Rebates can be fun and annoying

I've been grappling with the allure of rebates for a eons. They suck you in with the promise of a bargain, then drag you over the coals to claim it, and finally deliver your rebate check with the speed of a bump on a log.

Retailers like Staples have improved the process, while customers of some other stores never get their money.

What do you think of rebates?