So, it seems that Microsoft has now started to show preference to their Xbox Live Gold Members (at long last). Recently, the Gears of War trailer appeared on the Xbox Live Marketplace, but only for Gold level members initially.

It did appear later (by roughly a week) for Silver members too. It appears that this move from Microsoft upset quite a few people (presumably all of them being Silver members) as they cry "no fair". But is it fair or not?

Well, I have to admit that I think it's a masterstroke from Microsoft. I also think that they are perfectly justified in doing it. After all, Gold members do pay £40 a year for the service (an amount I don't mind paying at all) and for this it's great to think that Microsoft is going to give me some perks.

As mentioned by various Internet sources, Sony will be offering a single-tier online service that includes game demos for free. However, how many customers would Sony get for a premium online service if they charged £40 a year on top of the cost of the console? Very few I would guess. Lets face it, at £40 a year, there's a lot of years of subscription on Xbox Live compared to a free service on the PS3 before you've spent the same amount.

So what should these disgruntled Silver members do? Well I guess there are a few options. They can always go and buy a PS3 and get the free service there (although then missing out on a Gears of War trailer won't affect them will it?).

They could upgrade to Gold and fork out £40 a year for the privilege, or they can remain on Silver, wait the extra week for stuff and become more frustrated every time a new piece of content is released to the Gold members first.

Me personally? I'd not be without my Gold membership, and I'll enjoy the perks that come with it,