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1.5 109 Reviews

Chicago Tribune Complaints Summary

13 Resolved
96 Unresolved
Our verdict: With Chicago Tribune's very poor resolution rate, careful consideration is needed. Research their service comprehensively, and read up on how they handle customer disputes. If you face issues, be prepared for potential challenges in obtaining resolutions and explore other service providers as backups.
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3:32 pm EDT
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Chicago Tribune can't do anything correctly

Back in April 2011, I signed up via web for Sunday only paper. I called first to ask if I would get all the inserts which include the coupons and was told yes. A week later paper comes with no coupons. I call 1-800-Tribune. Of course they are in the Philippines or India and cannot speak so that I understand them. They overly enunciate! I was told I would have a replacement paper with in an hour. It never came. This has happened almost weekly. I have asked repeatedly to speak to a supervisor in Chicago. Last week was the last straw for me. No coupons and I called like I always do. I also emailed which I do sometimes after the overseas person gets me even more angry. I was told that since I don't live in Chicago but an hour south that I may not get coupons. I said nonsense because I was told I would get them. I went back and forth and told them either get it fixed or cancel my paper and refund my money. They told me the would be able to credit me but not refund as they don't issue refunds. I again said I want someone in Chicago to call me or I was going to drive into the city and find someone. Four days later I finally get a call and I recognize that Chicago accent :) He tells me all will be well. I will get coupons and the paper will be left in the paper box rather than the mud. I am happy. This morning, I get up and open the door and no paper on the ground. I check the paper box and no paper. I call and no account listed for me. I repeatedly press [protected] and finally get to an operator overseas. She informs me that I canceled my paper. I told her I did not. She insists I did. I can feel my blood boiling again. When I got off the phone with this woman I had a throbbing in my neck. Will I have a heart attack and die over the Tribune's lousy service and horrific customer service? Probably. My paper supposedly starts again next Sunday. I'm not willing to drive 20 miles to seek a paper box and buy a paper that may or may not have coupons.

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Autumn Smith
, US
May 14, 2012 4:28 am EDT

Good afternoon, my name is Autumn Smith, and I am an employee in the Client Services dept at the Chicago Tribune.

I apologize for the difficulty you went through in getting your coupons delivered. If you are still having delivery issues, please email me at AskClientServices@Tribune.com. I am located in Chicago, and will be able to help with anything regarding your subscription.

You may also visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/TribuneClientServices and Twitter: @ChiTribCS.

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1:15 am EDT
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Chicago Tribune deborah winfield

To: Chicago Tribune
I am not trying to be an angry person, but I am tired of your workers delivering the local values and the hoy to my house. I asked them not to deliver it but they continue to do so. I am very irritated by this and I feel I should not have to deal with this. I read on the paper (if I want to cancell the delivery) well, I did not subscribe for the paper, so! I should not have to go through all of this. If I have to I will sue your company for forcing your advertisement on me and littering my property with your junk mail. They(workers) are throwing your papers over my fence. I have been dealing with this for five or more years. When I first moved here there was no delivery of this paper. So, please STOP! the delivery.

Thank you
Ms. Deborah Winfield
July 09, 2011

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OneMacIndyWest
Chicago, US
Mar 06, 2013 8:04 pm EST
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The beginning of the end when it comes to trash in the city of Chicago is the delivery of pre-rolled garbage to your front door. Thanks to the Chicago Tribune and its subsidiary Local Values we all have been granted the blessing of trash we don’t want being left on our front steps in the name of savings! Wow! How lucky are we? I’d say we’re so lucky that even after calling and complaining we will still find this wonderful refuse on our porches every morning. Our luck will be so good that the company itself will tell us that we opted into receiving these “gifts”, and even though we all know this to be false they will not allow us to opt out. Oh, they will say we’ve been removed from the list, but that won’t stop the papers from piling up. No, they will keep coming until every forest on earth has been stripped bare, and with our luck they will then be delivered on stone tablets each day. That will be just perfect. I mean we can then use them as doorstops or yard decorations. Thanks Chicago Tribune! You make Chicago a better place to live…if you like garbage on your steps that is.

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Autumn Smith
, US
Jun 25, 2012 7:58 am EDT

Deborah - My name is Autumn Smith, and I am the Social Media Specialist at the Chicago Tribune. I apologize that you have been receiving unwanted publications. If you are still receiving the Local Values and Hoy publications, please email me at AskClientServices@Tribune.com, and I will be able to make sure delivery is stopped.

ComplaintsBoard
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8:15 pm EDT
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Chicago Tribune sunday delivery of the paper

after bfailing to receive delivery of the sundays paper I was informed by Marien customer service rep. that a bredelivery would be made within 1 hour. this at 9am. after where was no
2nd delivery. I called back and no one asnwers the phone offices are closed.
call back 5/20/11 to express my concern about the up coming delivery, was told that it be taken care and that the carrier would ring my door bell at the time of delivery. Ask for the name of the carrier and was told she didn't have that information. mY QUESTION THEN WAS HOW CAN YOU REQUEST A REDELIVERY WHEN YOU DON 'T KNOW WHO THE CARRIER IS., REQUESTED TO SPEAK NWITH A SUPERVISOR AND TOLD THE THING BY
SUPPOSE SUPERVISOR. AND THEY WONDER WHY THEY ARE GOING BROKE. IT ALL STARTS WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE. NO SERVICE NO CUSTOMERS.

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Autumn Smith - Trib employee
Chicago, US
Nov 02, 2011 6:28 pm EDT
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Good afternoon, Terrp. my name is Autumn Smith in the Client Services dept at the Chicago Tribune. The Chicago Tribune is not charging for the TV Week Magazine.

If you have any additional questions, please email me at AskCilentServices@Tribune.com.

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Terrp
, US
Nov 01, 2011 6:10 pm EDT

Re: New TV Magazine
I have been reading the sun-times for many years and i cannot believe that now you want people to pay for a tv magazine for their tv listings. I remember when your paper cost 35 cents then 50 and now 75 cents. It went from being a larger size newspaper to a smaller condensed version costing more.money. Why should the readers of your newspaper have to pay for something that was included and free in the sunday sun-times, this is outrageous! I will not subscribe to your tv magazine i do not need the information cable listings, etc let the people that have cable tv and subscribe, so that they don't have to find out what's on tv by checking each channel individually (poor them). Why don't you just keep the tv preview in the sun-times and let people with cable subscribe to a tv magazine for their cable listings. I find a lot of information that i don't need in the new tv magazine the regular (free tv preview enclosed in the sun-times will do just fine) it also has cable listing!

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Autumn Smith - Trib employee
Chicago, US
Jun 01, 2011 5:38 pm EDT
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Hello, my name is Autumn Smith in the Client Services dept at the Chicago Tribune. JKDE is correct, we contact the distributors when redelivery is requested for a subscriber. Redelivery should have been made to you, and I can look into this issue if you would like to email me at AskCilentServices@Tribune.com.

The Client Services dept at the Tribune is more than welcome to help with any home delivery subscriptions, or store purchases of the paper. Feel free to visit us Facebook at http://on.fb.me/eQT0zN or Twitter at http://twitter.com/chitribcs.

Autumn Smith

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JKDE
, US
May 20, 2011 10:07 pm EDT
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The newspaper sends papers to distributors who send them to delivery areas. There they are given to route carriers for local distribution.

When a news paper is scheduled for re-delivery, the newspaper calls the distributor who calls the carrier. That is why the newspaper does not know the name of your local carrier.

Next time your paper boy or girl delivers for you, ask them for their name and the distributor phone number to call in case your paper is missing again.

This way you will know who they are and at Christmas time you can give them a nice gift.

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7:48 am EDT
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Chicago Tribune - delivery problem

Not only can't they get my newspaper to me, when I called to cancel my subscription the phone rep kept giving excuses rather than just following my request to cancel. Won't be long until they're in bancruptcy again.

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3:22 pm EDT
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Chicago Tribune stop delivery - I do not want it

I have contacted both the telephone number and website that appears in the Chicago Tribune Local values flyer numerous times requesting to have my address removed from their distribution lists. They continue to delivery the stupid flyer in a plastic bag in my driveway. They used to put it the mailbox but stopped doing that for some reason. I DO NOT WANT YOUR GARBAGE FLYER! My address not provided on this complaint due to privacy issues.

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T Gruz
, US
May 09, 2017 6:49 am EDT

I live at 6215 N Lowell Ave. I have been talking to the neighborhood stores and they tell me I should still be receiving the neighborhood flyers weekly as they pay for that service. I have not received any sale flyers in months and also I was told it makes no difference if I receive the Tribune or not I should still receive the sale flyers. Being a senior I do like to know the sales so I can go directly to the store of my choice. I would appreciate your response. All of my friends that live around here still receive the sale flyers

Thank you,
I will appreciate your response,

tpg60@aol.com

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hadenoughwiththe trib
Chicago, US
Sep 30, 2013 6:50 pm EDT

many people buy the sunday paper for the coupon sections. The tribune has started to not include these sections in Sunday papers in some areas but they don't give any notice to the buyer that these sections are not included. Some of the newspaper stands have cardboard displays advertising the extra savings from the coupon sections but they don't state that the coupons are not there. Their response is that if I want to be sure to get coupons I need to subscripe to home delivery. I had that service but after they failed to deliver the sunday paper twice in one month I stopped it.

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Darlene Swiat
, US
Jul 27, 2016 2:39 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My amiable dispute with the Tribune over Red Plum/Local Values, an advertising throwaway I do not welcome and do not read but still do not know how to stop.
"My neighborhood gets flooded with these damn papers every week. It's ridiculous, but I need to get someones attention to stop the distribution of this thing to people who don't want it."
Each call made, each email forwarded to stop delivery, please call 1-800-TRIBUNE or email triblocalvalues@tribune.com." That's exactly what I have done.
I called that number. I have been calling the number & emailing my complaint since JANUARY 1, 2016; I am still receiving it on consecutive Wednesdays, It turned out I was calling a Tribune call center just outside Baguio, a city of 300, 000 nestled high in the hills of northern Luzon, in the Philippines. I spoke cordially to the Tribune's phone representatives. I told them all of them my simple need—which was for Red Plum/Local Values to go away.
They all said they'd take care of it.
It still is appearing on my doorstep every Wednesday.
Perhaps SOMEONE can stop these intrusive papers appearing on my doorstep every Wednesday morning or do I have to contact legal counsel?

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considerationplease
Chicago, US
Jun 22, 2016 4:21 am EDT

I once subscribed for a 3 month trial subscription a few years ago and even though I called to cancel it after the period ran out and the Sunday paper did stop coming, they have been charging me ever since! I think they charged me close to $200 and despite about 7 phone calls, multiple promises to return my calls and about two hours of my wasted time - I still have not heard back from their biling department! I'm not giving up til I get my money back~! This is ridiculous.

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been there 2
, US
May 11, 2016 4:39 pm EDT

what a waste ads fly all over block ! because they cant fit in mail apt. box

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Reviewer42898
,
Nov 22, 2015 11:19 am EST

Chicago Tribune so happily takes my money and wont deliver my paper 3 weeks in a row I call 10 -15 times for help and still waiting for a manager to call and nothing! They are scamers!

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PJHARTE
Romeoville, US
Dec 06, 2014 9:51 am EST
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I'M BEYOND FRUSTRATED AT THIS POINT (trying to communicate with your customer service representatives in the Philippines is challenging and difficult at best) !

I currently receive the food store ads and think it's great, HOWEVER, I no longer receive the ad for one of my favorite stores.

I have always shopped at the Food 4 Less store at 1701 North Larkin in Crest Hill, IL, 60403 (about THREE miles from my home) but stopped getting those ads about a month ago. When I called the store to inquire as to why they stopped, I was told that ads were all distributed based upon zip codes and that I had been receiving the ad based upon the store location at 271 South Bolingbrook Drive in Bolingbrook, IL, 60440 (about TEN miles from my home). The Bolingbrook store closed last month, so I think everyone in zip code 60446 should be eligible to continue to receive the ad for Food 4 Less, as so many of us shop at the store in Crest Hill.

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cht
Norridge, US
May 30, 2014 6:56 pm EDT

I received the flyer this week (5-29) and the title page was entirely in Spanish.
This is not a Spanish area and all advertisements should be in ENGLISH.

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Susan4ever2
, US
May 23, 2014 6:18 am EDT
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I have been TRYING to get my Red Plum flyers for weeks now! In the past 5 weeks, I've received them ONCE! I've called a "special" number that I was given but that hasn't helped. It seems that my carrier doesn't like to deliver the flyers to the North side of Pratt Ave. in Lincolnwood, Illinois! He'll (or She'll) deliver the flyers to the South Side of Pratt Ave. in Lincolnwood, but not the North side! Don't know why! It's not just me, it's my whole block or maybe even more, I just care about my block. Why can't I get my flyers?

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Laura4u
Aurora, US
Dec 19, 2013 1:37 pm EST

So according to the Tribune some zip codes just stopped getting the local flyers. Hogwash, my neighbors get them weekly. I see my mailman with my neighbors mail deliverying them every week. How can one person in the whole zip code stop getting flyers. Something is up and fishy with this scenario with the Tribune. I understand there are people that do not want them but some of us use those to compare prices and for them to just stop mailing them is unacceptable. I want my Flyers back ASAP !

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9:01 am EDT
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Chicago Tribune - home delivery

I subscribed to a home delivery special, but when I tried to cancel the papers continue to come. Two Letters and two emails later I was told that you can't unsub by mail and before they would cancel me by email I had to give them a specific reason. They have cancelled me but want me to pay for the weeks that they refused to cancel.

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5:33 pm EDT
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Chicago Tribune tv guide switch

The Chicago Tribune has finally entered the arena of "dirty tricks" to try and increase their sales. Now they're switching the TV Guide insert to Saturday making people have to buy not only the Sunday issue but the Saturday one as well with some kind of ridiculous excuse that a blind man can see through.

I for one am not going to buy the Saturday issue but am cancelling my Sunday subscription as well.

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Autumn Smith
, US
Jun 26, 2012 9:06 am EDT

Good morning all. My name is Autumn Smith and I am a Social Media Specialist at the Tribune. I will be able to help with any questions regarding the Chicago Tribune. Feel free to email me at AskClientServices@Tribune.com, with your name and question/comment regarding the paper, and I will respond ASAP with a resolution.

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June Lewand
Des Plaines, US
Nov 09, 2011 3:16 pm EST

Well, now the Sun Times is playing the fun game since we'll have to subscribe to TV Guide to get the listings. In this horrible economy I don't think these tactics employed by the Trib and the Times will gain them any friends, and some of us may just have to get our listings online or do without. People out of work aren't going to be adding any unnecessary expenses to their household account.

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ChicagoBob
Plainfied, US
Mar 07, 2010 1:27 pm EST

What a stupid thing to do. I would read the advertisements and look through the TV listings on Sunday morning. Now I as am switching to the sun times who I am sure has advertisements and a TV Guide. With a declining news paper readership you would think that a News Paper would not be this stupid.

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jb58
LaGrange, US
Apr 20, 2009 5:45 pm EDT

I've been buying the Sunday Tribune for years. When they switched the TV guide to Saturday's paper with that BS excuse, I figured I'd have to give in and get both papers. Since they started 3 weekends ago, I have not even been able to find a Saturday Trib to buy! So guess what...I am now buying the Sunday Sun Times. So long Tribune.

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Gus Pine
, US
Apr 19, 2009 7:19 pm EDT

I agree with Ted. I also refuse to buy an additional Saturday paper just to get the TV Guide insert.

In fact, I have already Cancelled my 20 year subscription to the Sunday paper because of this "ditry trick" they're playing. But when I called to cancel, the lady on the phone at the Trib gave me all this hype about what a "great deal" she'd give me if I paid extra to take both the Saturday AND Sunday paper.

So nice try Chicago Tribune, we don't want two papers. Or better put...

What Part of NO Don't You Understand !

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5:51 am EDT
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Chicago Tribune - newspaper delivery

The tribune is outsourced to deliver newspapers for the suntimes as well as their own paper. The delivery person assigned to bring my three papers everyday is lazy and no good and skips my house whenever she feels like it, they say someone must be stealing the paper. I lose sleep every day waking up too early to make sure I get my paper. The only days I...

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K
11:12 am EST

Chicago Tribune collected money twice!

One evening I had 2 teenagers with credentials come to my house asking for donations of $15 towards "The Good Shepard Nursing Home" for those needy people to be there and can't afford there stay. Chicago Tribune had some kind of assistance of a kind of match in donations and as a thank you (supposedly) the donator would receive a 3 month subscription. Then for my surprise a few months later I get a collection bill for $16. Here it is a brutal SCAM (the stronger ones against the little ones). Be aware! Don't allow to happen to you. I've learned my lesson the hard way when I was just ready to help the needy.

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Do J
, US
Aug 13, 2023 1:34 am EDT
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Once again, I have not received my Sunday edition. I've been a subscriber for over 12 years. Yes, there have been a few times where this has happened before, but I'm fed-up now.

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bobbiedoll
Grayslake, US
Jul 15, 2023 5:14 pm EDT

I am trying to get the Inside Shopper sent to my home every Wednesday. I have never received it. My neighbors get it all the time. Please try to arrange to have it delivered to my home.

My name is Roberta Schwartz, address: 3462 Steeplechase Way, Grayslake, IL 60030, Phone: [protected]

Please HELP! Thank You.

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Sassie22
franklin park, US
Feb 12, 2023 1:31 pm EST
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I have been trying forever to get the Inside Shopper delivered to my house. The ads are very helpful for my shopping. It makes it a lot easier than going on line. Who do I contact to get this resolved?

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Sharon Op
Twin lakes, US
Jan 25, 2023 10:32 pm EST

I subscribe to Wed and Sunday home delivery but miss 50% or more of Weds deliveries. I both submit online and phone call requests for Re delivery which never happens. In January, I received only one Wednesday delivery to date, although I have submitted multiple requests for Re delivery for January 11 and 18.

Why is this issue not being addressed?

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pat lake
Palos Heights, US
Dec 17, 2022 9:32 pm EST

our paper used to come every morning at 6 30, which is when we want it. Now it comes at 9 or 10. It is too late for us and no matter how often I call the paper, it does not change. If it doesnt improve we will cancel

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John Wendt
La Porte, US
Oct 02, 2022 5:27 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Would appreciate getting my Sunday Chicago Tribune on a regular basis We have not received a Sunday paper for two weeks straight. I call and complain I don't get a paper and request one be delivered the next day and it is. But it would be nice to receive the paper on Sunday

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lee stopoulos
, US
Oct 07, 2019 5:16 pm EDT

Did not receive Sunday paper. Can you either deliver or issue credit. Thanks, Lee Stopoulos, Rockford

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John Mucha
, US
Aug 15, 2019 1:25 am EDT

Not enough time on notice of cost of renewal . should be at least 10 days . No added cost is over 20 percent .. very hard to talk over foreigners customer service ..

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joseph stevens
, US
May 18, 2019 3:43 pm EDT

my sunday morning newspaper gets delivered and late only if i call to remind of no delivery and sometimes it still does not get devivered at all

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CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Griffith, US
Jan 24, 2011 5:54 pm EST

Ya, the Tribune finds all kinds of ways to scam the people. Can't wait for the paper to go under.

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