This strip first appeared in issue #252 of Linux (Pro) Magazine. It’s the second of a pair of strips that summarise the dismay I feel every time I see a product that requires signing up for a new account with the manufacturer in order to use the full functionality of the device.

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↓ Transcript
[Panel 1: Elvie is talking to a salesman next to a display of 'Smart Home' gadgets. We're looking over Elvie's shoulder as he's speaking to her.]

Caption: What they say…

Salesman: This device uses "the cloud" so you can control it from anywhere in the world!

[Panel 2: Same scene, but the view is reversed, so we're now looking over the salesman's shoulder at a very unimpressed looking Elvie]

Caption: What I hear…

Salesman: You'll need to sign up for yet another account and we'll do our best to punch a hole through your firewall…