Earthlink - Lesson 1 - Service Startup

So my little tale begins with your first lesson and thus free advertising for my current cable provider, Earthlink. Lesson 1 for those who are interested in Earthlink service is do NOT under ANY circumstances get the service through an online chat. I wanted the promotion of $29.95 for the first 6 months for their standard service. That is what I was told in the chat. That is not what I received. See Lesson 2 - Troubleshooting.