	this._execute('editComment', [post_id, message]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.setState = function(parent_post_id, depth) {
	this._execute('setState', [parent_post_id, depth]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.getUserByEmail = function(email) {
	this._execute('getUserByEmail', [email]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.validateAuth = function(auth_choice, email, username, password) {
	this._execute('validateAuth', [auth_choice, email, username, password]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.authenticateFacebook = function(session, forum_url) {
	this._execute('authenticateFacebook', [session, forum_url]);
};

	Dsq.Facebook = function() {
	var that = this;

	var handleSessionData = function(session) {

		var forum_url = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;




		if (typeof disqus_facebook_forum != 'undefined') {
			forum_url = disqus_facebook_forum;
		}
		Dsq.frames.reply_0.authenticateFacebook(session, forum_url);
	};

	var onLogin = function() {
		FB.Connect.getSignedPublicSessionData(handleSessionData);
	};

	this.login = function() {
		FB.Connect.requireSession(onLogin, true);
	};
};
Dsq.Facebook = new Dsq.Facebook();


	






Dsq.Themes = {};

Dsq.Themes.narcissus = new function() {
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-form-area';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-textarea-wrapper';



	
	this.header = function() {
		var comments_count, total_posts, num_posts;
		var html = '';
		var missing_perm_tmpl;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.missing_perm) {
			missing_perm_tmpl = Dsq.Templates.missingPermissions();
			if (missing_perm_tmpl) {
				html += '<div class="dsq-missing-permissions">' + missing_perm_tmpl + '</div>';
			}
		}

		total_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.total_posts;
		num_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_posts;

		if (total_posts) {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL(total_posts, num_posts);
		} else {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION(num_posts);
		}

		html += ' \
		<div id="dsq-comments-title"> \
			<h3>' + comments_count + '</h3> \
		</div> \
		';

		html += ' \
		<div class="dsq-options"> \
			<span class="dsq-item-sort">'
				+ Dsq.Strings.SORT_BY + ' \
				<select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);"> \
					<option value="hot" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 4 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.POPULAR_NOW + '</option> \
					<option value="best" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 3 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.BEST_RATING + '</option> \
					<option value="newest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.NEWEST_FIRST + '</option> \
					<option value="oldest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 1 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.OLDEST_FIRST + '</option> \
				</select> \
				&nbsp; \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<span id="dsq-subscribe">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.subscribed
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.UNSUBSCRIBE + '</a>'
						: '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL + '</a>')
				+ '</span> \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-rss" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png" alt="" /> \
				<a href="http://consumerismcommentary.disqus.com/cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices/latest.rss">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS + '</a> \
			</span> \
		</div> \
		';

		
		

		return html;

	};
	
	this.footer = function() {
		var html = '';

		html += Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
		
			html += Dsq.Templates.realtime();
			html += Dsq.Templates.showThreadSettings();
			html += Dsq.Templates.postBox();

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		


		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) {
 			html += ' \
				<div class="dsq-global-moderator-extras">'
					+ '<strong>shortname:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url
					+ '<strong>thread id:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.id
					+ '<strong>thread slug:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.slug
				+ '</div> \
			';
		}

		return html;
	};
	
	this.realtime = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			html += '<div id="dsq-realtime-options" class="dsq-options">'
					 + Dsq.Strings.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS + ' <strong id="dsq-realtime-status" style="text-transform: lowercase">' + Dsq.Strings.ENABLED + '</strong>. \
					 <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-toggle" style="text-transform: capitalize"></a> \
					</div>';
		}

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
			html += ' \
				<div style="display: none" id="dsq-realtime-alert" class="dsq-realtime-alert"><span id="dsq-realtime-queued"></span> <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-show"></a></div> \
			';
		}
		
		return html;
	};

	this.showThreadSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '<div id="dsq-thread-settings" class="dsq-thread-settings">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATOR_OPTIONS;
		html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.showSettings(); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.SETTINGS + '</a>';
		if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled && Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.reportMissingReactions(); return false;">'
						+ Dsq.Strings.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS
						+ '</a>';
		}
		html +='</div>';

		return html;
	};

	this.postBox = function(post_id, use_fallback_iframe) {


		var html;
		var display_sharing_options = Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated;
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.hasOwnProperty(Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain)) {
				display_sharing_options = false;
			}
		}
		
		if (post_id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];				
		}
		
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		var _requestUserInfo = function() {
			var html;



			var user_has_email = false;

			html = '<div class="dsq-request-user-info"> <!-- // If authenticated --> \
				<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT + '?ctkn=' + Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN + '" class="dsq-request-user-logout">' + Dsq.Strings.LOGOUT + '</a> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td rowspan="2">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '')
								+ '<img src="' + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR + '" width="48" height="48" class="dsq-request-user-avatar">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-name">'
								+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
									 ? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '">' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '</span>'
									 : (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_verified
											? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span>'
											: '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span>'))
							+ ' <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' + Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username + '</a>'
							+  (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && user_has_email ? ' <small>(<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.remoteAccountSettings(); return false;">change settings</a>)</small>' : '')
							+  (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <small>(<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/info/" target="_blank">change name</a> or <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/avatar/" target="_blank">picture</a>)</small>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-stats"> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count == 1 ? 'comment' : 'comments') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count == 1 ? 'like' : 'likes') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.points + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.points == 1 ? 'point' : 'points') + '</span> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		var _loginOptions = function() {
			var html;
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-authenticate"> \
				<p class="dsq-autheneticate-copy">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
					? Dsq.Strings.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A + ' <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. ' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.LOGIN_BELOW + '.'
					: Dsq.Strings.REQUIRED + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT + '.')
				+ '</p> \
				<ul class="dsq-login-buttons">'
					+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-disqus.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Facebook.login(); return false;"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-facebook.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-twitter.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL(); return false" ><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-openid.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_yahoo ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Yahoo.startYahooConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-yahoo.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
				+ '</ul> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {



				return '<div id="dsq-form-area" style="display:none"><div id="dsq-textarea-wrapper"></div></div>' + _loginOptions();
			} else {
				return '';
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<div id="' + (post_id 
			? 'dsq-reply-post-' + post_id
			: 'dsq-new-post')
		 	+ '" class="dsq-post-area"> \
			<div class="dsq-dc-logo"> \
				<a href="http://disqus.com/comments" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/disqus-logo.png"></a> \
			</div>'
			+ (post_id 
				? '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.REPLYING_TO + ' ' + userData.display_name + '</h3>'
				: '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT + '</h3>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated 
				? _requestUserInfo()
				: _loginOptions() )
			+ '<div id="dsq-form-area' + pid + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-textarea"> \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper" id="dsq-textarea-wrapper' + pid + '"></div> \
			</div>'
			+ (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated
			? ' \
			<div class="dsq-post-fields"> \
				<form action="." method="GET" onsubmit="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false); return false;"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-name' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_name ? disqus_def_name : (Dsq.jsonData.session.name ? Dsq.jsonData.session.name : Dsq.Strings.NAME + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-website' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (Dsq.jsonData.session.url ? Dsq.jsonData.session.url : Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')" class="dsq-placeholder') + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" /></div></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-email' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_email ? disqus_def_email : (Dsq.jsonData.session.email ? Dsq.jsonData.session.email : Dsq.Strings.EMAIL + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"> \
							<div class="dsq-subscribe"> \
								<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.chooseSubscribe(' + post_id + '); return false" class="dsq-subscribe-menu"><span id="dsq-subscribe-select' + pid + '">' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post ? Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL : Dsq.Strings.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS) + '</span> <small>&#9660;</small></a> \
								<ul class="dsq-panel" id="dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid + '"> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(2, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Subscribe to all comments by email</a></li> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(0, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Do not subscribe to comments</a></li> \
								</ul> \
								<input id="dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid + '" type="hidden" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post + '" /> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
				</form> \
			</div>'
			: '')
			+ '<div class="dsq-post-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-sharing-options" ' + (!display_sharing_options ? 'style="display:none;"' : '') + '> \
					<button class="dsq-button-small" onfocus="document.getElementById(\'dsq-post-button' + pid + '\').focus();"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.SHARING_OPTIONS + ' <small>&#9660;</small></span></button> \
					<div class="dsq-panel"> '
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '"'
								  + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Twitter</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook
								&& (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.enabled === true ||
										(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'facebook'))
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Facebook</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Yahoo!</label> \
								</div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Tumblr</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Wordpress</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Movable Type</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
								  <label for="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' TypePad</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ '<div><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections/" target="_blank" class="dsq-configure-options">' + Dsq.Strings.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS + '</a></div>'
					+ '</div> \
				</div>'
				+ '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-post-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.POST_AS + ' '
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					? Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					: Dsq.Strings.GUEST)
				+ '</span></button>'
				+ (post_id
					? '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-cancel-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.CANCEL + '</span></button>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
			+ '</div>' // end dsq-form-area
		+ '</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};




	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-append-post-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		html = ' \
		<table> \
			<tr> \
				<td id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-avatar" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
					<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
					? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
					: '')
				+ '</a> \
				</td> \
				<td class="dsq-comment-header-meta"> \
		';

		
		return html;
	};
	
	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var html;
		var parent_display_name = '';
		
		if(_meta.parent_post_id) {

			var _parent_meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[_meta.parent_post_id];

			if (_parent_meta) {
				var parentUserData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_parent_meta.user_key];
				parent_display_name = parentUserData.display_name;
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/moderator.png" class="dsq-moderator-star" title="Moderator" /> \
		<span class="dsq-comment-header-time"><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')" title="Permalink">' + (_meta.is_realtime ? Dsq.Strings.JUST_NOW : _meta.date) + '</a></span> '
		+ (_meta.parent_post_id && parent_display_name
			? '<a href="#comment-' + _meta.parent_post_id + '" title="Jump to comment">in reply to ' + parent_display_name + '</a>'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		<td id="dsq-like-pts-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-comment-header-likes">'
		+ (_meta.points
			? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		</tr> \
		</table> \
		';
		return html;
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		var html = '';
		return html;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed || !_meta.approved) { return ''; }
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
					? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.moderateOptions(' + post_id+ '); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATE + '</a>'
					: '')
				+ '<a href="#" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG + '</a> \
			</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right">'
				+ (_meta.votable 
					? '<span id="dsq-like-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-like">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1)" >Like</button>'
						: 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;')
					+ '</span>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-post-edit" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + ')" >' + Dsq.Strings.EDIT + '</button>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<span class="dsq-comment-footer-reply" id="dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button> \
						<button class="dsq-comment-footer-reply-tab">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button><span></span> \
					</span>'
					: '')
			+ '</div> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};



	
	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		var item = '<li class="dsq-comment dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-header"> \
			<table> \
			<tr> \
			<td class="dsq-header-avatar"> \
			';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'" class="dsq-avatar">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {

			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar92.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== ''
				? '</a>'
				: '')
			+ '</td>'
			+ '<td><cite class="dsq-comment-cite">' + reaction.author_name + '</cite> <span class="dsq-comment-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</span></td>'
			+ '<td class="dsq-comment-header-likes"></td>'
			+ '</tr></table></div>' // end dsq-comment-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header" \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-reaction-header-left">'
							+ '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png" />'
							+ ' From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
							+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
						+ '</td>'
						+ '<td class="dsq-reaction-header-right">';
			
			if(reaction.retweets) {
				var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
				if (num_retweets > 0) {
					if (num_retweets == 1) {
						item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
					} else {
						item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');
						item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
						var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 3) ? 3 : num_retweets;
						item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);
						if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
							item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
								+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
						}
					}
				}
			}	
			item += '</td></tr> \
			</table> \
			</div>' // end dsq-reaction-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-body"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left"> \
				</div>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator 
					? ' \
					<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-hide-reaction" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + ')">Hide</button> \
					</div>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 id="dsq-reactions-title" class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-container"> \
			<table> \
				<tbody> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-tl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-tr"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-body"> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
								<div class="dsq-popup-title"> \
									<button class="dsq-button-small" style="float:right" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)">Close</button>' 
									+ content['header'] 
								+ '</div>'
								+ content['body']
							+ '</div> \
							<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
						</td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-bl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-br"></td> \
					</tr> \
				</tbody> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
	};



	
	this.chooseSubscribe = function(post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		menu.style.display = menu.style.display == 'block' ? 'none' : 'block';
		
	};
	
	this.setSubscribe = function(value, el, post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var input = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid);
		var select = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-select' + pid);
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		select.innerHTML = el.innerHTML;
		input.value = value;
		this.chooseSubscribe(post_id);
	};
	
	this.getFormFields = function(post_id) {

		var fields = {};
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var name = Dsq.$('dsq-field-name' + pid);
		var email = Dsq.$('dsq-field-email' + pid);
		var website = Dsq.$('dsq-field-website' + pid);
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid);
		var password = Dsq.$('dsq-field-password' + pid);

		fields = {
			'name': name,
			'email': email,
			'website': website,
			'username': username,
			'password': password
		}
		
		return fields;
	}
	
	this.validateFields = function(post_id) {
		
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) { return true; }
		
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		
		var nameField = fields.name;
		var websiteField = fields.website;
		var emailField = fields.email;
		
		websiteField.value = (websiteField.value == Dsq.Templates.placeholder['website']) ? '' : websiteField.value;
		
		var v = [{

			validator: Dsq.Validators.name,
			value: nameField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.email,
			value: emailField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.url,
			value: websiteField.value
		}];
		
		return Dsq.Validators.validate(v, function(e) { Dsq.Popup.popModal(e, 'Oops...') } );
	};
	
	this.checkExistingUser = function(post_id) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);		
		Dsq.Popup.loading(post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		}
	};

	this.validateAuth = function(el_clicked, post_id, auth_choice) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		var email = fields.email ? fields.email.value : '';
		var username = fields.username ? fields.username.value : '';
		var password = fields.password ? fields.password.value : '';
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		}
	};

	this.lightboxUpdateEmail = function(post_id, new_email) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		fields.email.value = new_email;
	};

	this.lightboxAuthenticate = function(post_id, auth_choice, auth_data) {
		var title, body;
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		if(typeof(auth_data) == 'undefined') {
			var auth_data = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		}

		d = auth_data;

		switch(auth_choice) {
			case 'register':
				var suggestedUsername = d.name.value.replace(/[^a-zA-Z0-9-]/g,'').toLowerCase();
			
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Register a <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';

				body = ' \
				<ul class="dsq-lightbox-register-reasons"> \
				<li>Verify your comments</li> \
				<li>Edit and delete comments</li> \
				<li>Manage comments and replies</li> \
				</ul> \
				';

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Email</td> \
							<td><input type="text" value="' + d.email.value + '" onchange="Dsq.Templates.lightboxUpdateEmail(' + post_id + ', this.value)" /><div id="dsq-email-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + suggestedUsername + '"/><div id="dsq-username-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /><div id="dsq-password-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'login\'); return false">Login instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Register and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			case 'login':
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Login to your <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';
				body = '';
				
				if(d.avatar_url) {
					body += '<div class="dsq-lightbox-recognized"><table><tr>';
					body += '<td><img src="' + d.avatar_url + '" alt="" /></td>';
					body += '<td><span class="dsq-badge ' + (d.verified ? 'dsq-badge-verified' : 'dsq-badge-registered') + '">' + (d.verified ? 'Verified' : 'Registered') + '</span></td>';
					body += '<td>Hey <strong>' + d.display_name + '</strong>, is that you? Login below to claim this comment.';
					body += '</tr></table></div>';
				}

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username or Email</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (d.avatar_url ? d.username : '') + '" /></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password <a href="http://disqus.com/forgot" target="_blank">(cannot log in?)</a></td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'register\'); return false">Register instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Login and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
		Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid).focus();
	};
	
	this.buttonsToRestore = [];
	this.setLoadingButton = function(btn, post_id) {
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		if (btn) {

			var loadingBtn = document.createElement('button');
			loadingBtn.id = btn.id + '-loading';
			loadingBtn.innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-lite.gif" alt="" /> Just a moment...';
			loadingBtn.className = btn.className + ' dsq-post-loading';
			btn.parentNode.appendChild(loadingBtn);
			btn.style.display = 'none';
			var cancelBtn = Dsq.$('dsq-cancel-button' + pid);
			if(cancelBtn) { cancelBtn.style.display = 'none'; this.buttonsToRestore.push(cancelBtn); }
			this.buttonsToRestore.push(btn);
		} else {

			var buttons = this.buttonsToRestore;
			for(var i = 0; i < buttons.length; i++) {
				buttons[i].style.display = 'inline';
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$(buttons[i].id + '-loading'));
			}
		}
		
	};

	this.postComment = function(post_id, el_clicked, force, auth_choice) {
		var append_id = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);

		if (Dsq.Templates.validateFields(post_id)) {

			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && !force &&
				((!Dsq.Utils.readCookie('skipped_auth') && !disqus_skip_auth && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled) || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post)) {
				Dsq.Templates.checkExistingUser(post_id);
				return false;
			}
			var params = [];
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
				params.push(fields.name.value,
					fields.email.value,
					fields.website.value);

				if (auth_choice == 'login' || auth_choice == 'register') {
					params.push({
						auth_choice: auth_choice,
						username: fields.username.value,
						password: fields.password.value,
						email: fields.email.value
					});
				} else {
					params.push(null);
				}

				params.push(null /* sharing options */, Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + append_id).value);
			} else {
				var service_checked = function(name) {
					var el = Dsq.$('dsq-sharing-' + name + append_id);
					return (el !== null && el.checked === true) ? '1' : '0';
				};
				params.push(null, null, null, null, {
					tw: service_checked('twitter'),
					fb: service_checked('facebook'),
					tr: service_checked('tumblr'),
					wp: service_checked('wordpress'),
					mt: service_checked('movabletype'),
					tp: service_checked('typepad'),
					yh: service_checked('yahoo')
				});
			}

			var frame = Dsq.frames['reply_' + (post_id ? post_id : 0)];
			frame.post.apply(frame, params);

			if (el_clicked) {
				Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
			}
			
			if (force) {
				Dsq.Utils.createCookie('skipped_auth', true);	
			}
			
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	};

	this.editComment = function(el_clicked, post_id) {
		var edited_message = Dsq.$('dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id).value;

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].edit(post_id, edited_message);
	};

	this.toggleEdit = function(post_id) {
		var body = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-body-' + post_id);
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);

		if (!Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id]) {


			message.style.display = 'none';
			if (Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {

				var edit_area = document.createElement('div');
				edit_area.id = 'dsq-edit-' + post_id;
				edit_area.className = 'dsq-edit dsq-textarea';
				edit_area.innerHTML = ' \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper"> \
					<textarea class="dsq-edit-textarea" id="dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id + '">' + message.innerHTML + '</textarea> \
				</div> \
				<div class="dsq-save-edit"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Templates.editComment(this, ' + post_id + ')" class="dsq-button-small">Save Edit</button> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id + '" style="display: none"></div> \
				';

				body.appendChild(edit_area);

				if (!Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id), post_id);
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].init();
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
		} else {

			message.style.display = 'block';
			Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id] = !Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id];
	};
	
	this.edit = function(el, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(post_id, button) {
		
		if(!this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

			if (Dsq.$('dsq-reply-post-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id);
				var container = Dsq.$('dsq-textarea-wrapper-' + post_id);
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] && container) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(container, post_id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].init(function() {

						Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id, true);
						Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id).innerHTML = '';

						var theme = (typeof disqus_frame_theme == 'undefined') ? 'default' : disqus_frame_theme;
						Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id), post_id, {theme: theme});

					});
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-append-post';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply-active';
			
		} else {

			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = '';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply';
		}
		
		this.stateReplyToggled[post_id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[post_id];

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie && this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

		}

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: post_id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]
		});
	};
	
	this.moderateOptions = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		if(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) { return false; }

		var html;
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-moderate-options"> \
		<table>'
		+ (_meta.email ? '<tr><td>Email</td><td>' + _meta.email + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ (_meta.ip ? '<tr><td>IP address</td><td>' + _meta.ip + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ '<tr> \
			<td>Actions</td> \
			<td><ul>'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
				? '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
				: '')
			+ '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Delete Comment</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li> \
			</ul></td> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		html += '<p>Go to the full <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/moderate/" target="_blank">moderate panel</a> for more options.</p>';
		
		return Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Moderate Options', post_id);
	};
	
	this.placeholder = {
		'class': 'dsq-placeholder',
		'name': Dsq.Strings.NAME,
		'email': Dsq.Strings.EMAIL,
		'website': Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')'
	};
	
	this.handlePlaceholder = function(evt, el, key) {
		var placeholder = Dsq.Templates.placeholder[key];
		var className = Dsq.Templates.placeholder['class'];
		
		switch(evt.type) {
			case 'focus':
				if(el.value == placeholder) {
					el.value = '';
					el.className = '';
				}
				break;

			case 'blur':
				if(el.value == '') {
					el.value = placeholder;
					el.className = className;
				}
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
	};
	
	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked) {

		var extra_params = '';

		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked);
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};
	
	
	this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {


		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
			}
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/vote.js'
				+ '?post_id='    + id
				+ '&vote='        + vote);
		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login('To rate, please log in');
		}
	};

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {

		Dsq.$('dsq-like-pts-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.';

		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;';
		}
	};




	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {
		var approved = response.message.post_meta.approved;

		if (parent_post_id) {
			Dsq.Post.toggleReply(parent_post_id);
		}

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
		
		if (approved) {
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		} else {			
			var unapproved_msg = 'Thanks for posting!\
	 Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.\
			';
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(unapproved_msg, 'Comment awaiting approval', post_id);
		}

		var sharing_results = response.message.sharing_results;
		var sharing_errors = '';
		for (var service in sharing_results) {
			if (sharing_results.hasOwnProperty(service) === true) {
				if (sharing_results[service].error === true) {
					sharing_errors += service + ', ';
				}
			}
		}

		if (sharing_results.facebook && sharing_results.facebook.callback) {
			FB.ensureInit(function() {
				FB.Connect.streamPublish('', sharing_results.facebook.attachment);
			});
		}

		if (sharing_errors !== '') {
			var message = 'Your comment was posted, but there were errors sharing with the following connections: ';
			message += sharing_errors.replace(/,\s$/, '');
			message += '<p><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections" target="_blank">Configure your connections here</a></p>'
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sharing options');
		}

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.postComment_onFailure = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
};




// TODO: It might be faster to use string methods to find all <li (...) </li> blocks and pass to Dsq.PostHandler manually.
Dsq.CommentsHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_post = Dsq.Templates.prependPost(post_id);
	var append_post = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(post_id);

	content = content.replace(Dsq.POST_RE, Dsq.PostHandler);
	Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter++;
	head = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContainer(post_id, head);
	return prepend_post + head + content + tail + append_post;
};

Dsq.PostHandler = function(str, h_head, post_id, h_content, h_tail, b_head, b_content, b_tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_header = Dsq.Templates.postPrependHeader(post_id);
	var append_header = Dsq.Templates.postAppendHeader(post_id);
	var prepend_body = Dsq.Templates.preBody(post_id);
	var append_body = Dsq.Templates.postBody(post_id);
	var append_footer = Dsq.Templates.postFooter(post_id);

	b_content = b_content.replace(Dsq.POST_BODY_RE, Dsq.PostBodyHandler);
	return h_head + prepend_header + h_content + append_header + h_tail + b_head + prepend_body + b_content + append_body + b_tail + append_footer;
};

Dsq.PostBodyHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	content = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContent(post_id, content);
	return head + content + tail;
};

Dsq.MediaPostHandler = function(str, args, offset, s) {
	args = args.split(' ');
	if(args[0] == 'seesmic') {
		return '<br />' + Dsq.Templates.mediaSeesmic(args[1], args[2]);
	}
	return '';
};


/**
 * Shorcuts
 */
Dsq.$ = function(element) { return document.getElementById(element); };
Dsq.$b = document.body || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0];


/**
 * Dsq.Debug: Logging functions.
 */

Dsq.Debug = new function() {this.log=function(s){};this.profile=function(f){if(typeof f == 'function')return f();else return eval(f);};};


/**
 * Dsq.Urls: URL paths
 */
Dsq.Urls = new function() {
	this.LOGIN = '/profile/login/';
	this.LOGOUT = '/logout/';
	this.REPLY = 'http://consumerismcommentary.disqus.com/cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices/reply.html';
	this.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE = '/AnonymousUser/';
	this.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR = 'http://media.disqus.com/uploads/forums/21/4864//avatar92.jpg';
};
// Dsq.Urls

/**
 * Dsq.Validators: Validation for form fields
 */
Dsq.Validators = new function() {
	this.VALID_EMAIL_RE = /^[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*\@(([a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*)+\.[a-z]{2,}|([0-9]+\.){3}[0-9]+)$/i;
	this.name = function(name) {
		var error = false;

		if(typeof Dsq.Templates.placeholder !== 'undefined' &&
		   name == Dsq.Templates.placeholder.name) {
			error = true;
		}
		if(name.length <= 1) {
			error = true;
		}

		if(error) {
			return "Please enter a name to comment.";
		} else {
			return true;
		}
	};
	this.email = function(addr) {
		if(Dsq.Validators.VALID_EMAIL_RE.test(addr)) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please enter a valid email to comment.";
		}
	};
	this.url = function(addr) {
		if(!addr || addr.indexOf('.') != -1) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please check your website URL (this field is optional).";
		}
	};

	this.validate = function(bulk_validation, failure_callback) {
		failure_callback = failure_callback || function(e){ alert(e); };

		for(var i = 0; i < bulk_validation.length; i++) {
			v = bulk_validation[i];
			ret = v.validator(v.value);
			if(ret !== true) {
				failure_callback(ret);
				return false;
			}
		}
		return true;
	};
};

/**
 * Dsq.Utils: Generic utility functions.
 */
Dsq.Utils = new function() {
	this.ie = /msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent);
	this.ie7 = (document.all && !window.opera && window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true : false;
	this.ie6 = (!window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true: false;
	this.webkit = navigator.userAgent.indexOf('AppleWebKit/') >= 0;
	this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache = {};
	this._styleSheet = null;

	this.gebiFromElement = function(el, id, tag) {
		// This only method only helps IE.
		if(!this.ie) {
			return Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var cacheKey = el.id + '-' + tag;
			tag = tag || 'div';
			if(typeof this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] != 'undefined') {
				collection = this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey];
			} else {
				collection = el.getElementsByTagName(tag);
				this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] = collection;
			}

			for(var i = 0; i < collection.length; i++) {
				if(collection[i].id == id) {
					return collection[i];
				}
			}
			return null;
		}
	};

	this.execOnReady = function(func) {
		var node = document.createElement('document:ready');
		try {
			node.doScroll('left');
			func();
			node = null;
		} catch(err) {
			setTimeout(function() { Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(func); }, 10);
		}
	};


	// Courtesy of http://www.quirksmode.org/js/cookies.html
	this.createCookie = function(name,value,days) {
		if (days) {
			var date = new Date();
			date.setTime(date.getTime()+(days*24*60*60*1000));
			var expires = "; expires="+date.toGMTString();
		}
		else var expires = "";
		document.cookie = name+"="+value+expires+"; path=/";
	};

	this.readCookie = function(name) {
		var nameEQ = name + "=";
		var ca = document.cookie.split(';');
		for(var i=0;i < ca.length;i++) {
			var c = ca[i];
			while (c.charAt(0)==' ') c = c.substring(1,c.length);
			if (c.indexOf(nameEQ) == 0) return c.substring(nameEQ.length,c.length);
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.eraseCookie = function(name) {
		Dsq.Utils.createCookie(name,"",-1);
	};

	this.deleteNode = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			this.deleteChildren(node);
			if(typeof node.outerHTML != 'undefined') { node.outerHTML = ''; }
			else if(node.parentNode) { node.parentNode.removeChild(node); }
			delete node;
		}
	};

	this.deleteChildren = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			for(var x = node.childNodes.length-1; x >= 0; x--) {
				var childNode = node.childNodes[x];
				if(childNode.hasChildNodes()) { this.deleteChildren(childNode); }
				if(typeof childNode.outerHTML != 'undefined') { childNode.outerHTML = ''; }
				else node.removeChild(childNode);
				delete childNode;
			}
		}
	};

	this.findPos = function(obj) {
		var curleft = 0;
		var curtop = 0;
		if (obj.offsetParent) {
			do {
				curleft += obj.offsetLeft;
				curtop += obj.offsetTop;
			} while (obj = obj.offsetParent);
		}
		return [curleft,curtop];
	};

	this.getWindowSize = function() {
		var windowWidth = -1;
		var windowHeight = -1;

		if(typeof(window.innerWidth) == 'number') { //Non-IE
			windowWidth = window.innerWidth;
			windowHeight = window.innerHeight;
		} else if(document.documentElement) { // IE 6+ in 'standards compliant mode'
			windowWidth = document.documentElement.clientWidth || document.body.clientWidth;
			windowHeight = document.documentElement.clientHeight || document.body.clientHeight;
		}

		return [windowWidth, windowHeight];
	}

	this.getScrollPos = function() {
		var scrollWidth, scrollTop;

		if(document.documentElement && (document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.documentElement.scrollWidth)) {
			scrollWidth = document.documentElement.scrollWidth;
			// IE is weird here.  If no doctype is provided, document.body.scrollTop is 0,
			// otherwise document.documentElement.scrollTop is 0.
			scrollTop = document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.body.scrollTop;
		} else if(document.body.scrollTop && document.body.scrollWidth) {
			scrollWidth = document.body.scrollWidth;
			scrollTop = document.body.scrollTop;
		}

		return [scrollWidth, scrollTop];
	}

	this.addEventListener = function(instance, eventName, listener) {
		var listenerFn = listener;
		if (instance.addEventListener) {
			instance.addEventListener(eventName, listenerFn, false);
		} else if (instance.attachEvent) {
			listenerFn = function() {
				listener(window.event);
			};
			instance.attachEvent("on" + eventName, listenerFn);
		} else {
			throw new Error("Event registration not supported");
		}
		return {
			instance: instance,
			name: eventName,
			listener: listenerFn
		};
	};

	this.removeEventListener = function(event) {
		var instance = event.instance;
		if (instance.removeEventListener) {
			instance.removeEventListener(event.name, event.listener, false);
		} else if (instance.detachEvent) {
			instance.detachEvent("on" + event.name, event.listener);
		}
	};

	this.fixIframesIE = function(id) {
		var disqusThread = Dsq.$(disqus_container_id);
		var iframes = disqusThread.getElementsByTagName('iframe');

		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-content');
		}

		for(i = 0; i < iframes.length; i++) {
			if (container) {
				iframes[i].style.width = container.offsetWidth;
			}
		}
	};

	this.getElementsByClassName = function(oElm, strTagName, strClassName) {
	/* Credit: Jonathan Snook [http://www.snook.ca/jonathan], Robert Nyman [http://www.robertnyman.com] */
		var arrElements = (strTagName == "*" && oElm.all)? oElm.all : oElm.getElementsByTagName(strTagName);
		var arrReturnElements = new Array();
		strClassName = strClassName.replace(/\-/g, "\\-");
		var oRegExp = new RegExp("(^|\\s)" + strClassName + "(\\s|$)");
		var oElement;
		for(var i = 0; i < arrElements.length; i++) {
			oElement = arrElements[i];
			if(oRegExp.test(oElement.className)) {
				arrReturnElements.push(oElement);
			}
		}
		return (arrReturnElements);
	};

	this.postToUrl = function(url, post_data, opt_redirect) {
		var form = document.createElement('form');
		var iframe_container = document.createElement('div');
		var id = 'dsq-temp-iframe-' + (new Date()).getTime();

		form.method = 'POST';
		form.action = url;
		if (!opt_redirect) {
			form.target = id;
		}
		iframe_container.innerHTML = '<iframe style="display:none" name="' + id + '" id="' + id + '"></iframe>';

		for(var key in post_data) {
			if(post_data.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var input = document.createElement('input');
				input.name = key;
				input.type = 'hidden';
				input.value = post_data[key];

				form.appendChild(input);
			}
		}

		Dsq.$b.appendChild(iframe_container);
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(form);
		form.submit();
	};

	// Strips integer id from id of element in the form ('some-id-###')
	this.extractId = function(e) {
		var chunks = e.id.split('-');
		if(chunks.length <= 1) {
			return 0;
		} else {
			return parseInt(chunks[chunks.length-1]);
		}
	};

	this.getStyle = function(el, styleProp) {
		if(el.currentStyle) {
			var y = el.currentStyle[styleProp];
		} else if(window.getComputedStyle) {
			var y = document.defaultView.getComputedStyle(el, null).getPropertyValue(styleProp);
		}

		if(y == 'transparent' || y == '') {
			this.getStyle(el.parentNode, styleProp);
		} else {
			return y;
		}
	};

	this.execScript = function(url, append_qs, container) {
		var script = document.createElement('script');
		append_qs = typeof append_qs == 'undefined' ? true : append_qs;
		container = container || Dsq.container;

		if(append_qs) {
			var j = (url.indexOf('?') >= 0) ? '&' : '?';
			url += j + (new Date()).getTime();
		}
		script.type = 'text/javascript';
		script.charset = 'UTF-8';
		script.src = url;
		container.appendChild(script);
		return script;
	};

	this.pluralize = function(num, singular, plural) {
		return (num != 1) ? plural || 's' : singular || '';
	};

	this.getRequestParams = function(queryString /* optional */) {
		var pairs, tuple;
		var params = {};

		queryString = queryString || window.location.search.substring(1);
		pairs = queryString.split('&');

		for (var i = 0, pair; pair = pairs[i]; i++) {
			tuple = pair.split('=');
			params[tuple[0]] = (tuple[1] || true);
		}

		return params;
	};

	this.addCssRule = function(selector, styleText, index) {
		var stylesheet;
		index = index || 0;

		if(!this._styleSheet) {
			var styleEl = document.createElement('style');
			document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(styleEl);
			this._styleSheet = styleEl.sheet;
			if(!this._styleSheet) {
				// IE does not like our newly created stylesheet.
				this._styleSheet = document.styleSheets[document.styleSheets.length-1];
			}
		}
		stylesheet = this._styleSheet;

		if(stylesheet.insertRule) {
			var ruleText = selector + ' { ' + styleText + ' }';
			if(index == -1) {
				index = stylesheet.cssRules.length;
			}
			stylesheet.insertRule(ruleText, index);
		} else if(stylesheet.addRule) {
			stylesheet.addRule(selector, styleText, index);
		}
	};

	this.forEachIn = function(obj, callback) {
		for(var key in obj) {
			if(obj.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				callback(key, obj[key]);
			}
		}
	};

	this._interpolateGlobalContext = {
		// values that get used a lot and are global to the request
		'profile_url': Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE,

		'disqus_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url,
		'media_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url,
		'request_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.username,
		'request_display_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username,
		'forum_name': Dsq.jsonData.forum.name
	};

	this.renderFromContextStack = function(key, contexts) {
		// Returns the first instance of `key` in the array of objects `contexts` or else ''
		for (var i=0; i<contexts.length; i++) {
			if (contexts[i][key] !== undefined) {
				return String(contexts[i][key]);
			}
		}
		throw new Error('key ' + key + ' not found in context');
	};

	var that = this;
	this.interpolate = function(fmt, opt_localContext) {
		// Interpolate `fmt` named-format string with an assumed global context.
		// Based on `interpolate` in django.views.i18n
		var contextStack = [opt_localContext || {}, that._interpolateGlobalContext];
		return fmt.replace(/%\(\w+\)s/g, function(match){
			return that.renderFromContextStack(match.slice(2,-2), contextStack);
		});
	};

	this.stripTags = function(s) {
		// Removes HTML tags from `s`
		return s.replace(/(<([^>]+)>)/g,"");

	};

	this.assert = function(b) {
		if (!b) {
			throw new Error('Assertion error.');
		}
	};

};
// Dsq.Utils

/**
 * Dsq.Popup: Popup helper functions.
 */
Dsq.Popup = new function() {
	this.timeHide = new Array();
	this.timeShow = new Array();
	this.activePopup = {};
	this.profileCache = {};
	this.statusCache = {};

	this.showTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the hide timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeHide[post_id]);

		// start the timer
		if(!Dsq.Popup.profileIsOn && !Dsq.Thread.adminIsOn) {
			this.timeShow[post_id] = setTimeout("Dsq.Popup.popProfile(\"" + post_id + "\")", 400);
		}
	};

	this.hideTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the show timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeShow[post_id]);
	};

	this.updateProfile = function(username) {
		// Callback from /embed/profile.js
		if (this.statusCache[username]) {
			var statusEl = Dsq.$('dsq-profile-status-' + username);
			statusEl.innerHTML = this.statusCache[username];
			statusEl.style.display = 'block';
		}

		if (this.profileCache[username]) {
			var _cache = this.profileCache[username];

			var _genhtml = function(text) { return '<span><big>' + text + '</big></span>'; };
			var _no_comments = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS(_cache.comments_count));
			var _no_likes = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_LIKES(_cache.likes_count));
			var _no_points = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_POINTS(_cache.points));

			var statsEl = Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + username);
			statsEl.innerHTML = '';

			if (Dsq.jsonData.users[username].registered) {
				statsEl.innerHTML = _no_comments + _no_likes;
			}
			statsEl.innerHTML += _no_points;

			var activeSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.active_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.active_sites[i];
				activeSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (activeSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = activeSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = 'This site.';
			}

			var moderatedSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.moderated_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.moderated_sites[i];
				moderatedSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (moderatedSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + username).innerHTML = moderatedSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + username).innerHTML = '';
			}
		}

		// Reposition popup after full HTML is rendered
		if(Dsq.Popup.activePopup && Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el) {
			Dsq.Popup.initPopup(Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.type);
		}

	};

	this.showCookieMsgs = function() {
		var title = '';
		var message = '';
		var numAlerts = 0;

		Dsq.Utils.forEachIn(Dsq.jsonData.cookie_messages, function(k, v) {
			if (!v) return;

			switch(k) {
				// Cookie: Twitter
				case 'post_twitter':
					if (v === 'error') {
						title = 'Twitter Error!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-error">Oops, we couldn\'t tweet this comment. Please check your <a href="http://disqus.com/account/services">account settings</a>.</li>';
					} else {
						var _msg = v.split(':');
						title = 'Tweeted!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-success">Your comment was successfully tweeted. <a href="http://twitter.com/' + _msg[0] + '/status/' + _msg[1] + '">Click here to view the tweet</a>.</li>';
					}
					break;
				// Cookie: Unapproved Post
				case 'post_not_approved':
					title = 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-not-approved">Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.</li>';
					break;
				// Cookie: Profile Found
				case 'post_has_profile':
					title = 'Use your existing commenter profile';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-has-profile">You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a></li>';
					break;
				case 'user_created':
					var _data = v.split(':');
					title = 'Profile created!';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-user-created">You have just created a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, the best way to claim, manage, and track your comments all over the web. \
					<br /><br />A confirmation is being sent to <strong>' + _data[1] + '</strong>. Please check for this email in order to verify your profile. \
					<ul class="dsq-list-tick"> \
						<li>Your username is <strong>' + _data[0] +'</strong>. <a href="http://disqus.com/people/' + _data[0] + '/" target="_blank">Click here to view your public profile</a>.</li> \
						<li>Be sure to set your profile picture, as well as connect your <span class="dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> and <span class="dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> accounts. <a href="http://disqus.com/account/" target="_blank">Click here for account settings</a>.</li> \
					</ul> \
					</li>'
					break;
				default:
					break;
			}
			numAlerts++;
		});

		if(numAlerts > 1) {
			message = '<ul class="dsq-list-bluebullet">' + message;
			message += '</ul>';
			title = 'Thanks for posting!';
		}
		if(numAlerts > 0) {
			if(typeof(disqus_cookie_msgs) == 'function') {
				disqus_cookie_msgs(message, title);
			} else {
				Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
			}
		}
	};

	this.helpBadges = function(post_id) {
		var html = ' \
			<ul class="dsq-popup-help"> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile with a confirmed email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, but has not yet confirmed his or her email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span> is not logged in with any account and has not claimed his or her comments.</li> \
				<li class="dsq-help-otheraccts">Other accounts</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> is using his or her Facebook profile via Facebook Connect.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> is using his or her Twitter profile via Twitter Sign-in.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-openid">OpenID</span> is using his or her OpenID.</li> \
			</ul> \
		';

		this.popModal(html, 'Help: Types of Commenters', post_id);
		return;
	};

	this.permalink = function(post_id) {
		var header = 'Link to this comment';
		var body = '<strong>You are anchored to</strong>:<br />' + document.location.protocol + '//' + document.location.host + document.location.pathname + document.location.search + '#comment-' + post_id;

		this.popModal(body, header, post_id);
	};

	this.login = function(header, body) {
		var h = header || 'Login or Register';
		var b = body || '';
		b += Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: 'dsq-popup-login'});
		b += '</iframe>'; // HACK: Sometimes there is something funky with the IFRAME SRC that causes no end tag
		this.popModal(b, h, null, true, 'dsq-popup-login');
	};

	this.blacklist = function(id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		var title = 'Add to Blacklist';
		var message = ' \
		Adding this person to the blacklist will block him or her from commenting on this site. Check the following types that you would like to add to the blacklist:'
		+ (userData['registered'] ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-username" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-username"><strong>Username</strong>: ' + userData['username'] + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ (_meta.email ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-email" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-email"><strong>Email address</strong>: ' + _meta.email + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ '<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
			<input id="dsq-blacklist-ip" type="checkbox" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-blacklist-ip-warning\').style.display=\'block\'"> \
			<label for="dsq-blacklist-ip"><strong>IP address</strong>: ' + _meta.ip + '</label> \
		</div> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p id="dsq-blacklist-ip-warning" style="display:none">	\
				Note: Blocking this person\'s IP address may also unintentionally prevent others, who share his/her IP address, from commenting on this site. \
				This may include people who are sharing the same computer, living in the same house, or using the same Internet provider. Only block an IP address as a last resort. \
			</p> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p style="text-align:center"><button onclick="Dsq.Post.blockUser(' + id + '); this.disabled=true; this.innerHTML=\'Just one moment...\'">Add to Blacklist</button></p> \
		';

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
	};

	this.remoteAccountSettings = function() {
		var body = '';
		// Set up IFrame.
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/_auth/embed/remote_settings/';
		var attributes = {id: 'dsq-popup-account-settings'};
		if (typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}

		body = Dsq.Templates._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
		this.popModal(body, 'Account Settings', null, true, 'dsq-popup-account-settings');
	};

	this.popModal = function(message, title, post_id, use_listener, extra_classes) {
		var container = document.createElement('div');
		var header, body;

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);

		if(typeof(title) == 'undefined') { title = ''; }
		if(typeof(use_listener) == 'undefined') { use_listener = true; }

		if(post_id) {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message-' + post_id;
		} else {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message';
		}

		header = title;
		body = message;

		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupModal(header, body);
		Dsq.Popup.initPopup(container, post_id, 'message', extra_classes);
		if(use_listener) {
			Dsq.Popup.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', Dsq.Popup._closePopup);
		}
	};

	this.popAlert = this.popModal;

	this.loading = function(post_id) {
		var title = Dsq.Strings.JUST_A_MOMENT;
		var body = '<div style="text-align:center; padding: 5px 0 10px 0"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif" alt="" /></div>'
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
	};

	this.lightbox = function(message, title, post_id) {
		// Wraps Dsq.Popup.popModal

		var overlay = document.createElement('div');
		overlay.id = 'dsq-overlay';
		overlay.className = 'dsq-overlay';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(overlay);
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, post_id, false, 'dsq-lightbox');
	};

	this.popProfile = function(post_id, userKey) {
		var post = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id];
		if (post && post.has_been_anonymized) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('This message was anonymized by its previous owner.', 'Anonymized', post_id);
			return;
		}

		if(post_id) {
			userKey = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id].user_key;	
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][userKey];
		var elId = 'dsq-popup-profile-' + userKey;
		var container = document.createElement('div');

		if(this.activePopup.el) {
			this._closePopup(null, true);
			if(this.activePopup.linkClicked) {
				this.activePopup.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		container.id = elId;
		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupProfile(userKey);

		this.initPopup(container, post_id, 'profile');
		this.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._closePopup);

		if(!this.profileCache[userKey]) {
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/embed/profile.js'
				+ '?username=' + userKey
				+ '&anon=' + (userData['registered'] ? 0 : 1)
				+ '&f=' + Dsq.jsonData['request'].forum);
		} else {
			this.updateProfile(userKey);
		}
	};

	this._closePopup = function(e, force) {
		var activePopup = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el;
		var id = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id;
		var link = 'dsq-avatar-' + id; // HACK: Specific to profile toggle target

		// HACK: This event should be gone if there is no active popup.
		if(!activePopup) {
			return;
		}
		if(force || !Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, activePopup.id)) {
			// TODO: This is breaking iE?
			if(Dsq.Popup.popupListener) {
				Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Popup.popupListener);
			}
			
			// Kill overlay
			var overlay = Dsq.$('dsq-overlay');
			if(overlay) { Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(overlay); }
			
			try {
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(activePopup);
			} catch(e) {
				// HACK: IE6 throws an error when using deleteNode() with a node containing a <table> in the html.
				activePopup.parentNode.removeChild(activePopup);
			}
			Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {};
		}

		if(!force && Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Popup.activePopup.linkClicked = true;
		}

	};

	this.initPopup = function(popup, post_id, type, extra_classes) {
		popup.className = 'dsq-popup dsq-popup-' + type + ' ' + (extra_classes ? extra_classes : '');
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6 || Dsq.Utils.ie7) {
			// HACK: We can't modify the body before it's ready, so we need
			//       to use an IE-safe "DOMReady" workaround before loading
			//       our popup.
			Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(function() {Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup); });
		} else {
			Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup);
		}

		popup.style.display = 'block';

		var xPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[0] - popup.offsetWidth) / 2;
		var yPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[1] - popup.offsetHeight) / 2;

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
			yPos += Dsq.Utils.getScrollPos()[1];
		}

		popup.style.left = xPos + 'px';
		popup.style.top = yPos + 'px';

		Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {
			'el' : popup,
			'id' : post_id,
			'type': type,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};
	};

	this.isClicked = function(e, id) {
		var t = e.target || e.srcElement;
		while(t && t.parentNode) {
			if(t.id == id) {
				return true;
			}

			t = t.parentNode;
		}
		return false;
	};
};
// Dsq.Popup

/**
 * Dsq.Templates
 */
Dsq.Templates = new function() {
	/*
	 * Counter keeping track of the number of posts iterated over.
	 */
	this.postLoopCounter = 0;
	this.filters = {};
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-post-add';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-post-add';

	this.registerTemplate = function(name, func) {
		this['$$_' + name] = func;

		if(typeof DsqLocal.Filters != 'undefined'
		&& typeof DsqLocal.Filters[name] == 'function') {
			// Push filters to this.filters to unify code.
			this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
			this.filters[name].push(DsqLocal.Filters[name]);
		}

		this[name] = function() {
			var ret;

			if(typeof DsqLocal.Templates != 'undefined'
			&& typeof DsqLocal.Templates[name] == 'function') {
				ret = DsqLocal.Templates[name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(ret === undefined) {
				ret = this['$$_' + name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(this.filters[name]) {
				var args = [ret];

				args.push.apply(args, arguments);
				for(var i = 0; i < this.filters[name].length; i++) {
					ret = this.filters[name][i].apply(this, args);
				}
			}

			return ret;
		};
	};

	this.registerFilter = function(name, func) {
		this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
		this.filters[name].push(func);
	};

	/**
	 * Dsq.Templates.Filters
	 */
	this.Filters = new function() {
		this.commentContainer = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var classes = [];
			if(Dsq.jsonData.request.page > 1) {
				classes.push('dsq-append');
			}

			//
			// Extra classes used for custom themes
			//

			if(_meta.depth) {
				classes.push('dsq-comment-child', 'dsq-depth-' + _meta.depth, 'dsq-parent-is-' + _meta.parent_post_id);
			}


			//

			if(_meta.author_is_creator) {
				// TODO: We need to deprecate the "special" class since it is not properly prefixed.
				classes.push('special', 'dsq-special');
			}
			if(_meta.author_is_moderator) {
				classes.push('dsq-moderator');
			}
			classes.push(['dsq-odd', 'dsq-even'][Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter % 2]);

			s = s.substring(0, s.lastIndexOf('>'));
			return s + ' class="dsq-comment ' + classes.join(' ') + '" style="margin-left:' + _meta.depth*30 + 'px">';
		};

		this.commentContent = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			if (_meta.killed) {
				return '<em>Comment removed.</em>';
			} else if (!_meta.approved) {
				return '<em>This comment was flagged for review.</em>';
			}

			s = s.replace(Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE, Dsq.MediaPostHandler);
			return s;
		};
	};

	//
	// Thread
	//
	// TODO: These need to be stripped of all Django template tags.

	this.authPost = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			return '';
		}
		var result = [];
		result = result.concat([
				'<div id="dsq-auth"',
						Dsq.jsonData.integration.reply_position ? 'class="dsq-auth-bottom"' : '',
						'>',
					'<div class="dsq-by">',
						'<a href="http://disqus.com" target="_blank">',
							(Dsq.jsonData.integration.disqus_logo ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/by-disqus.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">') :
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/dsq-button-120x19.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">')
							),
						'</a>',
					'</div>',
					'<div class="dsq-auth-header">',
						'<h3 id="dsq-add-new-comment" class="dsq-h3-addcomment">',
								Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT,
						'</h3>',
						'<div id="dsq-login">',
						(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
								? '<p class="dsq-login-message" id="dsq-login-message">You are commenting as a <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. You may select one to log into:</p>'
								: '')
		]);
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			result = result.concat([
							Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
								'<a id="dsq-login-toggle" href="%(disqus_url)s%(login_url)s?next=article:%(thread_id)s" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsq-profile-btn.png" title="%(log_into)s" alt="%(log_into)s"/></a>',
								{login_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGIN, thread_id: Dsq.jsonData.thread.id, log_into: Dsq.Strings.LOG_INTO_DISQUS}
								),
							'&nbsp; ',
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ?
								'<div id="dsq-fbc-login" onlogin="DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin()" size="medium" background="light" length="short" style="display:inline; margin-right:7px"></div>' :
								''
							),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-twitter-login" class="dsq-twitter-login" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect();" style="display:inline; cursor: pointer"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/twitter-signin-short.png" style="margin-right:7px" /></div>', {}) : ''),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-openid-login" class="dsq-openid-login" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL();" style="display:inline; cursor:pointer;"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/openid-login-button.png"/></div>', {}
								) : '')
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
						'</div>', // dsq-login
					'</div>', // dsq-auth-header
					'<div id="dsq-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated" ',
						Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated ? 'style="display:block"' : '',
						'>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-pic">',
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">' +
																			'<img class="dsq-post-avatar" src="%(avatar_url)s" alt="" /></a>',
																			{avatar_url: Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR,
																			url: (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
																					 ? Dsq.jsonData.request.url
																					 : Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE) }),
						'</div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>', {url:Dsq.jsonData.request.url})
										  )
										: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(profile_url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>')
											)
									),
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">',
									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsqicon12.png" alt="%(logged_in_as)s"/>&nbsp',
											{logged_in_as: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username)})
										: ''),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="%(logout_from_disqus)s">',
											{logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN, logout_from_disqus: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('DISQUS')})
										: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'twitter')
												? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using Twitter (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
												 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
												: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'openid')
													 ? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using OpenID (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
													 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
													 : ''
													)
											)
									),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote ? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('<span class="logo-disqus">DISQUS</span>') : ''),
									'</a>',
								'</li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
		]);
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect) {
			result = result.concat([
					'<div id="dsq-fbc-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated">',
						'<div id="dsq-fbc-profilepic" class="dsq-authenticated-pic" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.ProfilePic" size="square" facebook-logo="true"></div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									'Logged in as <span id="dsq-fbc-name" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.Name" linked="true" useyou="false"></span>',
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">using Facebook Connect <a href="#" onclick="javascript:DisqusFbcParentController.logout();return false;">(Logout)</a></li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
				'</div>', // dsq-auth
				'<div id="dsq-toolbar-items">',
				'</div>'
		]);
		result = result.concat([
					//
					//
					//
				((!Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) ?
					// Needs to be translated:
					('<p id="dsq-no-anon-msg">Required: Please log into <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> ' +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? 'or connect with Facebook ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? 'or sign in with Twitter ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? 'or sign in using OpenID ' : '') +
					Dsq.Utils.interpolate('to comment on <strong>%(forum_name)s</strong>.</p>')) :
					''
				),
				'<div id="dsq-post-add"></div>',
				'<div style="margin:10px 0">',
				((Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media) ?
						'<a href="#" id="dsq-media-link" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, false, \'media\'); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.USE_MEDIA + ' <small>&#9660;</small></a>' :
						''),
				'</div>'
		]);
		return result.join('');
	};


	this.header = function() {

		var html = '\<h3 id="dsq-comments-count" class="dsq-h3-commentcount">\
	 <span id="dsq-num-posts">113</span> Comments\
	 &nbsp;\
	 <span class="dsq-item-feed">\
	 <a href="http://consumerismcommentary.disqus.com/cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices/latest.rss"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png"></a>\
	 </span>\
	 </h3>\
	 <div id="dsq-options" style="margin:15px 0">\
	 <span class="dsq-item-sort">\
	 Sort by\
	 <select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);">\
	 <option value="hot" selected="selected">Popular now</option>\
	 <option value="best" >Best Rating</option>\
	 <option value="newest" >Newest first</option>\
	 <option value="oldest" >Oldest first</option>\
	 </select>\
	 &nbsp;\
	 </span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-cp"><a href="http://consumerismcommentary.disqus.com/cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices/">Community Page</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-subscribe">\
	 <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle">\
	 <span id="dsq-subscribe">\
	 <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a>\
	 </span>\
	 </span>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-alerts">\
	 </div>\
		';

		

		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) { 
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-alert-message dsq-upgrade-message"> \
				<strong>Disqus upgrade available.</strong> Hi ' + Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username + ', this message is being displayed to you because you are a moderator of this site. <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-upgrade-message\').style.display=\'block\';this.style.display=\'none\';return false">Click here for details.</a> \
				<div style="display:none; margin-top:10px;" id="dsq-upgrade-message"> \
					A new theme is available with added features. <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/settings/' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url + '/?p=customize">To change your theme, click here</a> and choose the theme Narcissus. \
					If you do not upgrade, you are missing out on features such as: real-time commenting, new sign-in integrations, and an upgrade interface. \
					<strong>This message will automatically go away in one week.</strong> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			' + html; 
		}
		return html;
	};

	this.footer = function() {
		var html = Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.authPost();
		

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		

		return html;
	};

	this.pagination = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) { Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = ''; }
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.thread.paginate) { return ''; }

		//
		// TODO: num_paginator still uses the template tag for pagination, 
		// 		while append_paginator does it all in JavaScript.
		//		This should all be in JavaScript.
		//

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages > 1 && Dsq.jsonData.request.page < Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages) {
			html = ' \<a class="dsq-paginate-append-text" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this); return false">Show more comments...</a>\
	 <button class="dsq-button-small dsq-paginate-append-button" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this);">Load more comments</button>\
			';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = html;
			return '';
		} else {
			return '<div id="dsq-pagination" class="dsq-pagination">' + html + '</div>';
		}
	};

	this.trackbacks = function() {
		var html = '';

		if(typeof DsqLocal != 'undefined' && DsqLocal.trackback_url && DsqLocal.trackbacks) {
			var trackbacks = DsqLocal.trackbacks;
			var trackback_url = DsqLocal.trackback_url;
		} else {
			var trackbacks = [
			
			
			];
			var trackback_url = 'http://consumerismcommentary.disqus.com/cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices/trackback/';
		}

		html += '<div class="dsq-item-trackback">Trackback URL&nbsp;&nbsp;<input class="dsq-trackback-url" onclick="this.select()" readonly="true" value="' + trackback_url + '"></div>';

		if(trackbacks.length) {
			html += '<ul id="dsq-references">'
			for(var i = 0; i < trackbacks.length; i++) {
				var trackback = trackbacks[i];
				html += '<li><cite><a href="' + trackback.author_url + '" rel="nofollow">' + trackback.author_name + '</a></cite> \
						<p class="dsq-meta">' + trackback.date + '</p> \
						<p class="dsq-content">' + trackback.excerpt + '</p></li>';
			}
			html += '</ul>';
			html = '<h3 class="dsq-h3-trackbacks">Trackbacks</h3>' + html;
		}

		return html;
	}

	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		/* Reaction HTML begins */
		var item = '<li class="dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-header-avatar">';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'">';
		} else {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="#" onclick="return false;">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {
			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar32.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png"/>'
			+ '</a></div>'
			+ '<cite><span>' + reaction.author_name + '</span></cite>'
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"><a class="dsq-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</a></span>'
			+ '</div><div class="dsq-reaction-body">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-footer">From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
			+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator ? '&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;<a class="dsq-hide-reaction" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + '); return false;">Hide</a>' : '') + '</div></div>';

		if(reaction.retweets) {
			var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
			if (num_retweets > 0) {
				item += '<div class="dsq-reaction-retweets">';
				if (num_retweets == 1) {
					item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
				} else {
					item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');

					item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
					var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 15) ? 15 : num_retweets;
					item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);

					if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
						item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
							+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
					}
				}
				item += '</div>';
			}
		}

		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this.missingPermissions = function() {
		return '';
	};

	//
	// Post
	//

	this.prependPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="comment-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-comment-reply-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-header-avatar" id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
				<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
				? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '</a>'
			+ '</div> \
		';
	};

	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];

		return ''
			+ (_meta.author_is_moderator
				? '<img class="dsq-mod-star" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/bullet-star.png" title="Moderator" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"> \
				<a id="dsq-time-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-time" href="#comment-' + post_id + '" title="Permalink">' + _meta.date + '</a> \
			</span>';
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		return '';
	}

	this.postBody = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Deprecate flagging conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		return ''
			+ (_meta.edited
				? '<p class="dsq-editedtxt">(Edited by a moderator)</p>'
				: '')
			;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Use media should be conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed) { return ''; }

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
				<div id="dsq-points-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-likedtxt">'
				+ (_meta.points
					? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.'
					: '')
				+ '</div>'
				+ '<ul class="dsq-comment-options dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.votable
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first dsq-rate" id="dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id + '">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Like</a>'
						: 'You liked this.') + '</li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-report' + (!_meta.votable ? ' dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '"><a href="#" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">Report</a></li> \
				</ul> \
				<ul class="dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first"><a href="#" id="dsq-reply-link-' + post_id +'" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(this, ' + post_id +'); return false;">Reply</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<li id="dsq-edit-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-edit-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="' + (!_meta.can_reply ? 'dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-more-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-more-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'more\'); return false">More <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media
					? '<li id="dsq-media-el-' + post_id +'" style="display:none"><a id="dsq-media-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'media\'); return false">Use Media <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '</ul>'
				+ '<div id="dsq-reply-bar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar" style="display:none"> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-items-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-items"> \
						</div> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-auth-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-auth"> \
							 \
								 \
								 	<a href="#" class="dsq-help dsq-reply-req-opt" title="You are commenting as a Guest. You may choose to log into an existing DISQUS Profile, your Facebook, Twitter or OpenID account to comment on Consumerism Commentary" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Optional:</a> \
								 \
								<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/dsq-favicon-16x16.png" alt="" /> \
								<a id="dsq-reply-login-' + post_id + '" href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:42483717" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">Login</a> \
								 \
									&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img class="fb_login_image" src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/images/fbconnect/login-buttons/connect_light_small_short.gif" alt="Facebook Connect"/> \
									<a href="#" onclick="FB.Connect.requireSession(DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin); return false;">Connect</a> \
								 \
								&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/twitter-signin-icon.png" alt="" /> \
									<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false">Sign-in</a> \
								 \
								&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									 <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/openid-login-icon.png" alt="" /> \
									 <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL(); return false">OpenID</a> \
								 \
							 \
						</div> \
					</div> \
					<div id="dsq-reply-' + post_id + '"></div> \
			</div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Iframes
	//

	this._makeAttributes = function(attributes) {
		// Makes a tag attributes string out of an object.
		// Caller is responsible for making sure nothing needs to be escaped.
		var result = [];
		for (key in attributes) {
			result.push(' ' + key + '="' + attributes[key] + '"');
		}
		result = result.join('');
		return result;
	};

	this._frameGeneric = function(base_url, params, attributes) {
		if(typeof(disqus_callback_params) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_callback_params = '';
		}

		var default_params = {
			// TODO: These should be moved to Dsq.jsonData.
			'f'				: 'consumerismcommentary',
			't'				: 'cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices',
			// Do we need encodeURIComponent here?
			'ifrs'			: encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css),
			'to_redirect'	: encodeURIComponent(window.location),
			'cbp'			: disqus_callback_params,
			'ff'			: Dsq.Thread.ff,
			'fc'			: Dsq.Thread.fc,
			'ac'			: Dsq.Thread.ac,
			'default_text'	: disqus_default_text
		};

		base_url += '?' + (new Date()).getTime();
		// Add params to default_params.
		if(params) {
			for(var key in params) {
				if(params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					default_params[key] = encodeURIComponent(params[key]);
				}
			}
		}
		// Build querystring.
		for(var key in default_params) {
			if(default_params[key] && default_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				base_url += '&' + key + '=' + default_params[key];
			}
		}

		return [
			'<iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" frameborder="0"',
			(' allowtransparency="true" src="' + base_url + '"'),
			this._makeAttributes(attributes),
			'</iframe>'].join('');
	};

	this.frameLogin = function(opt_attributes) {
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/login.html';
		var attributes = opt_attributes || {};
		attributes['class'] = 'dsq-post-login';

		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameReply = function(post_id, extra_params, attributes) {
		// Returns the HTML for a reply iframe. Called by Dsq.Iframes.setReplyIframeToContainer
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY;
		var params = {
			'def_email'		: disqus_def_email,
			'def_name'		: disqus_def_name
		};
		if(extra_params) {
			for(var key in extra_params) {
				if(extra_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					params[key] = extra_params[key];
				}
			}
		}
		if(_meta) {
			params['parent_post'] = post_id;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			params['per_page'] = disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			attributes['class'] += '-authenticated';
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameEdit = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/edit.html';
		var params = {
			'p' : post_id
		};
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, {'class': 'dsq-post-edit', 'name': 'dsq-edit_' + post_id + '-frame'});
	};

	//
	// Menus
	//

	this.menuMore = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: "Remove post" button should hide menu.
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')">Link</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Profile</a></li>'
	+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
		? '	<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>' + (_meta.email ? '<li class="dsq-admin-email">' + _meta.email + '</li>' : '')
		+ '	<li class="dsq-admin-ip">' + _meta.ip + '</li> \
			<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>'
		+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
			? ' <li class="dsq-admin-edit"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
			: '')
		+ ' <li class="dsq-remove"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Remove Comment</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-report-spam"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-block-user"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li>'
		: '');
	};

	this.menuMedia = function(post_id) {
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(this, ' + post_id + ', \'seesmic\'); return false;">Record video</a></li> \
		';
	};

	this.dropProfile = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};


		var menu = '<li class="dsq-drop-showlnk"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Expand &#8663;</a></li>';
		var pointsMessage = '';
		if (userData['registered']) {
			pointsMessage = 'with ' + userData['points'] + ' points (more points are better).';
		}

		if (userData['is_remote']) {
			var domain = userData['remote_domain_name'];
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' is a ' + domain + ' user ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
			menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-' + domain.toLowerCase() + '">' + domain + '</span></li>';
		} else if (userData['registered']) {
			if (userData['verified']) {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a verified commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span></li>';
			} else {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a registered, but unverified, commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span></li>';
			}
		} else {
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has not claimed this commenter profile." onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()"><span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span></li>';
		}

		menu += _includeServices();
		return menu;
	};

	//
	// Popups
	//

	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-top"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-body" class="clearfix"> \
				<div class="dsq-popup-body-padding"> \
					<div class="dsq-popup-header"> \
						<a class="dsq-close-link" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/modal-close.png" alt="" /></a>'
						+ content['header']
					+ '</div>'
					+ content['body']
					+ '<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
				</div> <!-- padding --> \
			</div> <!-- body --> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-bottom"></div> \
		</div> \
		';
	};

	this.popupProfile = function(user_key) {
		var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(user_key, null);
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var html = '';
			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == 0
					? '<h4>Connections</h4><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li> \
					<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" title="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" /> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>'
				+ (i+1 == userServices.length ? '</ul>' : '');
			}
			return html;
		};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<table> \
				<tr> \
					<td> \
						<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><img class="dsq-popup-profile-avatar" src="' + userData['avatar'] + '" alt="" /></a> \
					</td> \
					<td> \
						<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user"> \
							<h3>' + userData['display_name'] + '</h3> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats" id="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + user_key + '">Loading...</div> \
						</div> \
					</td> \
				</tr> \
			</table> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-state"> \
				This is a&nbsp;<span class="'
					+ (userData['registered']
						? (userData['verified']
							? ' dsq-badge-verified'
							: (userData['is_remote']
								? ' dsq-badge-' + userData['remote_domain_name'].toLowerCase()
								: ' dsq-badge-registered')
							)
							: ' dsq-badge-guest') + '">'
			+ (userData['registered']
				? (userData['verified']
					? 'Verified'
					: (userData['is_remote']
						 ? userData['remote_domain_name']
						 : 'Registered')
					)
				: 'Guest')
			+ '</span>&nbsp;commenter profile.'
			+ '&nbsp;<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><strong>View more comments </strong></a>'
			+ (!userData['points']
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice">If this is you, <a href="http://disqus.com/profile" target="_blank">claim it now</a> to manage your comments.</p>'
				: '')
			+ ((userData['registered'] && !userData['verified'] && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username == userData['username'])) && !userData['is_remote'])
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice"><strong>Alert</strong>: You have not verified this account. <a href="http://disqus.com/verify">Verify it now.</a></p>'
				: '')
			+ '</div> \
			<div id="dsq-profile-status-' + user_key + '" class="dsq-popup-profile-status" style="display:none"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-snapshot"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td> \
							<div id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Most active sites</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
						<td>'
							+ _includeServices()
							+ '<div id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Moderator of</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupReblog = function() {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<cite><span>Reblog this comment</span></cite> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div id="dsq-reblog-form" class="dsq-reblog-form"> \
			</div> \
		';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupModal = function(title, message) {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<h3>' + title + '</h3> \
		';

		bodyHtml = message;

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.alertContent = function(name, post_id) {
		var alert = {
			'post_not_approved': {
				'title': 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator',
				'message': 'Thanks for posting. Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.'
			},
			'post_has_profile': {
				'title': 'Use your existing commenter profile',
				'message': 'You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> commenter profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a>'
			}
		};
		return alert[name] || false;
	};

	//
	// Actions
	//

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {
		// Update number of points
		Dsq.$('dsq-points-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.';

		// Update link text
		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.';
		}
	};

	this.subscribed = function(status) {
		var title, message;

		if(status) {
			title = 'Subscribed!';
			message = 'You have subscribed to this comment thread. New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox, where you may read and respond by email.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">Unsubscribe</a> \
			';
		} else {
			title = 'Unsubscribed';
			message = 'You have unsubscribed to this comment thread. New comments will no longer be sent to your email inbox.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a> \
			';
		}

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);

	};
	
	this.highlighted = function() {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('This comment has been highlighted.', 'Highlighted comment');
	};

	//
	// Media
	//

	this.mediaSeesmic = function(id, thumb) {
		return ' \
			<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_preview" class="dsq-seesmic-preview"><a href="http://www.seesmic.com/video/' + id + '" target="_blank" class="see_link">&nbsp;</a> \
				<div style="display:block;width:160px; height:120px; border:none; background-image:url(http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/' + thumb + ')"> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_hide" class="seePlayOverlay" style="display:none;"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',false)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/stopOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_show" class="seePlayOverlay"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',true)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/playOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; border:none; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			<div id="' + id + '_content" style="display:block; width:100%; padding-top:5px"></div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Callbacks
	//

	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(parent_post_id) {
		// Increment post count
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');
		
		if (num_posts) { 
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) { 
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
	};
};
// Dsq.Templates


/**
 * Dsq.Post
 */
Dsq.Post = new function() {
	this.openedMenu = {};
	this.menuEventListener = null;
	this.stateReplyToggled = {};
	this.stateEditToggled = {};
	this.stateRecordLink = {};

	/**
	 * Inserts a new post into the document.
	 *
	 * @param after_id {Number}	Insert a post before specified id.  If after_id
	 *							evaluates to false, then post in the front.  If
	 *							after_id is -1, post at the end.
	 */
	this.insert = function(after_id, id, message, author) {
		// Skeleton template from thread_posts.html.
		var skeleton = ' \
			<li id="dsq-comment-%(id)s"> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-header-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-header"> \
					<cite id="dsq-cite-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-cite"> \
						<a id="dsq-author-user-%(id)s" href="%(author_url)s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">%(author_name)s</a> \
					</cite> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-body-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-body"> \
					<div id="dsq-comment-message-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-message">%(message)s</div> \
				</div> \
			</li> \
		';
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var _user_meta = Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key];
		var markup = Dsq.Utils.interpolate(skeleton, {
			id: id,
			message: message,
			author_url: _user_meta.blog,
			author_name: _user_meta.display_name
		});
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		markup = markup.replace(Dsq.COMMENTS_RE, Dsq.CommentsHandler);
		div.innerHTML = markup;

		if (after_id === -1) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').appendChild(div);
		} else if (!after_id) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').insertBefore(div, Dsq.$('dsq-comments').firstChild);
		} else if (Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + after_id)) {
			// Get next node after "after_id", so we can insert before it.
			// If "after_id" is the last comment, the target node is the
			// last node.
			
			// var append_post_id = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(after_id).replace('<div id="','').replace('"></div>', '');
			var append_post_id = 'dsq-append-post-' + after_id;
			var node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			while (node = node.nextSibling) {
				if (!node || node.nodeType == 1) { // 1 == Node.ELEMENT_NODE
					break;
				}
			}
			if (!node) {
				node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			}
			node.parentNode.insertBefore(div, node);
		}
	};

	this.incrementPostCount = function() {
		
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');

		if (num_posts) {
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) {
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
	}
	
	this.outlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className += ' dsq-comment-outline';
		setTimeout("(function () { Dsq.Post.clearOutlineComment(" + post_id + ") })()", 3000);
	};
	
	this.clearOutlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className.replace('dsq-comment-outline', '');
	};

	this.showMenu = function(el, id, name) {
		var anchorPos = Dsq.Utils.findPos(el);
		var menu = document.createElement('ul');

		if(this.openedMenu) {
			if(this.openedMenu.linkClicked) {
				this.openedMenu.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		switch(name) {
			case 'more':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMore(id);
				break;
			case 'media':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMedia(id);
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}

		// Add menu to document body
		menu.id = 'dsq-menu-' + id;
		menu.className = 'dsq-menu';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(menu);

		// Position and show
		anchorPos[1] += 15;
		menu.style.left = anchorPos[0] + 'px';
		menu.style.top = anchorPos[1] + 'px';
		menu.style.display = 'block';

		// Set global reference
		this.openedMenu = {
			'el' : menu,
			'id' : id,
			'name' : name,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};

		// Set listener
		this.menuEventListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._hideMenu);
	};

	this._hideMenu = function(e) {
		var el = e.target || e.srcElement;
		var openedMenu = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el;
		var id = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.id;

		if(!id) {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link';
		} else {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link-' + id;
		}

		if(!openedMenu) {
			return;
		}

		if(!Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, openedMenu.id)) {
			openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Post.menuEventListener);
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(openedMenu);

		} else {
			// Hide the menu if a link was clicked inside the menu.  We can't
			// completely remove the menu until the onclick event on the link
			// fires, but the menuEventListener will prevent multiple menus
			// from polluting the DOM.
			if(el && typeof el.href != 'undefined') {
				openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el = null;
			}
		}

		if(Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Post.openedMenu.linkClicked = true;
		}
	};


	this.getUserServices = function(user_key, id) {
		if(!user_key && id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
			user_key = _meta.user_key;
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var userServices = [];

		// Keep a full list of supported services. This is the order they will display in the drop-profile.
		// Each service must have a corresponding case in _buildServiceUrl()
		var supportedServices = ['blog', 'twitter', 'facebook', 'tumblr'];

		function _buildServiceUrl(serviceName) {
			var data = userData[serviceName];
			var services = {
				blog:		function(d) { return d; },
				twitter:	function(d) { return d; },
				facebook:	function(d) { return d; },
				tumblr:		function(d) { return 'http://' + d + '.tumblr.com'; }
			};
			return services[serviceName](data);
		}

		for(var i = 0; i < supportedServices.length; i++) {
			if(userData[supportedServices[i]]) {
				var serviceUrl = _buildServiceUrl(supportedServices[i]);
				userServices.push({'name' : supportedServices[i], 'url' : serviceUrl});
			}
		}
		return userServices;
	}

	this.dropProfile = function(id) {
		var dp = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-profile-' + id);

		// IE6 needs JS to display/hide. All other browsers use CSS.
		if(dp) {
			if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) dp.style.display = (dp.style.display == 'inline') ? 'none' : 'inline';
			return false;
		} else {
			dp = document.createElement('ul');
		}

		dp.id = 'dsq-drop-profile-' + id;
		dp.className = 'dsq-drop-profile';

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) { dp.style.display = 'inline'; }

		var container = Dsq.$('dsq-header-avatar-' + id);
		dp.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.dropProfile(id);
		container.appendChild(dp);
	};

	this.dropProfileMore = function(el, id) {
		var hiddenItems = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-hidden-' + id);

		hiddenItems.style.display = 'inline';
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
	};

	this._updateReplyLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "reply / cancel" links based on state.
		var displayDict = {};

		if(id) {
			if(this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				el.innerHTML = 'Cancel';
				displayDict['media'] = 'inline';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'none';
			} else {
				el.innerHTML = 'Reply';
				displayDict['media'] = 'none';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'inline';
			}
		}

		for(var key in displayDict) {
			if(displayDict.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var	linkEl = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-el-' + id),
					spacer = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-spacer-' + id);

				if(linkEl) {
					linkEl.style.display = displayDict[key];
					if(spacer) spacer.style.display = displayDict[key];
				}
			}
		}
	};

	this._updateMediaLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "use media / cancel" links based on state.
		var appendId = (id) ? ('-' + id) : '';
		var link = Dsq.$('dsq-media-link' + appendId);

		if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			link.innerHTML = 'Cancel Media';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(link, id); return false; };
		} else {
			link.innerHTML = 'Use Media <small>&#9660;</small>';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.showMenu(link, id, 'media'); return false; };
		}
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(el, id) {
		// Create reply IFrame
		if (window.disqus_use_postmessage) {
			if (!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				// Create IFrame if it doesn't exist.
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-frame-' + id), id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].init();
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].setState(id, _meta.depth);
				}
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
			}
		} else {
			// DEPRECATED
			if(!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				// Reply toolbar
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id), id);
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Iframes.hideAllInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id));
				if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
					// HACK: Cancel media before canceling self.
					this.toggleMediaReply(Dsq.$('dsq-media-link-' + id), id);
				}
			}
		}

		this.stateReplyToggled[id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[id];
		this._updateReplyLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-reply-' + id); }

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[id]
		});
	};

	this.toggleMediaReply = function(el, id, xtype) {
		id = id || 0;
		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(!this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id, {xtype:xtype}, 'dsq-post-video');
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id);
		}
		this.stateRecordLink[id] = !this.stateRecordLink[id];
		this._updateMediaLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};

	this.edit = function(el, id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.frameEdit(id);
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-comment-message-' + id); }
	};

    this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
                Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
            }

            Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/vote.js'
                + '?post_id='    + id
                + '&vote='        + vote);

		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login(Dsq.Strings.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN);
		}
    };

	this.report = function(id, confirmed) {
		if(confirmed) {
			Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices/post_report/', {'post_id': id});
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Thank you. This comment has been flagged for moderator attention.', 'Successfully flagged');
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$('dsq-post-report-' + id));
		} else {
			var title = Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT;
			var message = Dsq.Strings.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR + '? \
			<br /><br /> \
			<button onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.NO + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.NEVER_MIND + '</button>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<button onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + id + ', true);"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.YES + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT + '</button><br /><br />'
			+ Dsq.Strings.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION + '. \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, id);
		}
	};



	this.showAlert = function(id, msg) {
		var msgEl = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id);
		var alert = '<div class="dsq-comment-alert">' + msg + '</div>';

		msgEl.innerHTML = alert + msgEl.innerHTML;
	};

};
// Dsq.Post


/**
 * Dsq.Thread
 */
Dsq.Thread = new function() {
	this.fc = null;
	this.ff = null;
	this.ac = null;

	
	this.adminIsOn = false;

	
	
	

	this.hlComment = null;
	this.hlCommentClass = null;

	this.getNextComment = function(el) {
		var start_id = el.id;
		while(el = el.nextSibling) {
			if(el.id && el.id.indexOf('dsq-comment-') != -1 && el.id != start_id) {
				return el;
			}
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.getActiveCommentId = function() {
		if (document.URL.indexOf('#comment-') >= 0) {
			var anchor = document.URL.slice(document.URL.indexOf('#') + 1);
			return anchor.replace('comment-', '');
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.highlightAnchor = function() {
		var i = this.getActiveCommentId();
		if (i == null) return false;
		var id = 'dsq-comment-' + i;
		var hash = window.location.hash;

		// Toggle the hash incase the comment isn't available when the page loads
		// for WebKit-based browsers.
		if (Dsq.Utils.webkit) {
			window.location.hash = '';
			window.location.hash = hash;
		}

		this.hlComment = Dsq.$(id);
		// Adding this conditional guard pending #289
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlCommentClass = this.hlComment.className;
		this.hlComment.className += ' dsq-hl-anchor';

		setTimeout("Dsq.Thread.highlightClear()", 3000);
	};

	this.highlightClear = function() {
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlComment.className = this.hlCommentClass;
	};

	this.login = function(toggle) {
		// toggle id is #dsq-reply-login-[id]
		var postId;
		if(toggle.id.indexOf('dsq-reply-login') != -1) {
			postId = toggle.id.slice(16);
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + postId);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(toggle) {
			if(toggle.className == 'dsq-login-active') {
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(container, postId);
				toggle.className = '';
			} else {
				Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
				toggle.className = 'dsq-login-active';
			}
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
		}

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};


	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked, per_page) {
		// Use extra_params to pass any override parameters that we need to persist.
		var extra_params = '';

		// "Per page" can either be overriden by providing it as an argument
		// (per-call) or setting the disqus_per_page override variable (global).
		if(typeof per_page == 'undefined') {
			per_page = null;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined' && per_page === null) {
			per_page = disqus_per_page;
		}

		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}
		if(per_page !== null) {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + per_page;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			el_clicked.style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};

	this.sortBy = function(sort) {
		var disqus_script = document.createElement('script');
		var disqus_date = new Date();

		if (location.hash != '') {
			location.hash = '#disqus_thread';
		}

		if(typeof(disqus_url) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_url = disqus_href;
		}
		disqus_script.type = 'text/javascript';
		disqus_script.src = 'http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices'
			+ '&sort='	+ sort
			+ '&title='
			+ '&'		+ disqus_date.getTime();

		Dsq.$('dsq-comments').innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif">';
		Dsq.container.appendChild(disqus_script);
	};

	this.subscribe = function(status, email) {
		// `status` is an int -- 1 to subscribe, 0 to unsubscribe
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || email) {
			// If authenticated user OR anonymous email provided

			if(email) {
				Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
			}

			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/subscribe.js'
				+'?status=' 	+ status
				+ '&slug='		+ 'cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices'
				+ '&email=' 	+ encodeURIComponent(email));

		} else if(!email) {
			// If anonymous user and no email has been provided yet, prompt for email

			var title = 'Subscribe to this comment thread';
			var message = ' \
				New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox! \
				<div class="dsq-subscribe-submit"> \
					<p><strong>Enter your email address below.</strong></p> \
					<input type="text" id="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1, Dsq.$(\'dsq-subscribe-email\').value)">Subscribe</button> \
				</div> \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
		}
	};

	this.showSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return;
		}

		/* The form has to be re-designed when more options will come out. */
		var html = 'Automatically close comments after <input size="3" id="dsq-thread-days-alive" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.days_alive + '" type="text" /> days. Existing comments will still be displayed.<br /><br />(Using 0 days will disable this feature)<br /><br />'
								 + '<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.updateDaysAlive();" class="dsq-button-small"><span>Save</span></button>'
								 + '<span id="dsq-thread-settings-status" class="dsq-options-status"></span>';
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Settings');
	};

	this.updateDaysAlive = function() {
		var days = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-days-alive').value;
		var status = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-settings-status');
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/update_days_alive.js', {days:days,thread:Dsq.jsonData.thread.id});
		status.innerHTML = 'Saved!';
		window.setTimeout(function() { status.innerHTML = ''; }, 1000);
	};
};
// Dsq.Thread

Dsq.Events = function() {
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var handlers = {};
	var getHandlers = function(event) {
		if (handlers[event] === undefined) {
			handlers[event] = [];
		}
		return handlers[event];
	};

	// Public
	// Value keys : postId, node, xtype
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED = 1;
	// Value keys : postId, opened
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED = 2;
	obj.fire = function(event, opt_value) {
		if (!event) {
			throw new Error('Unknown event');
		}
		var value = opt_value || {};
		for (var i=0; i<getHandlers(event).length; i++) {
			getHandlers(event)[i](value);
		}
	};
	obj.addHandler = function(event, callback) {
		getHandlers(event).push(callback);
	};

	return obj;
}();

/**
 * Dsq.Realtime
 */
Dsq.Realtime = new function() {
	var initialized = false;
	var interval = null;
	var last_checked = Dsq.jsonData.request.timestamp;
	var new_posts = [];
	var ongoing_request = false;
	var prev_script = null;

	function updateNewPostCount() {
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-alert').style.display = new_posts.length ? 'block' : 'none';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-queued').innerHTML = new_posts.length
		+ ' new '
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, 'comment', 'comments')
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, ' was', ' were')
		+ ' just posted.';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.SHOW + ')';
	}

	function insertNewPosts() {
		var post_id = null;
		var after_id = Dsq.$('dsq-sort-select').value === 'oldest' ? -1 : null;

		for (var i=0; i<new_posts.length; i++) {
			post_id = new_posts[i];
			Dsq.Post.insert(after_id, post_id, Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id].message);
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		}
		new_posts = [];
	}

	this.enableInterval = function() {
		interval = setInterval(Dsq.Realtime.check, Dsq.jsonData.context.realtime_speed);
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.ENABLED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.PAUSE + ')';
	}

	this.disableInterval = function() {
		if (interval) {
			clearInterval(interval);
			interval = null;
		}
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.PAUSED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.RESUME + ')';
	}

	this.toggleInterval = function() {
		if (!interval) {
			Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
		} else {
			Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
		}
		return false;
	}

	this.initialize = function() {
		if (!initialized) {
			initialized = true;
			Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').onclick = this.toggleInterval;
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').onclick = this.show;
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
			if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.realtime_paused) {
				Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
			} else {
				Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
			}
		}
	}

	this.show = function() {
		insertNewPosts();
		updateNewPostCount();
		return false;
	}

	this.check = function() {
		if (!ongoing_request && Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			if (prev_script) {
				prev_script.parentNode.removeChild(prev_script);
			}
			ongoing_request = true;
			prev_script = Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/42483717/realtime.js?timestamp=' + last_checked);
		}
	};

	this.update = function(timestamp, posts, users) {
		ongoing_request = false;
		last_checked = timestamp;

		if (users) {
			for (var user_id in users) {
				if (users.hasOwnProperty(user_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id] = users[user_id];
					}
				}
			}
		}

		if (posts) {
			for (var post_id in posts) {
				if (posts.hasOwnProperty(post_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] = posts[post_id];
						new_posts.push(post_id);
					}
				}
			}

			if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				insertNewPosts();
			} else {
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
		}
	};

}();

// DEPRECATED
Dsq.Iframes = function() {
	// Different style of object from the above. Hoping to switch to this for some reason.
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var showIframeInContainer = function(container, id, markup) {
		// Look through container for iframes, hiding them, except show one that matches id
		// If none of them matched id, create a new iframe using markup and insert it.
		// Returns the iframe node if and only if it was newly created.
		var found = false;
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				if (child.id == id) {
					child.style.display = 'block';
					found = true;
				} else {
					child.style.display = 'none';
				}
			}
		}
		if (found) {
			return;
		}
		// The iframe wasn't found, so construct it and add it to the container.
		// Don't use innerHTML because it might reload iframes
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		div.innerHTML = markup;
		var iframe = div.childNodes[0];
		div.removeChild(iframe);
		container.appendChild(iframe);
		return iframe;
	};

	// Public
	obj.makeReplyIframeId = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var id = 'dsq-post-add-iframe';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			id += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			id += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return id;
	};
	obj.makeLoginIframeId = function(opt_postId) {
		if (!opt_postId) {
			return 'dsq-login-iframe';
		}
		return 'dsq-login-iframe-' + opt_postId;
	};
	obj.makeReplyIframeName = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var name = 'dsq-reply-frame';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			name += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			name += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return name;
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId, opt_extraParams, opt_className) {
		// Construct the id so we can check if it's already present.
		// Hide any other iframes we find, and show this one if it's found.
		var params = opt_extraParams || {};
		// use xtype in the id and name so we can distinguish media replies from text replies:
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeId(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var name = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeName(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var attributes = {
			'id': id,
			'name': name,
			'class': opt_className || 'dsq-post-reply'
			};
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameReply(opt_postId, opt_extraParams, attributes);
		var iframe = showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
		// It was newly created
		if (iframe) {
			Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED, {
				postId: opt_postId,
				node: iframe,
				xtype: params.xtype
			});
		}
	};
	obj.showLoginIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId) {
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeLoginIframeId(opt_postId);
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: id});
		showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed = function(container, opt_postId) {
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			obj.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, opt_postId);
		} else {
			obj.hideAllInContainer(container);
		}
	};
	obj.hideAllInContainer = function(container) {
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				child.style.display = 'none';
			}
		}
	};

	return obj;
}();

Dsq.Twitter = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startTwitterConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._twitterWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/twitter/begin/', 'twitterWindow', popupParams);
		that._twitterInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeTwitterConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeTwitterConnect = function() {
		if (that._twitterWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._twitterInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Yahoo = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startYahooConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._yahooWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/yahoo/begin/', 'yahooWindow', popupParams);
		that._yahooInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeYahooConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeYahooConnect = function() {
		if (that._yahooWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._yahooInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.OpenID = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.requestURL = function() {
		var message = '<table class="dsq-openid-form"><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="2"><img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url + '/images/openid-icon-100x100.png" /></td>';
		message += '<td><label for="dsq-openid-url">OpenID URL:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-url" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td><label for="dsq-openid-username">Display name:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-username" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td class="dsq-openid-submit" colspan="3"><input type="button" value="Sign in" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.startConnect();" /></td></tr>';
		message += "</table>";

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sign in using OpenID');
	};

	this.startConnect = function() {
		var isblank = function(str) {
			return /^\s*$/.test(str);
		};

		var openid_url = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-url').value;
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-username').value;

		if (isblank(openid_url)) {
			return;
		}

		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=500';
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/openid/begin/' + '?url=' + encodeURIComponent(openid_url) + '&username=' + encodeURIComponent(username);
		that._openidWindow = window.open(url, 'openidWindow', popupParams);
		that._openidInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeConnect = function() {
		if (that._openidWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._openidInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Reaction = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.hide = function(id) {
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/consumerismcommentary/hidereaction.js?' + 'reaction_id=' + id);
	};

	this.reportMissingReactions = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled) {
			return;
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.queued) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Your report has been received. The system will automatically search for new reactions; if any are found, they will be displayed on this comment thread.<br/><br/>Thank&nbsp;you.',
												 'Reported missing reactions');
			return;
		}

		Dsq.Utils.execScript(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/forums/consumerismcommentary/queueurl.js');
	};
};

Dsq.CNN = function() {
	var obj = {};

	obj.authenticate = function() {
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + "/saml/cnn/try/";
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl(url, {'target': document.location}, true);
	};

	return obj;
}();


if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
	(function() {
		DSQ_HEADER_AVATAR_RE = /<div class="dsq-header-avatar"(.*?)>/gim;
		Dsq.Templates.registerFilter('postPrependHeader', function(html, post_id) {
			// Add "onmouseout" for dsq-header-avatar for dropProfile
			// functionality since IE6 cannot use :hover.
			function _headerAvatarReplace(content, inner, _unused, html) {
				return '<div class="dsq-header-avatar" '
					+ inner
					+ ' onmouseout="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')">';
			}
			html = html.replace(DSQ_HEADER_AVATAR_RE, _headerAvatarReplace);
			return html;
		});
	})();
}





	// TODO: Move Seesmic code outside of the main script.  Don't let this script clobber the global namespace.
	if(typeof seesmic == 'undefined') { var seesmic = {}; }
	seesmic.widget = new function () {
		this.callback = function (data) {
			playerVersion = data.disqusplayer;
		};
	};

	
	var scriptEl = document.createElement('script');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('src', 'http://seesmic.com/version.js?callback=seesmic.widget.callback');
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(scriptEl);

	
	var scriptEl = document.createElement('script');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('src', 'http://media.disqus.com/javascript/library/swfobject.js');
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(scriptEl);

	function see_play_video(_videoUri, _add) {
		var swf = !!playerVersion ? playerVersion : 'http://seesmic.com/embeds/StandalonePlayer.swf';

		flashcontentDiv = Dsq.$(_videoUri + '_content');
		previewDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_preview');
		hideDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_hide');
		showDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_show');
		if(_add) {
			// push flash widget
			var so = new SWFObject(swf, 'sotester', '300', '270', '9', '#000000');
			so.addVariable('video', _videoUri);
			so.addParam('allowFullScreen', 'true');
			so.addParam('allowScriptAccess','always');
			so.useExpressInstall('swfobject/expressinstall.swf');
			so.write(_videoUri + '_content');

			previewDiv.style.display = 'none';
			hideDiv.style.display = 'block';
			showDiv.style.display = 'none';
		}
		else {
			flashcontentDiv.innerHTML = '';
			previewDiv.style.display = 'block';
			hideDiv.style.display = 'none';
			showDiv.style.display = 'block';
		}
	};





(function() {
	//
	// Load theme.  This overrides the base templates with template functions
	// from the respective themes.
	//
	if (Dsq.jsonData.integration.theme == 4) {
		var theme = 'narcissus';
		// HACK: Set variable on window to use post message.
		window.disqus_use_postmessage = true;

		
		for(var prop in Dsq.Themes[theme]) {
			if(Dsq.Themes[theme] && Dsq.Themes[theme].hasOwnProperty(prop)) {
				Dsq.Templates[prop] = Dsq.Themes[theme][prop];
			}
		}
		
		for(var prop in Dsq.Post) {
			if(Dsq.Themes[theme] && Dsq.Themes[theme].hasOwnProperty(prop)) {
				Dsq.Post[prop] = Dsq.Themes[theme][prop];
			}
		}
	}

	//
	// Register templates.  This must be done after all themes are loaded.
	//
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('authPost', Dsq.Templates.authPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('header', Dsq.Templates.header);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('footer', Dsq.Templates.footer);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('trackbacks', Dsq.Templates.trackbacks);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('reactions', Dsq.Templates.reactions);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('prependPost', Dsq.Templates.prependPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('appendPost', Dsq.Templates.appendPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postPrependHeader', Dsq.Templates.postPrependHeader);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postAppendHeader', Dsq.Templates.postAppendHeader);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('preBody', Dsq.Templates.preBody);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postBody', Dsq.Templates.postBody);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postFooter', Dsq.Templates.postFooter);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('_popupGeneric', Dsq.Templates._popupGeneric);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('voted', Dsq.Templates.voted);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('popupProfile', Dsq.Templates.popupProfile);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postBox', Dsq.Templates.postBox);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('pagination', Dsq.Templates.pagination);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postComment_onSuccess', Dsq.Templates.postComment_onSuccess);

})();

Dsq.container.className = "clearfix";
Dsq.container.innerHTML = ' \
<ul id="dsq-comments">\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307381">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307381" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307381" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307381">Eric</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307381" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307381" class="dsq-comment-message">Use the credit card to buy gift cards.  This only works if the surcharge does not apply to the gift card of course.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307382">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307382" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307382" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307382">pidgeon92</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307382" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307382" class="dsq-comment-message">I remember back before we started using credit cards extensively (early 80s) that all gas stations gave a "cash discount." I was very surprised when they dropped it. I am not surprised that they are bringing it back, particularly in the case of independent station owners, who don\'t make much off the sale of a gallon. What really surprises me are that there are still places where attendants have to pump the gas for you.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307383">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307383" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307383" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307383" href="http://www.thehappyrock.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Happy Rock</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307383" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307383" class="dsq-comment-message">The funny part is that most people spend way more money with credit cards.  From what I have read, that is why some many companies can charge the same price for cash and credit cards purchases.  The extra spending they receive on credit cards far exceeds the small percentage the credit cards fees take up.  Forking over 50 cash, versus swiping a card is a big psychological differences.<br><br>I will be putting this to a test personally with a cash only July, to see if I really will save 12-18%.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307384">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307384" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307384" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307384" href="http://www.cashmoneylife.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Patrick</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307384" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307384" class="dsq-comment-message">I noticed this when I was on vacation to CA about 2-3 years ago. The price differnece was about $.10 a gallon. I paid cash.<br><br>What I don\'t like about it is that I love pay at the pump - no lines, no hassles. :(<br><br>I guess that is another way to drive customers into the stores and get them to buy more snacks, cigarettes, etc.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307385">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307385" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307385" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307385">mapgirl</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307385" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307385" class="dsq-comment-message">I am surprised Jersey is doing this. I have to tell my parents because our gas station is close enough to Jersey that we lose a tiny slice of customers. (The crazy full-serve people)<br><br>Fascinating. I thought advertising like this was illegal because it was deceptive. I am also surprised that gas stations are still allowed to charge two prices. My parents don\'t and I highly doubt they will. (Prices are back below $3 in PA, DE, MD, and VA anyway.)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307386">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307386" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307386" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307386" href="http://homefinancefreedom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">J at IHB and HFF</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307386" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307386" class="dsq-comment-message">This is good news (the cash/credit difference, not the sign issue). The only reason I stopped paying cash was because the price advantage disappeared. Coincidentally, I am working on an article where I mentioned the old days of paying less for cash so now I have to update that part.<br><br>I received a server error so I am resubmitting this comment.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307387">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307387" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307387" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307387">kurt</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307387" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307387" class="dsq-comment-message">"I thought advertising like this was illegal because it was deceptive. "<br><br>I think as long as they advertise the higher price and charge a lower price for a cash transaction they are in the clear.  Seems reasonable to me.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307388">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307388" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307388" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307388" href="http://www.mynewchoice.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">My New Choice</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307388" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307388" class="dsq-comment-message">I too had thought this was an illegal practice and it does seem to be pushing the line if the large sign advertises the cash price but the pumps themselves list the credit price.<br><br>I\'ve been known to skip stations that advertise their price on the main sign being a discounted price if you purchase a car wash.  When I pull into a station, I would expect to pay the price that was displayed on the main sign.<br><br>I\'ll have to keep my eyes open here at our gas stations to see if there is any difference in the sign/pump prices.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307389">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307389" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307389" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307389" href="http://www.familyfinanceblog.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ian @ FamilyFinanceBlog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307389" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307389" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'ve noticed this popping up more in California, too. Just a year ago there were no stations with two price tiers, now there are a few that I know of. I\'m sad to see this myself since I use a 3% cash back card to get money back from the sale, and it\'s about awash with the cash/credit price difference. Hopefully my favorite stations will continue to be one price.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307390">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307390" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307390" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307390" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307390" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307390" class="dsq-comment-message">Patrick: In NJ it won\'t necessarily drive people into the stores to buy higher-profit-margin items because the attendants often take your cash right at the pump thanks to the full service requirement.<br><br>J: It\'s not a price advantage for cash -- cash prices are in line with the station\'s historical trend -- it\'s the credit card prices that jumped.  I guess it\'s just semantics, but it\'s important to note that there is *not* suddenly a "new discount" at these pumps.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307391">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307391" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307391" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307391" href="http://homefinancefreedom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">J at IHB and HFF</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307391" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307391" class="dsq-comment-message">Flexo, yes, I noticed from your first post that cash is the old combined price--for now--but in the long run credit-payers will become like bottled-water-buyers by bearing the profit burden for the cash-gas-payers (paying cash for gas is like only buying lost-leader sales items at the grocery store).</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307392">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307392" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307392" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307392">TK</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307392" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307392" class="dsq-comment-message">At least in busy places like grocery stores, it has been found that credit and debit cards take less time than cash or checks at the check out and thus save on labor costs and reduce customer annoyance from having to stand in long lines.  This would at least partly justify keeping the same price for credit cards as cash.  <br><br>But this might not hold true for gas stations that don\'t necessarily have long lines anyway.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307393">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307393" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307393" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307393">Bags</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307393" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307393" class="dsq-comment-message">I got caught by this same exact thing in NJ as well.  I didn\'t realize it until my tank was half filled and at that point it was too late.  Annoying thing is that I had the cash on me, but I just found it easier to pay with the card at the time and save the cash for a wedding later that night rather than having to hit up an ATM.<br><br>I don\'t mind gas stations doing this, but it should be made clear to the customer rather than using deceptive advertising.  In defense of the gas station they did have the credit price on the main board as well, but the cash/credit part was tiny and in odd placement and I just assumed the prices were the usual regular/plus/premium prices.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307394">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307394" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307394" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307394" href="http://money.kevingunn.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kevin</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307394" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307394" class="dsq-comment-message">My understanding is that this practice went away because credit card companies began enforcing their contracts with the stations.  When you contract to accept Visa or Mastercard you have to agree NOT to charge higher prices to consumers.  You can get your ability to handle credit cards revoked for this kind of nonsense -- unless something has suddenly changed and Visa/Mastercard doesn\'t mind retailers discouraging the use of credit cards.  How likely is that?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307395">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307395" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307395" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307395" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307395" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307395" class="dsq-comment-message">Kevin: The stations get around this regulation by calling the credit card price the "real" price and then offering a cash "discount."  The only problem is they\'re advertising the "discounted" price on their huge signs.  But I still don\'t see why Visa/Mastercard lets them get away with the practice, as it\'s effectively the same thing.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307396">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307396" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307396" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307396">kurt</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307396" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307396" class="dsq-comment-message">According to the TOS for mastercard (too lazy to look up visa) it is okay to offer a "discount" for cash payers.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307397">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307397" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307397" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307397">Neely O&#39;Hara</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307397" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307397" class="dsq-comment-message">&gt;&gt;What really surprises me are that there are still places where attendants have to pump the gas for you.<br><br>LOL -- one place anyway -- it\'s called "New Jersey"</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307398">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307398" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307398" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307398" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307398" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307398" class="dsq-comment-message">I passed two <i>different</i> Valeros yesterday, and they have changed their big signs to advertise the CASH price for regular unleaded in the top position and the CREDIT price for regular unleaded in the second position (where the price for plus unleaded used to be).<br><br>I haven\'t passed my regular station yet -- and I probably won\'t again as I am moving.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307399">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307399" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307399" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307399">Ted</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307399" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307399" class="dsq-comment-message">What\'s eating into your pocket in NJ is those unnecessary labor union gas attendants.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307400">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307400" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307400" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307400" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307400" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307400" class="dsq-comment-message">Ted: are you sure?  Gas prices in NJ are among the lowest in the country, and as far as I know, gas attendants in this country are not unionized.  I\'d welcome any evidence otherwise, however.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307403">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307403" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307403" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307403" href="http://homefinancefreedom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">J at IHB and HFF</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307403" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307403" class="dsq-comment-message">Flexo wrote, "I havenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t passed my regular station yetÃ¢â‚¬â€?and I probably wonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t again as I am moving."<br><br>Might that be overreacting to the sign placement?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307404">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307404" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307404" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307404">Marcy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307404" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307404" class="dsq-comment-message">Here in the MD suburbs of DC there is a chain of stations (FREESTATE) that only takes cash and is the low price leader in the area.  The lines to gas up and/or pay are always long on the weekends, although mid-day during the week is fine.  Pricing for these stations is consistently 3-7 cents less than the stations 1/4 mile down the block that take credit cards for regular unleaded.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307405">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307405" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307405" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307405" href="http://homefinancefreedom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">J at IHB and HFF</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307405" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307405" class="dsq-comment-message">Marcy, that is a good point and reminds me of another point:  In the old days, after the cash/credit difference first disappeared, I used to seek the stations that had the old pumps where you needed an attendant to process your card, because the stations with the fancy self-swipe pumps were naturally getting their customers to pay for the high-tech pumps with higher gas prices.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307406">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307406" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307406" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307406" href="http://unfaircreditcardfees.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Interrobanger</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307406" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307406" class="dsq-comment-message">No question the gas station owner is trying to steer the consumer away from credit cards -- you sound a bit skeptical about the owners motives, but this is part of a much larger fight between merchants and the  banks issuing credit cards. See this newspaper column, "Credit card interchange fee outrageous" for one explanation.<br><br>I consult for the Merchants Payments Coalition on the issue, and they\'ve got a lot more information about this up at their website, <a href="http://UnfairCreditCardFees.com" rel="nofollow">UnfairCreditCardFees.com</a>.<br><br>Long story short: Merchants aren\'t the bad guys here. They\'re just trying to keep their heads above water, and while they watch profit margins narrow, the banks\' profit margins thanks to the interchange fee keep going up and up.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307407">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307407" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307407" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307407" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307407" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307407" class="dsq-comment-message">?!er: I\'m aware of the slim profit margins for the owners, but the merchants are not free and clear of deceptive practices.  Either raise all prices to compensate for the low profit margin, or advertise the CREDIT price (non-discounted) on the large signs that draw people into the stations.  When Station A is (inappropriately) advertising their lower cash-only price reflecting the "cash discount" (say $2.80), and the Station B across the street is advertising their price for all transactions (say $2.85), you pull into Station A for their lower price, and once the gas is being pumped you realize Station A\'s *real* "non-discount" price is $2.88, you\'ve been a victim of deceptive advertising.  You have to be observant if you\'ve been used to paying credit cards for all transactions, but you shouldn\'t have to be, you should be able to compare apples with apples.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307408">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307408" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307408" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307408">Andrew</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307408" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307408" class="dsq-comment-message">Visa rules are available here:<br><br><a href="http://usa.visa.com/download/merchants/rules_for_visa_merchants.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://usa.visa.com/download/merchants/rules_fo...</a><br><br>Surcharge rules are on page 15.<br><br>I believe that what this particular station is doing violates these rules, as it is stated that the cash discount offer must be clearly disclosed.<br><br>Also: If credit card interchange fees are eating up so much of the merchant\'s profit, switch to debit only! It\'s a flat fee instead of the fee-plus-percentage of a credit card.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307409">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307409" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307409" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307409">DK</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307409" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307409" class="dsq-comment-message">But you forget - a debit card means you have to actually have money in your checking account to pay for the gas.<br><br>This means 90%+ of Americans couldn\'t use this option ;-)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307410">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307410" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307410" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307410" href="http://foobarista.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Foobarista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307410" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307410" class="dsq-comment-message">The problem is that, ironically, the more expensive gas is, the less money most gas stations make.  Gas stations make most of their money by sales at the mini-mart or from car wash sales.  They typically make a fixed amount per gallon of gas, whether the gas sells for $1/gal or $4/gal.  But at $4/gal, the CC merchant fees eat far more of their (fixed) profit than at $1/gal - and people are much less likely to buy a Coke if they just caughed up $75 to fill up their truck...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307411">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307411" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307411" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307411" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307411" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307411" class="dsq-comment-message">Foobarista: As I\'ve said, while I feel somewhat sorry for the station owners\' plight as gas prices rise, it\'s not an excuse for advertising only the "discounted" cash price.  The bottom line is that if I want the best price, I\'m going to start having to carry much more cash than I normally would, and be more discerning about the stations I frequent.  I still find the practice of charging cash customers one price and credit customers another price inappropriate (raise all prices is the credit card fees eat too much into profits) AND don\'t use misleading advertising.  If it is truly a cash DISCOUNT as required by the merchant agreement, list the regular credit card price.<br><br>If this type of advertising was truly allowed, gas stations could offer gas at $1 a gallon with a $30 car wash, and list the price on the sign as $1.00 for regular unleaded.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307412">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307412" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307412" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307412" href="http://homefinancefreedom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">J at IHB and HFF</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307412" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307412" class="dsq-comment-message">Flexo said, "If this type of advertising was truly allowed, gas stations could offer gas at $1 a gallon with a $30 car wash, and list the price on the sign as $1.00 for regular unleaded."<br><br>I like 1 penny per gallon with a $3 per gallon pump rental.  If the total was competitive, I would buy that guy\'s gas for his creativity.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307413">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307413" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307413" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307413">SteveC</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307413" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307413" class="dsq-comment-message">This just happened to me yesterday.  I agree that you are used to seeing the 2nd price on the sign as the next grade gasoline and not a "credit card" price.  This is just wrong - it should be more clear.  I was half-tanked before I noticed the difference.  My wife went back to her credit card receipt and noticed a 6-cent/gallon charge.<br><br>NJ Officials certainly did not to a good job informing consumers that this was coming.<br><br>Finally, with cash, there is almost never a receipt.  It is easier to hide cash sales and cheat the Government.<br><br>Never again will I go to Valero....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307414">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307414" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307414" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307414" href="http://myjottingz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">C.G.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307414" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307414" class="dsq-comment-message">Hi,<br><br>I am so glad you raised this issue. I have had this happened at a Valero gas station. They do not display the price for using a credit card and you find out only if you look at figures when the guy is pumping which is how I caught this.<br><br>So how do I beat this, well simple, avoid Valero!<br><br>Once people stop coming they will stop deceiving the customer.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307415">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307415" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307415" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307415">sammy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307415" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307415" class="dsq-comment-message">i see not many of people here are getting the actual point, "hiding gas sale has never happened and do not need to be hiden"  you are probably thinking tax but goverment charge merchant tax on per gal  which is .44 cents a gallon before its even delivered to the gas station.  and credit card fees are normaly 2 to 3 % + 10 to 25cents per transaction  so do the cal  for every gal merchange will pay minimum of 10+9 = 19cents per gal if gas price is $3 per gal, so in reality they can offer 6 - 9 cents and be able to stay in market with bigger companies.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307416">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307416" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307416" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307416">Laney</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307416" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307416" class="dsq-comment-message">I went to the gas station this morning, Garden State Fuel on Rt. 130 in Bordentown, NJ, and their sign displays the cash price as well. When you pull up to the pump, they display both cash and credit. The attendant atleast let me know that since I would be paying with credit, I would be charged a different price. I was blown away and can\'t even believe this is LEGAL!<br>And for all of you who aren\'t from New Jersey, we DO have one of the lowest gas price averages in the US. On average, we\'re $0.10 cheaper than PA alone.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307417">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307417" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307417" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307417">dave</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307417" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307417" class="dsq-comment-message">I had the same experience last month on Rt 27. There are an Valero Gas Station and a BP Gas Station. Since I was used to go to the Valero Gas Station to fill my car, and the BP station and the Valero station showed the same price on their roadside sign, I went to the Valero station, and you  know what happened next: I was charged about 6 cent higher per gallon than the price listed on the road side sign. I felt that it was kind of deception going on there. Later I filed a complaint about this to State Office of Weights and Measures. The office sent a person to investigate the issue. Today I got reply from the office saying the Valero station is in compliance. So if you feel you\'ve been treated badly by Valero, you need to file complaints to the Office, and talk to your senators. See the <a href="http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/announcements/press/release.asp?Month=5&amp;PressReleaseKey=916" rel="nofollow">link</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307418">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307418" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307418" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307418">JJ</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307418" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307418" class="dsq-comment-message">Obviously the one way to combat the practice is to NOT support that station.  Drive to one that has one price.  Boycott Valero!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307419">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307419" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307419" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307419">Floridian</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307419" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307419" class="dsq-comment-message">You might want to check your state\'s laws.  The laws of several states have laws against surcharges for using plastic to pay for products &amp; services.  Florida\'s law specifies that it\'s a 2nd degree misdemeanor to do so.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307420">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307420" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307420" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307420" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307420" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307420" class="dsq-comment-message">Floridian: In some cases, merchants are able to get around that law by declaring that the lower cash price is a "discount" from the regular price.  The question then is whether they, in the case of gas stations, can advertise their "discounted" price to compete with other stations, and by the time you pull into the station and notice that you\'re bing charged more, drivers may not be motivated to pull away and find another station.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307421">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307421" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307421" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307421">San</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307421" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307421" class="dsq-comment-message">Where I live in Southern California, there are two stations that advertise dual pricing: the first is now a Chevron, the other is a Valero (though the only Valero in town to do so). Both have large signs advertising both prices.<br><br>Remember though, it costs now about 9 cents a gallon to process your credit card, by which point the station makes maybe a nickel GROSS per gallon sold.<br><br>The minority of sales and majority of profits are from non-gas sales.<br><br>Personally, I now usually fill up at one of the Arco\'s (BP). Cash or debit only, 45 cent charge for debit.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307422">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307422" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307422" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307422">jack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307422" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307422" class="dsq-comment-message">iam a gas station owner and here are the facts. because the consumer likes to use credit cards how do you thing the cc company makes their millions. thats right by charging to merchants. here is the break down. mc/visa charge 2.5% plus a .35 cents transaction fee amer.express charges 3.1% plus a .35 cents transaction fee you do the math on how much it costs a gas station. when gas was a dollar we made 10 cents a gallon and when gas went to 3.00 dollors we still make 10 cents. when you buy $35.00 in gas on your ax it costs us $1.43 in fees. thats aprox. 12 gallons @ .10 profit. that gives us a loss of .23 cents</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307423">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307423" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307423" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307423" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307423" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307423" class="dsq-comment-message">Jack: Thanks for sharing the info on the fees.  There\'s no denying credit card companies are making massive profits through these fees.  It\'s not an excuse for some gas stations to use deceptive advertising.  <br><br>I drove past the original gas station this past weekend and noticed their large sign was changed to include the cash price for regular unleaded in the top position and the credit price for regular unleaded in the second position where the "plus" price used to be.  It\'s hard to see that one price is cash and the other is credit until you pull into the station.  Also, I still maintain that charging more for a credit card transaction is a violation of the credit cards\' terms of service, even if you call it a "cash discount." On the signs, it is the top price that is compared when choosing a station.  You don\'t know that you\'re comparing apples and oranges until you pull into the station.  <br><br>Regulators confirmed that this practice is okay -- so as consumers, it\'s something we\'ll have to look out for.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307424">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307424" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307424" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307424">Adam Richards</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307424" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307424" class="dsq-comment-message">This is not a problem in NJ. From what I have seen, these Valero and the independents who may offer a discount for cash are within the consumer protection laws for posted prices.  Look it up.<br>Full serve (best called mini-serve) is consumer-friendly, fast, safe, secure, compfortable convenience mandated and VERY popular ... certainly not "crazy" when you consider New Jersey consistently ranks among the states with the LOWEST average price for regular gasoline, and is often the second or third lowest.  That "attendant-only pumps the gas" law promotes greater competition.  The law is good for the local and state economies (payroll taxes, employment, etc.), and gas statin attendants do nopt belong to a union.  This is a law with overwhelming bi-partisan support in the state.  Get your facts straight.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307425">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307425" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307425" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307425">TT</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307425" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307425" class="dsq-comment-message">Flexo,<br><br>Can you mention any commercial that is not deceptive. The credit card companies T&amp;Cs (terms of services) that you defend so much  have the most deceptive ads possible by mentioning low transfer fees, low introductory APRs, then in very little character fonts all the penalties and fees for the following years. Were these clearly visible at first ? No.   <br>I guess you do not yet a merchant business, otherwise you would even "love" more these credit card companies.  Most of you here want to boycott gas station merchants but none want to boycott legal racketers and rippers off namely credit card companies. Of course you cannot understand that point of view as long as you are just comsumers and not retailers.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307426">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307426" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307426" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307426" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307426" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307426" class="dsq-comment-message">TT: I am no fan of credit card companies, either, and I don\'t defend them when they are deceptive.  You can\'t excuse retailers for being deceptive by saying, "But the credit card companies do it, too."  I deal with merchant accounts so I understand the retailer\'s point of view.  I also understand that gas stations are working with razor-thin profit margins.  The problem here is that customers have been led to expect street advertising from gas stations that includes the regular, "plus," and "super" prices for a gallon of gasoline.  When a gas station suddenly changes that or advertises a "cash-discounted" price as the standard, the customer cannot make a fair comparison from the street.<br><br>I\'ve simply stopped going to Valero because of this.  They\'ve changed their signs since then, but I want to pay by credit card to earn rewards and to keep my wallet free of dollar bills, and whether or not they\'re advertising deceptively still -- most of the stations I\'ve seen have changed their signs to show "cash" and "credit," though it still looks as if the two prices are "regular" and "plus" -- there\'s no reason for me to pay more than I can at other stations.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307427">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307427" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307427" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307427">Winning Bucks</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307427" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307427" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey Happy Rock, did you get your discount when paying cash in July?  Do you live in Jersey.  I have a bet going with my girlfriend that you don\'t get a discount when paying for cash (she says you do), but we live in Ohio (the bet didn\'t specify what state).</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307428">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307428" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307428" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307428">Believe in Cash</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307428" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307428" class="dsq-comment-message">Credit Cards are not money.  It is a convinience that is given to a buyer.  Now if you are being charged to use that convience, it is ok.  Or you can carry some Real Money in your pocket for change, instead of making the Credit Card company rich.  Believe in Cash, it is as good as Gold.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307429">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307429" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307429" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307429">Mike</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307429" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307429" class="dsq-comment-message">Does anyone know what the law is for Texas as far as not advertising a price differance for credit cards vs cash? And are visa/mc check cards treated like cash or credit?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307434">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307434" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307434" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307434">kimberley</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307434" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307434" class="dsq-comment-message">Actually, it *is* illegal to have a lower price and charge more when a credit card is used.  It is ONLY considered a cash discount when the price normally charged is discounted once cash is presented.  The cash discount cannot be a discount from the credit card price--if that makes sense.<br><br>In other words, the price is the assumed "regular" price for everyone, therefore it should be the advertised price.  If there is a discount on that price, the regular price should still be advertised for everyone, though you could also advertise a cash discount along with it.<br><br>Advertising only a "discount" price IS deceitful, and is not in accordance with Truth in Advertising laws.  Unfortunately, too many consumers are ignorant to this fact, so it goes unreported more often than not.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307435">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307435" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307435" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307435">JIM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307435" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307435" class="dsq-comment-message">I pay cash anyway its a lot better to pay in cash because you can see what you are paying. I always spend $40 on gas and then I can use the best option for the carwash, I use the air vaccum, I buy 10 snickers bars and I buy 24 pepsi cans for less than $20. And that $20 make me feel better than the $40 on just gas.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307436">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307436" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307436" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307436">John</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307436" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307436" class="dsq-comment-message">I pay everything in cash</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307437">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307437" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307437" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307437">Matt</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307437" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307437" class="dsq-comment-message">Actually, I think this is a violation of Mastercard\'s terms of service, and you can complain here:<br><br><a href="http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contactus/merchantviolations.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contac...</a><br><br>One of their complaint categories is: "The merchant/retailer is adding a charge for using your MasterCard card."<br><br>I was just at a gas station in State College PA (the Shell at 1282 N Atherton) which advertised 3.15 on the big roadside sign, but charged 3.23 at the pump for credit, with a sign saying "8 cent discount inside for cash or shell card payments"</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307438">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307438" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307438" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307438">Champaklal</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307438" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307438" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'ve boycotted Valero because of this... A few times I didn\'t realize that they were charging me a lot of surcharge just for using my credit card.  I fought (in vain) for misleading the customers.  Since then (4 months ago) I\'ve stopped using Valero.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307439">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307439" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307439" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307439">John</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307439" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307439" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank you for that Mastercard "report violations" link Matt.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307440">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307440" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307440" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307440">Deutsch 65</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307440" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307440" class="dsq-comment-message">People, you have to remember NJ and Oregon are the only states by law that requires service gas.  Mr. (comment 59) Champakal, all other states I have seen gas charge more for service gas pumping then self serviced.   I have heard and saw a publication some where that gas stations are charged 5 to 7 cents more per gallon for serviced pumping.  Reason,  extra credit charges by gas companies to gas station francise owner.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307441">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307441" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307441" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307441" href="http://www.muychingon.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Oscar</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307441" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307441" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree with the last point of the article. The advertised price should be the one for credit. I just had a sour experience with a Shell station (see my site - <a href="http://www.muychingon.com/2008/02/05/shady-shell-practices-buyer-beware/" rel="nofollow">http://www.muychingon.com/2008/02/05/shady-shel...</a>) where I didn\'t see the sign for cash or credit until I had already paid. On top of that, the signs that you actually see from the street are all the ones with the "cash" prices. And the small sign that specifies "cash" or "credit" is very small, unlit and basically out of sight.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307442">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307442" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307442" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307442">tony</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307442" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307442" class="dsq-comment-message">I suspect Valero of watering the fuel and diesel . Who can I report this to t get a sample ?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307443">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307443" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307443" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307443">Javahut</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307443" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307443" class="dsq-comment-message">I went to a BP station in FL and diesel on the sign said it was $4.05.  I go to the pump swipe my card and next thing I know I am being charged $4.10!  I go to complain and the lady tells me this is perfectly legal to do.  One problem, I told my wife what happened, she did a little research and infact what they are doing is illegal.  There are no signs siginfying a price difference.  The BP gas station is in violation of both VISA &amp; MASTERCARD Rules along with Florida State Statue 501.0117, which is a second degree misdemeanor.  I am going back with my documented info and requesting my money back.  If they don\'t want to comply I am sure the state and the credit card companies will be quite interested in my findings.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307444">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307444" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307444" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307444">Jackie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307444" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307444" class="dsq-comment-message">I also have a concern about the misleading prices at gas stations. If they want our business I think they should be upfront and advertise which prices are for cash and which are for credit. This is a criteria I use when I go to fill my tank since I do not usually carry a lot of cash but at the same time want to make a good decision of what price gas I want to put in my vehicle. I think it is false advertising and it should be illegal to do. It is not just Valero it is a variety of different companies.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307445">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307445" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307445" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307445">Anne</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307445" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307445" class="dsq-comment-message">I live in Westchester County and have a Lukoil station right near me.  They always pumped the gas and now became a self service station.  They also charge 5 cents more a gallon for credit cards.  I have been told it is illegal to do that.  Any further comments.  I haven\'t read anything so far that says it is illegal.  It is not shown on their signs that there is a price difference.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307446">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307446" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307446" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307446">teresa262</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307446" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307446" class="dsq-comment-message">I just came across the double charging, and let me tell you, I am livid.  I live in michigan and was just reading on the michigan.gov website about the breakdown of charges that make up the gas price.  Funny, in michigan everyone is already charged 4 cents per gallon for credit card transactions.  So how can they legally charge even more on top of that.  I have written my govenor and hope to hear a response.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307447">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307447" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307447" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307447">visitor</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307447" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307447" class="dsq-comment-message">Merchants have a federally protected right to offer lower prices on cash items.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307448">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307448" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307448" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307448">reference</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307448" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307448" class="dsq-comment-message">Please provide a reference.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307449">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307449" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307449" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307449">speedytax</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307449" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307449" class="dsq-comment-message">Average crdit card fees are 2.2% price of the gas. Which means they are at par with gross profit of the gasoline. Average station runs at 8-9 cents over the year per gallon. Credit cards fees are more than that now in Florida. Not to mention, everytime someone uses papertowels, it is about a penny each. There is no way merchants are going to survive, unless, there is dual pricing, and yes it should be displayed as to one should know what they are paying. I am just a small dealer, and I know my days are numbered along with my investment. The only model will survive in long run is no attendants, no help, no water squeeze, and anyone to give help like at big box.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307450">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307450" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307450" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307450">smart11972</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307450" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307450" class="dsq-comment-message">you people are all clueless.  The reason for the higher credit card price is that the credit card companies are raping the gas stations.  Do you realize that the credit card company makes more $ per gallon than the gas station.  Americans are so stupid, and this is because they don\'t use cash.  The credit card company rule is that you cannot charge more for using credit cards, but you ARE allowed to give a discount for cash, and that is how the gas stations have outsmarted the big credit card companies.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307451">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307451" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307451" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307451">Cheryl</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307451" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307451" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey, smart11972...spoken like a true deceptive service station owner!!!  I don\'t think the issue is with the difference in price...it is with the deceptive advertising.  The station should state on their signs Cash/Credit pricing.  Also, I can see when credit card companies charge fees, but I use my ATM card...no fees associated there!  Who drives around with an extra $100 in their pocket???<br><br><br>BTW...It\'s illegal and it\'s called "Full Disclosure":<br><br>June 7, 2007 <br>Contact: Senate Republican Office / 609-292-5199<br>Senator Diane Allen (R-7) Allen Legislation to Protect Consumers Against Inflated Gas PricesSenator Diane Allen (R-7) introduced legislation today to protect consumers from price gouging and false advertising by gas stations.  The two bills would establish new penalties for violating the law.<br>The first bill provides that if a gas station charges two different prices for cash or credit card they must advertise both prices on their signs.   The second bill would clarify the existing law that does not allow gas stations to change their prices more than once in a 24 hour period.  This legislation will allow a gas station to lower their gasoline prices at any time in a 24 hour period without penalty.<br>“Some of my constituents have complained that they’ve seen one price advertised on a sign, and when they paid with a credit card and got their receipt they discovered they paid a lot more for using a credit card,” said Allen.  “This practice violates customer trust and should be against the law in New Jersey.”<br>A gas station that violates the price clarification would be liable for a penalty of $5,000 for each violation, and could also face other penalties.<br>“We to want make sure that when customers go to fill up their cars and trucks that gasoline stations are providing full disclosure,” added Allen.  “Furthermore, if gas station owners feel they can lower their price and be more competitive, why should we stop them?  It just makes sense to encourage lower gas prices.”</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307452">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307452" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307452" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307452">Plustick</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307452" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307452" class="dsq-comment-message">This is a rip off to the public.  They can call it a discount but, it is really a service charge to use a credit card.  I suggest anyone who would pay with cash, should use single dollar bills or better yet, use change, a lot of change that has been prepared in advance.  Once it becomes a burden to visit a bank several times a day, the service charge will stop.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307454">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307454" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307454" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307454">GasPrice1</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307454" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307454" class="dsq-comment-message">Not trying to be critical, or show that I know it all, just figured I would point out that the term is actually "loss leader", not "lost leader"...meaning a company takes a loss on one product or service to get people in the store etc. so they buy other things that they hope will exceed the loss.  Again, not telling you this in a bad way.  Have a good day.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307455">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307455" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307455" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307455" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307455" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307455" class="dsq-comment-message">Hi GasPrice1: I don\'t see where anyone wrote "lost leader." Must have been somewhere else.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307456">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307456" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307456" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307456">Kurt</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307456" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307456" class="dsq-comment-message">Flexo, see comment 11.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307457">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307457" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307457" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307457" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307457" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307457" class="dsq-comment-message">Kurt: Got it. Thanks.  :-) Never mind, back to your regularly scheduled whatever.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307458">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307458" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307458" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307458">Chris</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307458" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307458" class="dsq-comment-message">I never use a credit card but I do use my debit card always because I never know how much Cash to have on hand to fill my tank.  But because debits are handled as credit cards the "discount" does not apply to me.<br><br>Personally I think this is a despicable practice!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307459">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307459" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307459" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307459">j-anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307459" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307459" class="dsq-comment-message">Price advertised should reflect price charged.  Period.  File complaints with proper authorities.  Use your consumer power to boycott the stations that do this and they will take notice.  Either they fight for you business or go out of business.<br><br>Let\'s put another spin on this...the amount that gas stations pay for their gas is based on market posted prices.  They all basically pay the same and must then set a price to compete for your business.  Margins are slim and competition is tough.  Eating into the amount that customers like you and I pay for gas includes credit card fees.  Offering discounts for those paying with cash helps these merchants stay in business.  <br><br>Visa/MC/Amex/Discover, etc all make money two-fold on these deals:  the fees charged to the merchants and the fees that you pay when you run a balance month to month.  Chew on that for awhile.  It\'s a win-win for them.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307460">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307460" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307460" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307460">cindy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307460" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307460" class="dsq-comment-message">Some stations here in South Jersey are doing it as well. I have seen Citgo and one called Pioneer, which is a local "generic" in my opinion. They list both on the sign, but my friends and I have been caught by it assuming it was the usual reg, premium, super listing and not seeing the tiny "cash" "credit" words. <br><br>It does seem to be a "discount" for the moment as these stations are cheaper for "cash" than the local one-price Wawa and Sunoco, but the credit price is about 2 cents higher than the local average.<br><br>My son just got a Wawa credit card. He gets 10% rebate on gaspurchases for the first 90 days and 4% after that. It is given to you in the form of a wawa gift card.  Great deal and he is just 18. (tiny credit limit). I go there a lot for gas and might consider it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307461">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307461" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307461" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307461">Vin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307461" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307461" class="dsq-comment-message">Flexos comment is right.<br>They can\'t tack on a surcharge to the final price because you are using a credit card (that part is law). But they can give a discount off the final price if you use cash, They can swing it as a coupon, the same way you have coupons like Lowes 10 of 25 which is only valid if you use a VISA card. As a business owner I am glad that this is starting to happen. As for America Express our business outright refuse to accept it. Our profit isn\'t that big, the CC don\'t pay rent, don\'t contribute to my local community like I do, don\'t have the expense of consumables like I do so why give them my profit?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307462">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307462" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307462" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307462" href="http://www.topwaystosave.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anonymous</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307462" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307462" class="dsq-comment-message">I pulled up at to US Gas in town when I saw the price on the billboard. When I got out to pump, it was about 5 cents more per gallon.  I got back in the car and drove to the next gas station.  It was about the same price at the other gas station, but I didn\'t like feel duped by the the lower advertised "cash only " price.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307463">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307463" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307463" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307463">Sue</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307463" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307463" class="dsq-comment-message">This happened to me just this morning 6/27/08.  To say I\'m upset is putting it lightly.  I have gone to this local gas stations for years.  The gentleman that pumps the gas has always been courteous and pleasant.  This morning he asked if I was paying cash and of course I wasn\'t but I had never been asked that before.  He then pointed to the sign that was then going to charge me 9 cents more per gallon for using my debit/credit card.  Now, if that had always been the policy I would have been preparedm it wasn\'t the policy last Thursday but now it appears that it is.  I said to the attendant.  Is this legal? and with that out from the bay came another man, HIM I wouldn\'t call a gentleman.  He was rude, and told me to go somewhere else if I didn\'t like it.  I told him "Welcome to America" where I can get raped by the big oil companies, overseas companies and my local company all in one day.  I was also rude and left after paying the self-imposed raping fee.  I will not go back.  I\'m so angry that 3 hours later I\'m still hanging onto it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307464">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307464" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307464" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307464" href="http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">mapgirl</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307464" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307464" class="dsq-comment-message">Interesting. I have recently found out in DC the "Lowest Price" gas stations take cash only. To compete, a Citgo across the street charges two prices. Cash to match the Lowest Price store and then a charge price. This takes me back to the \'70\'s when this was much more common.<br><br>I guess these days are coming back all over the east coast. The question is, is this a national trend?<br><br>Perhaps Valero and the Citgo have different merchant agreements which allow the price discrimination between payment types?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307465">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307465" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307465" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307465">Kate</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307465" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307465" class="dsq-comment-message">I saw Cindy said something about Wawa\'s credit cards. I just wanted to point out that it is Wawa\'s national policy is to charge the same rate for cash or credit. <br><br>Even when buying with cash I usually go out of my way to find companies that have the same price for cash or credit. It only seems fair. (Wawa happens to be my favorite)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307466">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307466" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307466" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307466">Janet</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307466" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307466" class="dsq-comment-message">I was completely disgusted when my "cheap" NJ gas station all of a sudden had a cash price and a credit price, and of course I found out 2 seconds after he programed the pump for credit not even allowing me to switch to cash. What\'s this cash discount I\'m reading about? I\'ve NEVER seen that in the 16 years I\'ve been driving. I actually called my VISA card and they told me that merchants do reserve the right to pass on the cost that the credit companies charge them. Why all of a sudden? It\'s this whole gas mess! I don\'t feel sorry for anyone but us consumers. Everyone else can figure a way to absorb extra costs and probably even wind up with a profit. Gee, wouldn\'t be nice for our employers to say "We\'re increasing your salary to accomodate your increasing expences." Another point, I don\'t like carrying a lot of cash on me so I always use credit and enjoy the cash back rewards for paying it off monthly. Now, I\'m going to have to make sure I have at least $70 on me at all times so I don\'t get screwed at the pump. Gas stations should not be allowed to do this. It\'s just WRONG!!!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307467">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307467" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307467" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307467">Kirk4Life</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307467" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307467" class="dsq-comment-message">I just pulled into a Valero in Rancho Cucamonga, CA where the sign on the highway read $4.39/gal. After I got ready to pump the gas using my Discover card (because they have 5% rebate on gas purchases from July to Sept.), I noticed the price for credit was $4.53. I got back in my car and left.<br><br>As I was leaving, Valero had a sign advertising a Valero credit card that will save you .10/gal.<br><br>LOL - The jacked up price is .14/gal. higher for credit!<br><br>I rarely carry cash any more, I\'ve always thought electronic transactions were the preferred method of payment these days. 1 step forward, 2 steps back.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307468">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307468" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307468" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307468">NM156</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307468" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307468" class="dsq-comment-message">In accordance with credit card rules for merchants you can not charge a customer a fee for using credit cards.<br><br>Gas stations do not offer a discounts for cash, they charge a higher price for credit cards. In some states this practice is against the law.<br>But dont expect any of these useless lawmakers/enforcers to do anything about it , unless it actually affects them.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307469">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307469" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307469" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307469">STR</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307469" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307469" class="dsq-comment-message">On Monday night, 7/7/2008, I too noticed for the very first time that a BP on Route 27 near Rocky Hill (NJ) has 2 prices for gas. I\'ve been using my BP card for years at another local BP station, and there were never 2 prices.  Yes, I HAVE A BP CARD and they still charged me the HIGHER PRICE. <br><br>Discount my foot! It\'s a way to pass along the costs...or a way to maintain current profit levels...or a way to ripoff consumers. And yes, everyone but an employee can \'pass along the high cost of gasoline. grrrrrrrrrr.<br>Wait! <br>Maybe I can tell my employer that I have to increase my salary to cover the higher cost of gasoline which has increased my transportation costs!  (Sheeeee-eeeeet.)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307470">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307470" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307470" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307470">mjdol</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307470" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307470" class="dsq-comment-message">I heard that the credit card companies take up to 3 % (12 cents a gallon on $4 a gallon gas!) for every gallon of gas sold and the average profit for gas before fees was ony 12 to 14 cents.  CNN reported that a typical gas station made only $60 a day selling gas...seems like a lot work for little money.  It appears Visa and Master Card are getting rich, not the folks selling gas!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307471">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307471" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307471" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307471">mikep</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307471" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307471" class="dsq-comment-message">Is it cheaper to withdrawl cash from an ATM with the fee than to just buy the gas with the credit card?????</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307472">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307472" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307472" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307472">STR</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307472" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307472" class="dsq-comment-message">The BP station (which just a month ago was a no-name station) on Route 27 near the intersection of Route 518 (Kendall Park) is charging a higher price for using a credit card...even a BP CREDIT CARD! (But the BP station just north of them in North Brunswick which has been there forever and a day, isn\'t doing that.) Oh, and one day the one in Kendall Park also \'ran out\' of gas, except for the highest priced formula. (Riiiiiiiight). Be careful of the Kendall Park BP. Personally, I don\'t trust them so I won\'t patronize them.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307473">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307473" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307473" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307473">Steve</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307473" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307473" class="dsq-comment-message">People - wake up and realize the obvious here.  I don\'t care how they want to call it  - these are NOT "cash discounts" - they are merely a deceptive description for what they really are - credit card surcharges - and some are now running as much as 15 to 30 cents per gallon.  Do the math - that\'s an extra $20-30 /month on average.  I can remember back in the \'80s when Getty proudly touted "Same Price Cash or Credit" at their pumps, and had ads attacking competitors who charged extra for using credit cards (Shell was one practicing this disguised as "Pay Cash and Save" - while they didn\'t even have to post the credit prices!)  The ad compared the practice to a restaurant charging extra for a customer using a credit card to pay for a meal. The outrage practically made this injustice disappear by the end of the 80\'s, but with merchants losing profits with today\'s gas prices, it has crept back into play.  Given $4+/gal, who\'s really going to have $75 or more in cash on them when they fill up ... unless they run to the ATM beforehand.  What also bothers me is that there is no law nationwide to clearly post both cash and credit prices, should the stations choose to do this.  And those stations who force customers to pay "cash only" better be fully insured - as they will become obvious targets for robberies.  I don\'t have a Getty station in my area, but if they are still around (they\'re being rebranded as Lukoil nationwide) I\'d like to know if they are continuing their practice of charging the same price, cash or credit - and if they are, perhaps rolling out those old ads from the \'80s would help curb this injustice once again.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307474">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307474" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307474" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307474">Jon</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307474" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307474" class="dsq-comment-message">I admit that i\'m not the sharpest tool in the shed, but i seem to recall in the history books that we left England on of items very simular to this. I am not saying that we over throw the government, but i do think that we, the people of this country, should be on the phones, e-mails, snail mail, what ever it takes to let our so called reprensitives know that we are not happy with the job they are doing. If we worked like they do we would be fired.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307475">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307475" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307475" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307475">anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307475" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307475" class="dsq-comment-message">Merchants are absolutely delusional if they think that credit cards are "hurting" their business!  The amount of business that is attributable to people using the "convenience" of credit cards far outweighs any loss due to CC fees.  At one point, my favorite gas station (low price, close to home) started claiming that their credit card machine was "broken" when I asked them to "fill-it-up" with premium.  I said, "Okay, then just give me $5 worth of gas."  The attendant (yes, I live in NJ) said "You would fill it up with credit card?"  I said yes and all of a sudden, their credit card machine was no longer "broken".  Merchants have to accept the fact that credit card fees are all part of the cost of doing business.  If they dislike credit card fees so much, there is a simple solution, stop accepting credit cards!  And watch yourself go out of business!  The only reason that credit card companies get away with charging the fees that they do is because merchants cannot afford to not accept credit cards because of the impact it wouldhave on their business.  Good or bad, personal debt is what our economy relies on!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307476">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307476" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307476" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307476">J. Schmidt</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307476" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307476" class="dsq-comment-message">I am surprised at how many fear mongers are out there rearing their ugly heads. I do not work for an oil company, a convenience gas station, or for a credit card company. However, I feel compelled to state the obviously absent facts here. <br>I do own a small automotive service business and we have been reeling from the increases in credit card processing fees in the past couple of years. We spend on average, between $500-$900 every month, in credit card fees. <br>Now, from our perspective, the 45% of our customers who pay with cash or check, or even low cost debit cards, are going to have to pay higher prices, just as those paying with credit cards will, because we need to raise our labor rates to cover the ever increasing costs of doing business, specifically the costs associated with increases in credit card usage. Is that fair? <br>If I were a customer who pays my bills with cash or check, should I have to pay more because other customers use a payment form that actually costs the business a significant amount of overhead? (Keep in mind that it takes many repair bills to cover that expense every month. Considering  that  every sale must also cover other costs too: cost of parts, labor, taxes, building mortgage &amp; property maintenance, tools, training, large equipment  (like hoists), etc., and finally, a small fraction for owner profit.)<br>I only came across this article/discussion as I was looking for information on the legalities of offering a discount to customers who pay with cash (that means actual cash or check), or a little less of discount if you pay with debit card. <br>It\'s unfortunate that when ever we feel wronged on an issue, we rarely get to the see the flip side of the argument.<br>What\'s really going on with the retail gas price situation is that people are paying with credit cards, buying less in the convenience store (where the only real profits are), and the only ones getting rich are the fuel companies providing the gasoline (certainly not the retail sellers - check it out) and the credit card companies. <br>PLEASE stop bashing your local merchants, they are only trying to make a living - just like you. Look around at how many businesses cannot survive in the current business climate we have. Our only options are soon going to be large retailers and service companies, where you might have to park a mile from the door, stand in the snow and slush to fill your tank and wipe your windows, eat out of styrofoam containers, etc. <br>Really. They are the only ones who will be left - once you take the profit out of the small local businesses, and give it to the conglomerates who can save pennies but cuting your wages and insurance.<br>Take a real hard look at the credit card industry. The are making great profits, and even though people are filing bankruptcy at an alarming rate (we just had an employee go through it), the credit card companies keep giving cards to young adults without financial sense or experience, especially to struggling college students, and to mature adults that are already too far in debt to be able to pay them off each month. Not to mention the rates Visa, MC, Discover, etc. are charging to retailers to cover the extra costs associated with all the perks and programs promoted to those end card users. Often times the card users never really even benefit from those programs, but the credit card companies sure do!  <br>Our economy is faltering, credit card companies lobby for laws that only protect them and their profits, AND the government will bail them out when they get into trouble. (Like the insurance companies that got bailed out after Katrina - even though they had lots of real estate they could have sold, and were making great profits!) (Golf anyone?) <br>Oil companies are posting record profits too! (Profits are from pumping &amp; refining gas to sell, and from gas credit card fees.) Yet, our government still subsidizes this industry. Why?<br>Who is going to bailout the little guy, your corner market,  local barber, or your auto repair shop when the expenses to their bottom line put them out of business because they can no longer compete with the big retail bullies (like Wal-Mart)? Just look at what happened to many of the little family farms - gone.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307477">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307477" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307477" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307477">Susan</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307477" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307477" class="dsq-comment-message">What REALLY stinks is that my car only takes premium.  Now they\'ve changed the big signs to list only the prices for regular/cash and regular/credit.  How am I supposed to comparison shop for premium when i don\'t know what stations are charging for it????!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307478">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307478" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307478" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307478">eric</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307478" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307478" class="dsq-comment-message">I think it\'s funny that a state doesn\'t even trust its citizens to fill<br>their own gas tank without mayhem ensuing.  Living in Texas and<br>California for years, I can\'t even *remember* the last time I<br>saw a full service station.  How can you be trusted to vote<br>intelligently if you can\'t even fill up a gas tank?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307479">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307479" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307479" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307479">Remav</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307479" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307479" class="dsq-comment-message">Eric,<br><br>You don\'t know how bad it is.  In NJ we actually got it on the ballot (after *lots* of hard work) ...but the blue state sheeple are so used to having the government (and now apparently the gas station attendents) take care of them from cradle to grave that they voted it down!  I often heard "I wouldn\'t know how to operate the pump" as an excuse.  ...especially from the women.  Like government programs, once they were used to having someone else do the work, the cost no longer mattered to them... never mind that they would still have the full service lanes available to them. They screwed the rest of us good and locked us into this unnecessary/unwanted service forever.  NJ is a state where the people truly do have the government that they deserve.   It\'s so frusterating to me to pull into a station &amp; have to wait for some slow @$$ed lame third world illegal attendent when I could be in, filled, and gone before they can get the cap loose.  What a bunch of LIB losers we have in this state...  and you know what?  The\'re going to ensure higher taxes by electing Obama(nation) in Nov.  Meanwhile they\'ll all lament the mass migration of businesses out of here &amp; mass migration of illegal parasites into the state.  Their problem is that they compare everything to Utopia instead of Reality.  11 Million people and apparently at least 5.6 Million don\'t have the brains to:<br><br>1) Insert Nozzle in tank<br>2) Select Grade and payment method<br>3) Begin Pumping<br>4) Replace Nozzle<br>5) Vote Republican or lose the above options</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307480">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307480" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307480" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307480">jj</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307480" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307480" class="dsq-comment-message">There is no labor union in New Jersey that represents gas station attendants. State law requiring this is supposidly for safety reasons.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307481">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307481" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307481" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307481">jj</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307481" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307481" class="dsq-comment-message">Statistically, the working class has always done better with Democratic presidents.  Some of the worst years for the northeast were under Reagan which McCain of course wants to return to.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307482">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307482" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307482" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307482" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307482" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307482" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2008/09/22/gas-stations-charging-credit-users-more-than-cash-users/" rel="nofollow">More discussion about this topic at this link.</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307483">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307483" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307483" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307483">KLS NJ</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307483" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307483" class="dsq-comment-message">Really, why should the person who pays in cash be charged the extra 7 to 10 cents per gallon that is tacked on to a credit purchase?  Why should I the cash customer be paying your credit charges privellage!!  This charge is not collected by the oil company.  This charge is charged directly to each gas station by the credit card company\'s.  So with all of the gas taxes (Federal and State) you really think the Moma and Papa stations are making a killing.  You ought to think twice about that.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307484">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307484" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307484" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307484">lucky</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307484" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307484" class="dsq-comment-message">most branded stations are forced to have reader pumps by the oil company. The cost to run a card is usualy 2.5 to 3%do the math.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307485">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307485" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307485" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307485">Lazaro</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307485" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307485" class="dsq-comment-message">Frankly, I am appauld at this new development. If they can legaly do that then they need to fully advertise both prices so that you are not surprised when you get to the pump. A local grocery store in MA does just that. They advertise a price for those who carry their shoppers card and a higher price for those who don\'t. That is a more ethical way of doing business. <br><br>I never carry cash. Everything is about convenience.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307490">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307490" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307490" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307490">TiteWad</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307490" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307490" class="dsq-comment-message">And it cost money to provide the extra service. Pay up for YOUR convenience and let little old cash payer me not pay for YOUR services!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307486">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307486" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307486" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307486">crash</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307486" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307486" class="dsq-comment-message">I use a credit card to purchase gas, simply because 1) its faster to swipe at the pump  (  and here in NY, unlike NJ, almost all stations are self serve , so no attendants to handle a cash transaction at the pump; you have to go inside and actually stand in line with the people buying beer and twinkies !!)  2) I have online record of all my gas purchases and 3) since i use the discover card 5% cash back, the cash discount would need to be greater than the 5% im getting back. So far, for the cash/credit prices ive seen, its been exactly 5 % or less.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307487">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307487" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307487" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307487">Heather</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307487" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307487" class="dsq-comment-message">This makes me so angry because I have a specific credit card just for gas purchases (Discover Open Road) that earns 5% cash back.  Now it is pointless!  I hope the gas stations get their payback with a huge increase in robberies, since now we all know they\'re packing major cash :)<br>How you like them apples???</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307491">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307491" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307491" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307491">TiteWad</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307491" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307491" class="dsq-comment-message">The gas station gets robbed by the bank every swipe of a card by the bank fees banks charge. Believe me some chump with a gun will only get chicken feed compared to what the bank gets from these fees in a month at a gas station.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307488">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307488" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307488" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307488">Archibald Gillespie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307488" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307488" class="dsq-comment-message">Check out this situation:<br><br>I leave a softball game and I\'m thirsty and low on gas.  I stop at a gas station, I pay at the pump with my credit card, no qualms.  I go into the station to buy a drink with my credit card and they say I can\'t pay for that with a credit card.  I left the drink on the counter and walked out as the attendant asked me to put the drink back if I\'m not going to buy it :)<br><br>So I can spend 30 bucks on gas, but then they don\'t allow me to buy a drink, poor customer service.  Here\'s my question:<br><br>Does it hurt the gas station if I swipe my credit card and pump in $.50 worth or less of gas and then end the transaction.  May even do that over a few times over????  If so, this may be a good way to fight back ;)  Especially a good way to get back gas stations that charge extra for credit purchases.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307489">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307489" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307489" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307489">PumpMan</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307489" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307489" class="dsq-comment-message">Low pay, no benefits, bad working conditions, safety violations..If you don\'t mind these things then come work at WaWa...It\'s time to unionize the Gas Associates..Employees need to organize so that WaWa will be required to follow the Law..Help us Organize at WaWa..Have the Teamsters or other unions contact us..thank you</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307492">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307492" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307492" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307492">NoDeceptiveAdvertising</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307492" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307492" class="dsq-comment-message">This is a deceptive practice at best, and one I ran into for the first time today.  The price posted on the board was evidently the cash price, but noted only in very small print.  I did not notice the price at the pump was 5 cents higher than was posted on the board until after I had filled up.  Only then did I see the additional small wording on the pump that said a 5 cent discount applied to cash transactions only.<br><br>I plan to pump exactly 1 gallon of gas from this station a few times a week from now on.  Let\'s see how they like a taste of their own medicine.  I can\'t wait to see if they try to slap minimum charge requirements on to discourage me.  I\'ll take great pleasure in turning them over to Visa/MC at that point.<br><br>Be honest and upfront with your pricing merchants!  If you are advertising a cash price for your product, make sure the customer can read it before they purchase!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307493">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307493" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307493" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307493">GloryBee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307493" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307493" class="dsq-comment-message">I just turned in a gas station just south of New Braunfels, Texas for advertising two different prices. Here is where you complain to MasterCard:<br><a href="http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contactus/merchantviolations.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contac...</a><br>(Thank you Matt!) Sadly, they want the full name and address of the offending (and offensive) retailer, so make notes. Check mark the "The merchant/retailer is adding a charge for using your MasterCard card." <br><br>OK, guys and gals, where do I complain to Visa Card and Discover Card?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307494">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307494" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307494" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307494">GloryBee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307494" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307494" class="dsq-comment-message">I just got off the phone with Discover Card 1-888-DISCOVER (1-888-347-2683) and apparently they don\'t care if there is a difference in cash vs. credit card prices. At least according to the lady I talked to.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307495">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307495" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307495" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307495">ROBERT OBERNAUER</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307495" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307495" class="dsq-comment-message">Nobody is charging more for credit cards, rather it is a discount for cash.  Nothing the credit card companies can do about it.  Not even something Obama could do about it.  I started this 10 years ago, fought off the credit card companies and the state department of weights and measures and consumer afairs, and I won at every stop.  If the credit card companies were fair to the retailers, we wouldnt even have this blog going.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307496">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307496" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307496" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-21307496" href="http://consumerismcommentary.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flexo</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307496" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307496" class="dsq-comment-message">In my observations, it\'s the cash price that is the price competitive with the other stations that do not discriminate. You can call it a "cash discount" if you want, if that keeps Visa and Mastercard from revoking your merchant agreement, but you\'re not offering a break to those who pay cash, you\'re charging a premium to those who use credit cards to make up for the high merchant fees. I do feel bad that Visa and Mastercard have backed merchants into a corner... but that\'s not the customers\' problem. Group together and fight the merchants for a fee system you believe is more fair, lobby the government for more oversight, or find a different business with a better profit margin.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307498">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307498" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307498" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307498">Robert Obernauer</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307498" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307498" class="dsq-comment-message">In my case, my cash price is cheaper than anybody elses credit price, so i cannot speak for others.  Visa and Mastercard haven\'t backed me in a corner, I have backed them in a corner.  I am keeping them from getting away with robbing from merchants like myself, by encouraging there customers to put away the cards and pay cash.  It IS the customers problem.  Consumers are constantly looking to everybody else for solutions, but themselves.  With your philosophy, how is General Motots, Chrysler, Bank of America, Citigroup, AIG and others my problem?  The answer is that it isn\'t, but their problems have become our problems--so why shouldn\'t the high credit card fees I pay not become everybody else\'s problem?  The last thing that I want is for the Government to get involved in my business.  Can you imagine Nancy Pelosi and Barach Obama regulating gas stations and merchant fees???  By charging more for credit cards (which I don\'t deny doing), I, along with many others, are solving a problem for ourselves, without asking the Government for help.  How can we ask for a more fair system from the credit card companies if they have a monopoly?  They are the ones in control, and the ones who can make a system more fair.  As far as profit margin, mine is healthy.  I am a millionaire, and I want to make and keep as much money as possible, which is why I live in a capitalist country and society.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307499">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307499" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307499" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307499">Archibald Gillespie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307499" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307499" class="dsq-comment-message">Since you\'re probably not a natural born citizen, you don\'t mind the government getting involved to provide you with tax breaks.  <br><br>Don\'t worry, you and others charging extra to use credit is not a problem for me as long as I can go to a Speedway, Meijer or other non-credit charging station.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307500">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307500" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307500" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307500">Robert Obernauer</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307500" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307500" class="dsq-comment-message">Actually I am a natural born citizen (4th generation by the way).  I don\'t want tax breaks from the government-I want capitalism to flourish.  I want welfare done away with as well as all of the other government social waste (and I dont want to hear about the 3% of people that get welfare who actually deserve it).  And FYI, I\'ve never seen any person at a speedway without a turban on.  The beauty of being in a free democratic country is that you can go anywhere you want for gas.  By the way, I am the highest volume gas station in the area, and the main reason is that I have a large sign that says "AMERICAN OWNED AND OPERATED".  If Americans stopped using credit cards, it would dump TRILLIONS of dollars each year back into our economy.  If you look at China, you will see that people there seldom use credit cards, which is why individuals are not in nearly as much trouble in this recession as Americans are.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-21307501">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-21307501" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-21307501" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-21307501">Alec</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-21307501" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-21307501" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah this is now happening in Michigan also, I\'ve noticed it at Bp and Mobil. Now here is the kicker, Mobil was charging 10cents more per gallon if you used a credit card, Bp was charging 20CENTS A GALLON MORE if you used a credit card. Now how the $*&amp;# is that legit, I\'m sorry its not. Bp go to hell! Something needs to be done about this. Oh and a comment on the signs they put reg cash, reg credit, then premium listed out so it looks like reg-mid-premium, VERY unclear. Just one more way they make the consumer bend over, how will they change the economy if they just charge us more for everything, don\'t they realize that in doing that we CAN\'T buy stuff? Stop bailing out corporations and bail out the consumers, DUH..... am I the only person who sees this? lol? For example: The Big 3. I NEED a car but cant afford one, ironic?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 </ul>\
';

(function() {
	
	





Dsq.Debug.profile(function() {
	if(Dsq.jsonData.request.page == 1 && Dsq.jsonData.request.is_initial_load) {
		Dsq.container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.header() + Dsq.container.innerHTML + Dsq.Templates.footer();
	}
	Dsq.$(Dsq.curPageId).innerHTML = Dsq.$(Dsq.curPageId).innerHTML.replace(Dsq.COMMENTS_RE, Dsq.CommentsHandler);
}); // Dsq.Debug.Profile

// HACK: Resetting cache because we're done with.
Dsq.Utils.gebiFromElementCollectionCache = null;


	
	
	var dsq_styleEl = document.getElementById(disqus_container_id);
	var dsq_anchorEl = document.getElementsByTagName('a')[0];
	
	Dsq.Thread.fc = Dsq.Utils.getStyle(dsq_styleEl, 'color');
	if(dsq_anchorEl) { Dsq.Thread.ac = Dsq.Utils.getStyle(dsq_anchorEl, 'color'); }
	Dsq.Thread.ff = Dsq.Utils.getStyle(dsq_styleEl, (Dsq.Utils.ie || window.opera ? 'fontFamily' : 'font-family'));
	// For Safari / Opera: strip quotes.
	Dsq.Thread.ff = Dsq.Thread.ff.replace(/['"]/g, '');
	Dsq.Thread.fc = encodeURIComponent(Dsq.Thread.fc);
	Dsq.Thread.ac = encodeURIComponent(Dsq.Thread.ac);
	Dsq.Thread.ff = encodeURIComponent(Dsq.Thread.ff);

	
	
	
	if(Dsq.$(Dsq.Templates.addPostContainer)) {
		// TODO: Check to see if theme uses postmessage.
		if (window.disqus_use_postmessage) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$(Dsq.Templates.textareaContainer));
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].init(function() {
				// Use fallback iframe
				Dsq.$(Dsq.Templates.addPostContainer).innerHTML = '';
				var theme = (typeof disqus_frame_theme == 'undefined') ? 'default' : disqus_frame_theme;
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$(Dsq.Templates.addPostContainer), null, {theme: theme});
				// if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
			});
		} else {
			// DEPRECATED
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-post-add'));
		}
	}

	
	

	
	if(document.location.hash != '') {
		document.location.hash = document.location.hash.substring(1);
	}

	Dsq.Popup.showCookieMsgs();

	
	if(document.location.search != '' && location.hash != '#disqus_thread') {
		var reply_id = Dsq.Utils.getRequestParams().dsq;
		if(reply_id) { document.location.hash = 'comment-' + reply_id; }
	}

	
	if((typeof OB_Script != 'undefined') && (typeof OB_versionNum != 'undefined')) {
		if(navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Firefox") != -1) {
			if(window.frames['dsq-reply-frame']) {
				window.frames['dsq-reply-frame'].location = Dsq.Urls.REPLY + (new Date()).getTime() + '&f=consumerismcommentary&t=cash_vs_credit_card_gas_stations_charging_different_prices&to_redirect=' + encodeURIComponent(window.location) + '&ifrs=' + encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css);
			}
		}
	}

	if (Dsq.jsonData.integration.theme == 4) {
		if (Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			Dsq.Realtime.initialize();
		}
	}

	



	window.ExecuteWhen = (function () {
	var obj = {}
	
	// Private
	var running = false;
	var timer = null;
	var pending = [];
	var startTimer = function() {
		running = true;
		timer = setInterval(obj.heartBeat, 100);
	};
	var stopTimer = function() {
		running = false;
		clearInterval(timer);
	};
	
	// Public
	obj.add = function (condition, code) {
		pending.push([condition,code]);
		this.heartBeat(); //!
		if (!running) {
			startTimer();
		}
	};
	obj.heartBeat = function() {
		if (!pending.length) {
			stopTimer();
		}
		var newPending = [];
		for (var i=0; i<pending.length; i++) {
			var cond = pending[i][0];
			var code = pending[i][1];
			// FIXME: if cond or code throw an error, they never get removed from pending
			if (cond()){
				code();
			}
			else {
				newPending.push([cond, code]);
			}
		}
		pending = newPending;
	};
	return obj;
})();

// also used in embed_thread.js:
window.fbIsReady = function () {return window.FB && FB.init;};
// NOTE: This script gets executed again without threadEl
//       set when we are loaded again as the fbc_receiver.
//       In this case, we don't need the hidden container.

if(!window.FB || !FB.init) {
	if(window.Dsq && Dsq.container) {
		// container is not present when init.js is loaded from an xd-receiver iframe; in this case,
		// we don't need the FB_HiddenContainer anyway.
		var fbDiv = document.createElement('div');
		fbDiv.id = "FB_HiddenContainer";	// Required or else FeatureLoader will execute a document.write.
		fbDiv.style.position = 'absolute';	// This is intentionally not setting display to none as this breaks
		fbDiv.style.top = '-10000px';		// Flash in Safari.
		fbDiv.style.left = '-10000px';
		fbDiv.style.width = '0px';
		fbDiv.style.height = '0px';
		Dsq.container.appendChild(fbDiv);
	}
	var fbJS = document.createElement('script');
	fbJS.type = "text/javascript";
	fbJS.src = "http://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php";
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(fbJS);

	ExecuteWhen.add(window.fbIsReady,
		function () {
			// HACK: This is a workaround FBC's single domain limitation by
			//		 allowing sites to create multiple forums with different
			//		 Facebook API keys.  This must be used in conjunction with
			//		 disqus_facebook_forum (see authenticateFacebook).
			var facebook_api_key = 'a754e38c7443c66a17fb4f842187453e';
			if (typeof disqus_facebook_api_key != 'undefined') {
				facebook_api_key = disqus_facebook_api_key;
			}

			FB.init(facebook_api_key, window.facebookXdReceiverPath || null,
				{fetchSignedPublicSessionData: true});
		});
}


	


if(typeof(disqus_callback) == 'function') {
	var callback_params = Dsq.Utils.getRequestParams()['dsq_cbp'] || null;

	// We don't care about any errors in third-party code
	try {
		disqus_callback(callback_params);
	} catch (x) {
		if (typeof(console) != 'undefined' && typeof(console.log) == 'function') {
			// But it would be nice to let developers know about them
			console.log(x);
		}
		// pass
	}

	// HACK: We don't know if the callback wraps our container, which may
	// possibly result in a new DOM element.
	Dsq.container = document.getElementById('dsq-content');
}

})();




