Here's the transcript of the chat and what it took to find out how much it costs to get internet services from Comcast. All to find that internet costs $59.95 per month.

Jessica: Hi, I'm a live Comcast product specialist. Would you like my help checking out?
Jessica: Just type your question below.
You: How much does "performance internet" cost if I don't get cable TV as well, after the 6 month promotional price ends?
Jessica: I'd be glad to assist you with our internet special offer.
Jessica: Please click on the orange 'Move chat window' button to make it a window of its own. That way, you'll still see this web page while we chat.
Jessica: Thank you for moving the chat.
Jessica: Just to check before we move on, are you a current Comcast customer or have you had Comcast service within the last 120 days?
You: No, just trying to find out the price for a new customer
Jessica: i see, thank you for considering comcast.
Jessica: For Performance special offer for new customers, that is $29.99 per month for 6 months.
You: I'm asking about the price "after the 6 month promotional price ends?"
Jessica: After 6 months it will be $44.99 per month for 7-12 months.
You: and that's with only internet, not cable TV?
Jessica: That is only for internet service.
You: Does the price of $44.99 per month for 7-12 months for performance internet require that the customer have cable TV?
Jessica: If you currently have cable service with us which is not under promotion, that is $19.99 per month for 6 months.
You: no, what I'm asking is : In order to get the price of $44.99 per month for 7-12 months for performance internet is the customer required to also have cable TV?
Jessica: No, you do not need to have cable in order to have internet service with us.
You: I understand that, but do I need to have cable TV in order to get the price that you're mentioning for performance internet?
Jessica: No, that is the price without cable service.
You: I understand that it's the price without cable services, but am I required to have cable TV services in order to get that price for performance internet?
You: I think I'm not being clear
Jessica: You are not required to get cable in order for you to get this price of the internet.
You: got it.
You: And what is the price after 12 months?
You: What is the price for performance internet if the customer does not subscribe to cable TV after the 7-12 month period?
Jessica: After 12 months the price will run from $42-$60.95 per month.
You: How is the price determined? What price would it be within the range of $42 to $60.95?
Jessica: The price will vary depending on the area.
You: What would the price be in the zip code 94501
Jessica: I am sorry to say but I can only give you an estimated amount of the services you are taking cause only our specialist on the last step of the order process can give you the exact amount before you will commit to any order today.
You: how can I speak with or chat with that specialist
Jessica: I would recommend that we proceed with the sign up process so you can connect with our specialist who can provide you the exact fee.
You: when you say "connect with our specialist" is this over chat or phone? I would like to go straight to that person because I'm just trying to find out the cost of the product.
Jessica: Yes that is over chat.
You: Please connect me with that specialist.
Jessica: I am sorry but you can only be connected to them once you process your order, no worries cause rest assured that the amount will not be that high,and you can discontinue the order if the price does not work for you.
You: You're saying that I can't find out how much the service costs until I've ordered the service?
You: That doesn't make any sense.
You: I have to know how much it costs before I decide to order it.
You: That would be like going into a store, taking an apple up to the counter, asking how much it costs and the cashier saying "You have to buy it before I can tell you how much it costs"
You: Perhaps you should just transfer me to the specialist that you're referring to and I can ask him or her what the price is
Jessica: Okay, I am sorry for the inconvenience.
You: Thank you
Jessica: I will connect you to our specialist now. Please wait for the link I will send you.
You: Thank you
You: Will you send me the link in this chat window?
Jessica: Have you successfully connected with the Order Entry Specialist?
You: I'm not sure. I'm chatting with a guy named "Darwin" in another window. I've asked him if he's a "Order Entry Specialist"
You: He is
You: thank you for transfering me Jessica
Jessica: Please chat with the agent on the other window, he will provide you the exact amount of the service you are asking.
Jessica: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
You: No, thankyou
Jessica: Thank you for choosing Comcast. It has been a pleasure assisting you.
Jessica: Have a great day.

user Guest has entered room
Guest>
Order Information
analyst Darwin has entered room
Darwin>
Hello Guest_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Darwin. Please give me one moment to review your information.
Darwin>
Welcome to Comcast Chat Sales! I see you are interested in adding Comcast services.  It's my pleasure to process your order and answer any questions you may have throughout our conversation.
Darwin>
May I know if you have an existing account with Comcast.
Guest_>
Hi Darwin. I've been working with Jessica
Darwin>
I understand.
Guest_>
Here is the transcript if you'd like to catch up with where we're at :
Guest_>
Jessica: Hi, I'm a live Comcast product specialist. Would you like my help checking out?
Jessica: Just type your question below.
You: How much does "performance internet" cost if I don't get cable TV as well, after the 6 month promotional price ends?
...
You: Thank you
Jessica: I will connect you to our specialist now. Please wait for the link I will send you.
You: Thank you
Darwin>
Are you still chatting with her?
Guest_>
She's in another window. Did she transfer me to you?
Darwin>
Customers will be automatically routed here.
Darwin>
I understand that you have typed in your information, will you verify the following information for me please:
1. Complete Name
2. Complete Address with Zip code
3. Contact Number/s
4. Email Address
5. Services Ordered
6. Preferred Date and Time of Installation
Guest_>
Darwin, are you an "Order Entry Specialist"?
Darwin>
Yes I am.
Guest_>
Gret
Guest_>
Great
Darwin>
I do apologize, we are currently having a system maintenance and I am not seeing the information that you entered here in my end. No worries! I would still be able to process your order, just please provide me with the following: 1.) your full name, 2.) full service address with zip code 3.) One or two contact numbers and 4.) the service/s that you want to order.
Darwin>
No worries, I can take your order from here until we complete everything for you.
Guest_>
I'm not looking to order service, I'm looking to determine the price of service.
Guest_>
What is the price for performance internet if the customer does not have cable TV, after the first 12 months in the zip code of 94501
Darwin>
May I have the complete service address so I can check that here for you.
Guest_>
Sure, xxx xxxxxxxxx st. Alameda, CA 94501
Darwin>
Kindly stay online as I check the order here on my end.
Darwin>
Do you have any Internet service from other provider/s?
Guest_>
Let's say no (I'm only trying to find out the price)
Darwin>
I understand.
Darwin>
Good thing you were shopping online.
Guest_>
Jessica said that after 12 months the price is between $42 and $60.95
Guest_>
per month
Guest_>
And that the price depends on the customer location
Guest_>
I'm trying to find out the price for 94501
Darwin>
I understand. I am still waiting for the information to load here. Kindly stay online.
Guest_>
No problem
Darwin>
Is this the exact address, xxx xxxxxxxx st. Alameda, CA 94501?
Guest_>
Sure. I can give a different address if that will help you get me a price
Guest_>
You can try anything on that block (xxx xxx xxx etc)
Darwin>
This is the price - Performance - Special Offer $29.99 per month for the first 6 months. 
 
Darwin>
Offer ends 9/21/11, and is limited to new residential customers. Not available in all areas. Offer limited to Performance Internet. To qualify for offer, service must be ordered via www.comcast.com. After first 6 months, monthly service charge goes to $44.99 for months 7-12. After 12 months, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular charges apply.
Darwin>
Regular rate will be $$59.95 per month and if you have no modem there will be a modem rent of $7.00.
Guest_>
So after 12 months, with my own modem, and without having and cable TV services, the price would be $59.95 - $7.00 = $52.95
Guest_>
Is that correct
Guest_>
Sorry, typo there. Meant to say :
Guest_>
So after 12 months, with my own modem, and without having any cable TV services, the price would be $59.95 - $7.00 = $52.95
Darwin>
No, that will be $59.95 with or without the modem.
Guest_>
ah $59.95 is the price for the service without a modem. $7.00 to rent a modem. So with my own modem it's $59.95 and renting a modem it's $59.95 + $7.00 = $66.95
Guest_>
is that correct?
Darwin>
That is correct.
Guest_>
Great, thanks for the information. Have a nice day.
Darwin>
You are most welcome!
Darwin>
Would you want me to process the order for you?
Guest_>
No thank you.
Darwin>
I am happy to help you today.

I've been hanging out at home for days now sick as a dog, I came out to make some soup and am now sitting at my computer reading about all the ruckus going on at the end of the block. I'm reading about the filming etc. and the guy on the massive PA system directing all of the extras down the street who are simulating a march, hands the mic over to Carrie Fisher who recites a kind of a poem which takes her monologue that she records for Obi-Wan Kenobi and combines it with sentiments about gay rights. I really pray that this is actually happening and not just a result of my seemingly never ending fever.

Last night I went to the 2007 Sparkle SF annual champagne and sparkling wine event with my journalist girlfriend. It took place at the St. Regis Hotel in downtown, a shockingly posh place. We went to the press meeting with Kimberley Locke from American Idol and heard her talk about her commitment to charity work. We then went and tasted wines, snacked on fancy hors d'œuvres, watched a charity auction, and listened to Locke sign a few songs. At the auction I got to see a rich girl bid $3500 for a trip to Iceland. After the benefit I met Jack and saw No Country For Old Men, the new Cohen brothers film.

Findings of the evening :

• Rich people food tastes really good.
• I actually like champagne/sparkling wine, which I'd previously though I didn't. Turns out I just don't like the cheap stuff.
• Though I didn't taste all of them, of the ones I did taste the 2006 Goosebumps Sparkling Shiraz by MollyDooker was the best.
• Locke is a good singer, but I still prefer Duncan Sheik for my adult contemporary.
• The new Cohen brothers film is great. It's actually suspenseful. I can't remember the last time I watched a movie and was gripping my legs and truly didn't know what was going to happen. The film breaks many rules that I've come to subconsciously rely on when watching a movie which really make it stand out. It's brutal and violent and dirty and real. If you can stomach it, I highly recommend it.