Am I the only one who has this problem? The search king has the most feeble search capabilities in its search function in Blogger. When I want to find an old post I cannot. If I put a title in quotes, the phrase is completely ignored and I get posts, which contain any of the words.
Google cannot search?
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Google Blogger: one problem fixed: pasting Google Docs spreadsheet now looks good, not terrible.
Finally! How difficult could it have been for Google to fix?
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013 Google Blogger software problems.
And why can't I integrate stuff from Google Docs/Drive into blogger? I cannot copy/paste from a Google spreadsheet into a blogger post and maintain any form. It just looks like a mess. I cannot find any way to accomplish this. That's pretty basic stuff.
I finally figured out how to get a Google spreadsheet graph into a blogger post and it's ridiculously absurd. I have to publish the graph, then copy the image html and paste that into the blogger post in html mode. How about drag and drop? Something. Anything. Google should be embarrassed.
I'm a big Google supporter but this stuff is really turning me off. The problems, and I haven't even gotten into the sloppy editing and formatting deficiencies, are a genuine burden that slow the creation process and make me much less likely to even bother. And I'm sick of seeing this all the time:
An error occurred while trying to save or publish your post. Please try again. Ignore warning
I used Wordpress while writing for a big blog and it did not have formatting problems. I don't know about some of the other stuff since I was working within a corporate structure and not native Wordpress. I hate the idea of switching but right now I'm not getting any benefit from using Google's blog service. There is no integration with any other Google stuff. NONE!
________________________________________________
I had to copy that from blogger.com, paste it into Notepad, then copy that very plain text into the editing area in blogger in order to get it to (usually) format like the rest of what I am writing.
Recently the pasting of Google Drive Docs, whatever the heck it's currently called, spreadsheets into the blogger editor works really well. OK, the font is off but it's no longer an embarrassing mess. Maybe I could change the font but so far I haven't wanted to temp fate. Here check this:
http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com/2013/11/team-salary-cap-2003-2013.html
The first matrix is copy/paste from Microsoft Access, which ironically, always worked OK in Blogger. The others below are from Google Docs, as is the graph. It's still difficult to get a graph in there and to size it properly, especially if you haven't done it in a while. It's easy to forget how.
That's one small step. Thanks, Google, but how about finishing the job?
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013 Google Blogger software problems.
And why can't I integrate stuff from Google Docs/Drive into blogger? I cannot copy/paste from a Google spreadsheet into a blogger post and maintain any form. It just looks like a mess. I cannot find any way to accomplish this. That's pretty basic stuff.
I finally figured out how to get a Google spreadsheet graph into a blogger post and it's ridiculously absurd. I have to publish the graph, then copy the image html and paste that into the blogger post in html mode. How about drag and drop? Something. Anything. Google should be embarrassed.
I'm a big Google supporter but this stuff is really turning me off. The problems, and I haven't even gotten into the sloppy editing and formatting deficiencies, are a genuine burden that slow the creation process and make me much less likely to even bother. And I'm sick of seeing this all the time:
An error occurred while trying to save or publish your post. Please try again. Ignore warning
I used Wordpress while writing for a big blog and it did not have formatting problems. I don't know about some of the other stuff since I was working within a corporate structure and not native Wordpress. I hate the idea of switching but right now I'm not getting any benefit from using Google's blog service. There is no integration with any other Google stuff. NONE!
________________________________________________
I had to copy that from blogger.com, paste it into Notepad, then copy that very plain text into the editing area in blogger in order to get it to (usually) format like the rest of what I am writing.
Recently the pasting of Google Drive Docs, whatever the heck it's currently called, spreadsheets into the blogger editor works really well. OK, the font is off but it's no longer an embarrassing mess. Maybe I could change the font but so far I haven't wanted to temp fate. Here check this:
http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com/2013/11/team-salary-cap-2003-2013.html
The first matrix is copy/paste from Microsoft Access, which ironically, always worked OK in Blogger. The others below are from Google Docs, as is the graph. It's still difficult to get a graph in there and to size it properly, especially if you haven't done it in a while. It's easy to forget how.
That's one small step. Thanks, Google, but how about finishing the job?
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Adlens: alternative to Superfocus?
My posts on my purchase and return of a pair of Superfocus glasses continue to get comments many months later. Maybe we should start a thread on Adlens, which seems to be evolving.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Wither Google Talk?
I used to be able to make free voice calls to regular phone numbers, land or cell. Talk has been retired and I only get Voice, which simply let's me send a number to be dialed and paid for by a real phone service, in my case Verizon Wireless.
It's nice to be able to look up a number and have Google dial it for me. Much nicer was Google presenting two, not one, phone icons in my address book with the option of having Google make the call for free.
I may have to go back to Skype and pay about $38 a year for free calls to regular numbers.
Searching on "Google Talk" yields a link to google.com/talk (chat with family and friends), which re-directs me to google.com/hangouts, which states: "You can upgrade Chat to Hangouts by clicking on your photo icon in Gmail's chat list." Did I inadvertently do that and lose the free calling?
Is there a way to make free voice calls to regular phone numbers with Google+ Hangouts?
Monday, April 22, 2013
Google Blogger software problems: one worked around.
When I published the previous post I was prompted to share it with Google+.
I had already tried a bunch of stuff to get my main blog (http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com) to go back to prompting but everything failed. I had suspected this blogger G+ option:
"Use Google+ Comments on this blog".
I had turned it off but that did not seem to matter. In this blog I turned it on and the problem started here, too. I then turned if off here AND closed the tab, re-opened and the problem went away. I then tried that with http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com and it, too, was fixed.
But what the heck? What the heck is Google doing with junk like that? Oh, and any indication of G+ sharing in http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com for past posts have disappeared. What the heck?
I had already tried a bunch of stuff to get my main blog (http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com) to go back to prompting but everything failed. I had suspected this blogger G+ option:
"Use Google+ Comments on this blog".
I had turned it off but that did not seem to matter. In this blog I turned it on and the problem started here, too. I then turned if off here AND closed the tab, re-opened and the problem went away. I then tried that with http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com and it, too, was fixed.
But what the heck? What the heck is Google doing with junk like that? Oh, and any indication of G+ sharing in http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com for past posts have disappeared. What the heck?
Google Blogger software problems.
I was using blogger.com before Google took it over. Problems seem to be getting worse and it's driving me crazy. Here the URL for my main blog, Radical Baseball:
http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com
Integration with Google+, which seems to have achieved the impossible and become an even bigger unmanageable mess than facebook, has gone from working to working sometimes to not working. Here is my setting:
"This blog is associated with Radical Baseball Google+ page."
When I published a post I was prompted to also share it on G+. That worked. Now it does not.
Now, I do not get asked to share. I cannot share after publishing within blogger at all. I click on "share" for a post listed among my posts and NOTHING happens.
If I bring the post into public view and click on share it only lets me share to my name, NOT my Radical Baseball Google+ page NO option to change. I've checked help, etc. and this is not addressed. Trying to manually post to my G+ page from within G+ is impossible. I have no idea how G+ works and I was VERY supportive of G+ from the beginning because I hate facebook so much but G+ is a mess. Does anyone understand what the heck is going on inside G+? I read stuff by Guy Kawasaki but it doesn't help.
And why can't I integrate stuff from Google Docs/Drive into blogger? I cannot copy/paste from a Google spreadsheet into a blogger post and maintain any form. It just looks like a mess. I cannot find any way to accomplish this. That's pretty basic stuff.
I finally figured out how to get a Google spreadsheet graph into a blogger post and it's ridiculously absurd. I have to publish the graph, then copy the image html and paste that into the blogger post in html mode. How about drag and drop? Something. Anything. Google should be embarrassed.
I'm a big Google supporter but this stuff is really turning me off. The problems, and I haven't even gotten into the sloppy editing and formatting deficiencies, are a genuine burden that slow the creation process and make me much less likely to even bother. And I'm sick of seeing this all the time:
An error occurred while trying to save or publish your post. Please try again. Ignore warning
I used Wordpress while writing for a big blog and it did not have formatting problems. I don't know about some of the other stuff since I was working within a corporate structure and not native Wordpress. I hate the idea of switching but right now I'm not getting any benefit from using Google's blog service. There is no integration with any other Google stuff. NONE!
http://radicalbaseball.blogspot.com
Integration with Google+, which seems to have achieved the impossible and become an even bigger unmanageable mess than facebook, has gone from working to working sometimes to not working. Here is my setting:
"This blog is associated with Radical Baseball Google+ page."
When I published a post I was prompted to also share it on G+. That worked. Now it does not.
Now, I do not get asked to share. I cannot share after publishing within blogger at all. I click on "share" for a post listed among my posts and NOTHING happens.
If I bring the post into public view and click on share it only lets me share to my name, NOT my Radical Baseball Google+ page NO option to change. I've checked help, etc. and this is not addressed. Trying to manually post to my G+ page from within G+ is impossible. I have no idea how G+ works and I was VERY supportive of G+ from the beginning because I hate facebook so much but G+ is a mess. Does anyone understand what the heck is going on inside G+? I read stuff by Guy Kawasaki but it doesn't help.
And why can't I integrate stuff from Google Docs/Drive into blogger? I cannot copy/paste from a Google spreadsheet into a blogger post and maintain any form. It just looks like a mess. I cannot find any way to accomplish this. That's pretty basic stuff.
I finally figured out how to get a Google spreadsheet graph into a blogger post and it's ridiculously absurd. I have to publish the graph, then copy the image html and paste that into the blogger post in html mode. How about drag and drop? Something. Anything. Google should be embarrassed.
I'm a big Google supporter but this stuff is really turning me off. The problems, and I haven't even gotten into the sloppy editing and formatting deficiencies, are a genuine burden that slow the creation process and make me much less likely to even bother. And I'm sick of seeing this all the time:
An error occurred while trying to save or publish your post. Please try again. Ignore warning
I used Wordpress while writing for a big blog and it did not have formatting problems. I don't know about some of the other stuff since I was working within a corporate structure and not native Wordpress. I hate the idea of switching but right now I'm not getting any benefit from using Google's blog service. There is no integration with any other Google stuff. NONE!
Monday, April 1, 2013
HDMI computer to television: does it ever work?
I tried it through an HDMI splitter to two HDTV sets that works fine with my Roku box. I tried it with several devices and none worked.
1. Raspberry Pi: I could see the boot up stuff but video was cut off at the edges and I could not log in.
2. Windows7 laptop: nothing on screen no matter what I tried.
3. Samsung Chromebook.: desktop visible with video edges cut off but no log in screen in the middle, which I could see on the laptop screen. I checked display options but dual screens was not available. Also, my Logitech USB wireless mouse and keyboard did not work.
4. Motorola Droid Bionic: nothing. Are there phone options to set?
What's the point of having an HDMI port if it does not work?
1. Raspberry Pi: I could see the boot up stuff but video was cut off at the edges and I could not log in.
2. Windows7 laptop: nothing on screen no matter what I tried.
3. Samsung Chromebook.: desktop visible with video edges cut off but no log in screen in the middle, which I could see on the laptop screen. I checked display options but dual screens was not available. Also, my Logitech USB wireless mouse and keyboard did not work.
4. Motorola Droid Bionic: nothing. Are there phone options to set?
What's the point of having an HDMI port if it does not work?
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Lionel model trains: new baseball sets.
Cannot find on lionelstore.com but found them in the 2013 cataolg:
http://www.lionel.com/products/catalogs/Interactive/2013rtr/index.html
MLB Berkshire Set A. New York Yankees Steam Berkshire Set 7-12000 page 66
New York Yankees/Mets Subway Series Set 7-12016 page 64
Anyone know the status? I just sent messages to Lionel but obviously this is an emergency. I would, of course, paint graffiti on the Mets stuff.
http://www.lionel.com/products/catalogs/Interactive/2013rtr/index.html
MLB Berkshire Set A. New York Yankees Steam Berkshire Set 7-12000 page 66
New York Yankees/Mets Subway Series Set 7-12016 page 64
Anyone know the status? I just sent messages to Lionel but obviously this is an emergency. I would, of course, paint graffiti on the Mets stuff.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Major Tom to ground control from Raspberry Pi.
This is an actual message from Raspberry Pi. The geniuses working on this version of Linux omitted: in the default browser:CTL-C (copy), CTL-V (insert), double click a word, spell check a word with right click; System Settings, Internet status, ...
It does not appear to work with my D-Link Ethernet Switch (splitter), the first device that has not worked with mine.
Do not rely on raspberrypi.org for enough info to configure it on initial boot up.
engadget.com has something very good by John Browning posted Sep 4, 2012. Read the entire thing first then go through it carefully when you're ready for liftoff.
The default browser does not explicitly tell you that you are not connected to the Internet. The first Model (A) did not have an Ethernet port so I'm guessing any connectivity was an afterthought and it shows.
Still, it is working. HDMI to my monitor, which is more than my Windows7 laptop can achieve. Logitech Wireless Combo MK520 mouse and keyboard with USB dongle worked fine. No drivers or other installation junk for anything.
SLOW. Browsing is slow. Typing online is slow. I cannot see using this as a computer. Makes me appreciate my Samsung Chromebook. Thank you, Google.
It does not appear to work with my D-Link Ethernet Switch (splitter), the first device that has not worked with mine.
Do not rely on raspberrypi.org for enough info to configure it on initial boot up.
engadget.com has something very good by John Browning posted Sep 4, 2012. Read the entire thing first then go through it carefully when you're ready for liftoff.
The default browser does not explicitly tell you that you are not connected to the Internet. The first Model (A) did not have an Ethernet port so I'm guessing any connectivity was an afterthought and it shows.
Still, it is working. HDMI to my monitor, which is more than my Windows7 laptop can achieve. Logitech Wireless Combo MK520 mouse and keyboard with USB dongle worked fine. No drivers or other installation junk for anything.
SLOW. Browsing is slow. Typing online is slow. I cannot see using this as a computer. Makes me appreciate my Samsung Chromebook. Thank you, Google.
Raspberry Pi
Ordered Feb. 1, 2013 from alliedelec.com:
Received a month later. Still have not powered it up.
I think I loaded the Raspberry Pi Linux onto an 8G SD card that I already had but I won't know until I can power up later using the micro USB plug that I just discovered on the Pi.
I had read about a see through case that actually fit the Raspberry Pi but this supplier does not seem to have anything specific to the Raspberry Pi. Why sell it without something that pretty much everybody will need? Saw a photo of Leggos being used the hold the Pi, if not actually enclose it.
Wish me luck.
| Qty. | Stock# | Mfr. Part # | Cust. Part # | Price (USD) | Total (USD) |
| 1 | 70229569 | RASPBERRY PI MODEL B | $35.000 | $35.00 | |
| Computer; OpenFrame; 700Mhz; 512Mb RAM; 85.6x53.98x17mm; Raspberry Series | |||||
| Ship Method: USPS Standard Mail / Parcel Post | |||||
 | |||||
| 1 | 70235238 | DA-SD-4096-R | $7.460 | $7.46 | |
| SD Card; Flash Memory; 4GB; Class 4 | |||||
| Ship Method: USPS Standard Mail / Parcel Post | |||||
| |||||
| 1 | 70232557 | GS05U-USB | $8.000 | $8.00 | |
| Power Supply; AC-DC; 5V@1A; 90-264V In; Enclosed; Wall Plug; USB; Switching; GS Series | |||||
Received a month later. Still have not powered it up.
I think I loaded the Raspberry Pi Linux onto an 8G SD card that I already had but I won't know until I can power up later using the micro USB plug that I just discovered on the Pi.
I had read about a see through case that actually fit the Raspberry Pi but this supplier does not seem to have anything specific to the Raspberry Pi. Why sell it without something that pretty much everybody will need? Saw a photo of Leggos being used the hold the Pi, if not actually enclose it.
Wish me luck.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Samsung Chromebook: got it. Nice. Yeah, I know that it needs an Internet connection.
Works well. Does it's thing. No, I'm not going to include the universal caveat that it needs to be connected to the Internet to be useful. EVERY techie review includes that nonsense. What percentage of your computing time are you not connected? For me: zero.
I use Microsoft Access, a really good single user database management system (DBMS), for baseball research; that's the only reason that I still have a Windows PC - an Asus Ultrabook. The browser program, of course, runs locally. But most other stuff runs or originates on the Internet. I have been using Google Docs exclusively for years for word processing and spreadsheet. I do not use the offline version that's available. Google Docs (Drive) keeps my files safe and sound on Google servers. Why should I waste my time and resources performing data center functions in some half assed way when Google does it for me for free.
How many clowns have a backup device sitting beside the system unit so that both are flooded when the roof leaks? Oh wait, the rocket scientist has a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to another location and mirrors his servers. Howie. Google has ... maybe a million servers. A lot. With 24/7 professional staffing. You want a job that will not go away? Work in a mega data center. It may be windowless and repetitive but you'll make good money for a long time.
These reviewers who feel compelled to warn you that ChromeOS is OK if you're willing to depend on having an Internet connection virtually 100% of the time are BORING. It's not 1995. We've moved on from Microsoft Office. I can't remember the last time I used Word or Excel. Who the heck is running Photoshop? How often do you need Quicken, if at all?
I like the nice clean ChromeOS developed for Internet access, which I have 100% of the time I use computers, tablets, smartphones.
I use Microsoft Access, a really good single user database management system (DBMS), for baseball research; that's the only reason that I still have a Windows PC - an Asus Ultrabook. The browser program, of course, runs locally. But most other stuff runs or originates on the Internet. I have been using Google Docs exclusively for years for word processing and spreadsheet. I do not use the offline version that's available. Google Docs (Drive) keeps my files safe and sound on Google servers. Why should I waste my time and resources performing data center functions in some half assed way when Google does it for me for free.
How many clowns have a backup device sitting beside the system unit so that both are flooded when the roof leaks? Oh wait, the rocket scientist has a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to another location and mirrors his servers. Howie. Google has ... maybe a million servers. A lot. With 24/7 professional staffing. You want a job that will not go away? Work in a mega data center. It may be windowless and repetitive but you'll make good money for a long time.
These reviewers who feel compelled to warn you that ChromeOS is OK if you're willing to depend on having an Internet connection virtually 100% of the time are BORING. It's not 1995. We've moved on from Microsoft Office. I can't remember the last time I used Word or Excel. Who the heck is running Photoshop? How often do you need Quicken, if at all?
I like the nice clean ChromeOS developed for Internet access, which I have 100% of the time I use computers, tablets, smartphones.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Samsung Chromebook: does out of stock mean a new model is coming?
Google Play
$249.00
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
We are out of inventory. Please check back soon.
________________________________________
Is it my imagination or has this PC been out of stock for six months? If it was a hot seller, why not replenish? Maybe Google and Samsung are planning a new model, maybe with a touch screen.
Or maybe a high end Chromebook finally in the form of an Ultrabook. Of course, Google's Android OS may be better suited for a touch screen PC than Chrome unless Chrome has been substantially rewritten. I like my Nexus 7 a lot but a real keyboard would be nice.
Anyone tried a Chromebox?
$249.00
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
We are out of inventory. Please check back soon.
________________________________________
Is it my imagination or has this PC been out of stock for six months? If it was a hot seller, why not replenish? Maybe Google and Samsung are planning a new model, maybe with a touch screen.
Or maybe a high end Chromebook finally in the form of an Ultrabook. Of course, Google's Android OS may be better suited for a touch screen PC than Chrome unless Chrome has been substantially rewritten. I like my Nexus 7 a lot but a real keyboard would be nice.
Anyone tried a Chromebox?
Verizon Home Monitoring service: what does Verizon think of my critique?
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013
Verizon Home Monitoring service needs work.
Since posting that message a month ago I have not noticed any action by Verizon, which may simply be because it has only 14 views. So I decided to send it directly to Verizon. This was alluded to in my previous message posted a few minutes ago. Contacting Verizon is difficult.
Here is that message:
ACCOUNT NUMBER XXXXXXXXXXXX
http://techthoughtsmatinale.blogspot.com/2013/01/verizon-home-monitoring-service-needs.html
Please address these issues. Thanks.
__________________________________
Let's see what response I receive from Verizon, if any.
Verizon Customer Support e-mail: customersupport@verizon.com
customersupport@verizon.com
The Verizon website is impenetrable. It loops you, dead ends you, fails to support Chrome you. You name it. Just try sending e-mail to them directly.
A couple of minutes after sending my e-mail message I received an e-mail message back from Verizon, which contained this:
Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting Verizon.
One of our customer support associates is currently reviewing your inquiry and our goal is to respond within two business days. Please note, response times may vary depending on our e-mail volumes.
The Verizon website is impenetrable. It loops you, dead ends you, fails to support Chrome you. You name it. Just try sending e-mail to them directly.
A couple of minutes after sending my e-mail message I received an e-mail message back from Verizon, which contained this:
Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting Verizon.
One of our customer support associates is currently reviewing your inquiry and our goal is to respond within two business days. Please note, response times may vary depending on our e-mail volumes.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Verizon Home Monitoring service needs work.
In September 2012 I paid $89 for the required kit, which I think is now free. It includes the gateway, which connects to the router and a simple camera and wall device to which any electrical thing like a light may be plugged in. I also ordered the front door keypad lock and a Trane thermometer.
I got the gateway working with some help from Verizon support and subsequently had the lock installed. It works well and almost makes the monthly service charge of $9.99 worth it. I have yet to attempt installation of the Trane thermometer.
Windows PC access is OK but could certainly be improved. However, the apps that I've used on my Android tablet and Droid smartphone need a lot of work. Remote access is often problematic and junctions limited.
I cannot add, change delete pass codes for the lock from the apps. This is a big limitation.
The gateway has failed and caused me to lose remote access to the devices but Verizon did not send a message informing me.
The Verizon camera does not have infrared like my previously purchased D-Link IP camera, which I can always access remotely using its app through the free D-Link network. However, I have not been able to record with the D-Link camera.
Since the Verizon camera cannot see in the dark it would be nice if camera activation could trigger having the light in the room turned on. I cannot find that.
The Verizon camera has a privacy button, which is needed because if you have record set for activation you would be initiating recordings with notifying e-mail messages constantly every time you walked past the Verizon camera. So I must remember to turn off the privacy on the Verizon camera every time I go out. I almost never remember. So, I can just turn on the Verizon camera remotely from an app, right? Wrong.
Who comes up with these combinations? How much common sense would it take to consider a realistic use of the devices and service?
Verizon, come on. You can do better.
I got the gateway working with some help from Verizon support and subsequently had the lock installed. It works well and almost makes the monthly service charge of $9.99 worth it. I have yet to attempt installation of the Trane thermometer.
Windows PC access is OK but could certainly be improved. However, the apps that I've used on my Android tablet and Droid smartphone need a lot of work. Remote access is often problematic and junctions limited.
I cannot add, change delete pass codes for the lock from the apps. This is a big limitation.
The gateway has failed and caused me to lose remote access to the devices but Verizon did not send a message informing me.
The Verizon camera does not have infrared like my previously purchased D-Link IP camera, which I can always access remotely using its app through the free D-Link network. However, I have not been able to record with the D-Link camera.
Since the Verizon camera cannot see in the dark it would be nice if camera activation could trigger having the light in the room turned on. I cannot find that.
The Verizon camera has a privacy button, which is needed because if you have record set for activation you would be initiating recordings with notifying e-mail messages constantly every time you walked past the Verizon camera. So I must remember to turn off the privacy on the Verizon camera every time I go out. I almost never remember. So, I can just turn on the Verizon camera remotely from an app, right? Wrong.
Who comes up with these combinations? How much common sense would it take to consider a realistic use of the devices and service?
Verizon, come on. You can do better.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
UPS questionnaire.
UPS is obviously not dealing with my specific issue.
UPS Survey
1. Why did you send an e-mail?
I got a drop down and selected "Trying to resolve a problem with delivery."
2. During this interaction were you the shipper of the package, receiver of the package, or another interested party?
Shipper. Actually Google Play was the shipper. Too late to change. I already submitted the questionnaire.
3. You found it easy to interact with UPS? (1=Strongly Disagree, 5=Strongly Agree)
I picked 5 and added this comment:
http://techthoughtsmatinale.blogspot.com/
Read my blog.
4. UPS was able to satisfy your request? (1=Strongly Disagree, 5=Strongly Agree)
Comment: Never resolved.
5. It was a pleasure to interact with the UPS representative? (1=Strongly Disagree, 5=Strongly Agree)
Comment: All were terrible, especially the one from UPS HQ.
6. Based upon your interaction today, how likely are you to recommend UPS to a colleague or friend? (1=Never Recommend, 5=Highly Recommend)
Comment: The problem is that UPS is like a utility. It's difficult to avoid. I ordered something else from Google Play yesterday, Monday. What are the chances that it will be delivered by Friday? If not, it will sit until next Monday.
7. If every interaction with UPS was like this one and your shipping needs remained the same, will your desire to use UPS decrease, stay the same, or increase?
8. Please provide any additional feedback or comments about your experience.
Comment: http://techthoughtsmatinale.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your response. Your input is appreciated.
UPS wants my opinion.
I'm not making this up.
Here is an exchange of messages after which I copied and pasted my blog posts into a reply. I'll check the questionnaire and report here.
from: ups-service@mailnj.custhelp.com ups-service@mailnj.custhelp.com
reply-to: "ups-service@mailnj.custhelp.com"
date: Mon, Nov 26, 2012 at 7:34 PM
subject: You are invited to provide feedback about your recent UPS e-mail experience.
signed-by: mailnj.custhelp.com
Thank you for emailing with UPS. Thinking about your UPS email support experience please provide your feedback so that we can continue to improve the service we provide our customers.
Simply click on the link below, or cut and paste the entire URL into your browser to access the survey:
https://ups6.custhelp.com/ci/documents/detail/...
Thank you in advance for your participation.
_________________________________________
Ken: As already documented on my blog, I spoke to a UPS HQ person in Atlanta who was too dense to understand.
Here is an exchange of messages after which I copied and pasted my blog posts into a reply. I'll check the questionnaire and report here.
from: ups-service@mailnj.custhelp.com ups-service@mailnj.custhelp.com
reply-to: "ups-service@mailnj.custhelp.com"
date: Mon, Nov 26, 2012 at 7:34 PM
subject: You are invited to provide feedback about your recent UPS e-mail experience.
signed-by: mailnj.custhelp.com
Thank you for emailing with UPS. Thinking about your UPS email support experience please provide your feedback so that we can continue to improve the service we provide our customers.
Simply click on the link below, or cut and paste the entire URL into your browser to access the survey:
https://ups6.custhelp.com/ci/documents/detail/...
Thank you in advance for your participation.
_________________________________________
Ken: As already documented on my blog, I spoke to a UPS HQ person in Atlanta who was too dense to understand.
| Subject | |
| General / General | |
| Response (Maryann P.) | 11/27/2012 09:08 AM |
| Dear Kenneth, Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, I do not have access to the link you provided. I will be happy to research this issue further once I receive additional information. I apologize that I am unable to assist you at this time. Please contact us if you need any additional assistance. Mary Ann P. UPS Customer Service UPS now has a new app that lets you Track, Ship, Find Locations and obtain rate quotes directly from your smartphone. Go tomy.ups.com or visit ups.com to learn about Apple and BlackBerry device-specific applications. | |
| CustomerBy Email | 11/26/2012 04:38 PM |
I clicked on the link in this email. It works fine. From the browser I sent the link to your email ID. Try again.
| |
| Response (Maryann P.) | 11/26/2012 01:29 PM |
| Dear Kenneth, Thank you for your e-mail. Unfortunately, I am unable to open the link you provided. Please provide further details of your concern or request and I will be happy to assist you further. I apologize for the problems you have experienced with UPS and for my delayed response to your e-mail. Please contact us if you need any additional assistance. Mary Ann P. UPS Customer Service UPS now has a new app that lets you Track, Ship, Find Locations and obtain rate quotes directly from your smartphone. Go tomy.ups.com or visit ups.com to learn about Apple and BlackBerry device-specific applications. | |
UPS does not try to fix problems on Saturday.
In my post about the knucklehead from UPS corporate headquarters I forgot to mention that after I asked why my package had been placed on a UPS truck on a Wednesday for final delivery but not delivered: why had it not been placed on a UPS truck Thursday, Friday, Saturday ... Here I was interrupted by Miss Knucklehead. I said UPS delivers on Saturday, right? Yes, but I had not paid for weekend delivery.
At his point it's really difficult to describe my exasperation with the complete stupidity of this comment. Obviously, it was the fault of UPS, not the customer, that my package had remained in a UPS facility for TWO more days and not been placed on a truck. Now this incredibly inept UPS corporate headquarters knucklehead thinks she has scored an "ah ha!" debating point.
So my package waited until Monday ... and still was not placed on a truck. Either Miss Knucklehead did not attempt to exert influence to get my package moving or the UPS people in New York ignored her, which may be the only thing they did right in this silly episode.
At his point it's really difficult to describe my exasperation with the complete stupidity of this comment. Obviously, it was the fault of UPS, not the customer, that my package had remained in a UPS facility for TWO more days and not been placed on a truck. Now this incredibly inept UPS corporate headquarters knucklehead thinks she has scored an "ah ha!" debating point.
So my package waited until Monday ... and still was not placed on a truck. Either Miss Knucklehead did not attempt to exert influence to get my package moving or the UPS people in New York ignored her, which may be the only thing they did right in this silly episode.
Flaw in online shopping.
My recent experience with online shopping in which I ordered from Google Play only to have its designated shipper, UPS, foul up the deal in every possible way, has caused me to question the basic structure of this electronic commerce.
If I buy at a physical store I generally leave with the product purchased.
If I order that same product online, I pay when it ships, including the shipping charge. Two problems:
1. The supplier dumps responsibility onto the shipper.
2. The shipper has already been paid and, as with UPS in my recent nightmare experience, has no incentive to deliver the product in a timely manner, if at all.
Solution: we should insist that we not be charged until we have product in hand. Or at the very least, the shipper should not be paid until product has been received and the recipient is satisfied with the condition of the product received.
If I buy at a physical store I generally leave with the product purchased.
If I order that same product online, I pay when it ships, including the shipping charge. Two problems:
1. The supplier dumps responsibility onto the shipper.
2. The shipper has already been paid and, as with UPS in my recent nightmare experience, has no incentive to deliver the product in a timely manner, if at all.
Solution: we should insist that we not be charged until we have product in hand. Or at the very least, the shipper should not be paid until product has been received and the recipient is satisfied with the condition of the product received.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Google already credited my account.
Google Play has credited my account in full, including the shipping charge for the incredibly inept UPS.
I wonder when/if Google will receive its product from UPS.
Google Play, thank you. Please select another shipper or at least provide an option.
I wonder when/if Google will receive its product from UPS.
Google Play, thank you. Please select another shipper or at least provide an option.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
UPS Corporate Customer Relations rubs salt into the wound.
I just finished a conversation with:
Monica Pearson
UPS Corporate Customer Relations
404-828-4900
CustomerRelations@ups.com
Blah, blah, blah.
That's far more eloquence than anything expressed by this person who also copped a Ross Perot "can I finish" attitude. No amount of logic could penetrate the corporate oblivion of UPS as represented by this colossally inept individual.
She simply repeated that the weather was to blame even though the weather was fine and it was painfully obvious that the problem had nothing to do with weather but with UPS procedures INDOORS at its facility in Maspeth, NY in Queens, New York City.
Monica Pearson
UPS Corporate Customer Relations
404-828-4900
CustomerRelations@ups.com
Blah, blah, blah.
That's far more eloquence than anything expressed by this person who also copped a Ross Perot "can I finish" attitude. No amount of logic could penetrate the corporate oblivion of UPS as represented by this colossally inept individual.
She simply repeated that the weather was to blame even though the weather was fine and it was painfully obvious that the problem had nothing to do with weather but with UPS procedures INDOORS at its facility in Maspeth, NY in Queens, New York City.
Ultimately Google backed me against the evil UPS.
Google came through, although for perspective if Google had not jerked me around with three completely unnecessary order/cancel cycles my order would have shipped one day earlier and missed the second storm to hit New York and probably been delivered one day before that ill fated day when UPS decided to transform from a reliable service provider to a practitioner of evil.
What did the trick was Google actually speaking to UPS. Saturday I made yet another attempt to communicate with UPS. Remember, UPS had put my package on a UPS truck in Maspeth in Queens county, NY for its delivery to its final destination. A snow storm hit and apparently my package was returned to the UPS facility in Maspeth and into a UPS black hole from which it never emerged.
My suspicion is that UPS had reduced service because of the higher prices for gasoline in New York after the storms and was only delivering to high density locations, not to private houses in more suburban parts of the city.
I spoke to UPS Saturday morning and got the usual run around. Then I called Google and the Google person volunteered to place me on hold and call UPS. I said OK. After about five minutes, Google returned with the same exasperating reaction that I had for days: disbelief that UPS could suck this much. Google suggested that I give it another day, Monday. I agreed.
Monday there was no update from UPS, so my package had still not been loaded onto a UPS truck for delivery. I contacted Google and asked that our plan be implemented. Google would tell UPS that my package had been addressed incorrectly and that Google was recalling it. If I had simply cancelled my order the procedure is for UPS to deliver and I am responsible for returning the package to the shipper, Google.
Yesterday I received confirmation from Google that I will be reimbursed.
Thank you Google. Shame on you UPS.
What did the trick was Google actually speaking to UPS. Saturday I made yet another attempt to communicate with UPS. Remember, UPS had put my package on a UPS truck in Maspeth in Queens county, NY for its delivery to its final destination. A snow storm hit and apparently my package was returned to the UPS facility in Maspeth and into a UPS black hole from which it never emerged.
My suspicion is that UPS had reduced service because of the higher prices for gasoline in New York after the storms and was only delivering to high density locations, not to private houses in more suburban parts of the city.
I spoke to UPS Saturday morning and got the usual run around. Then I called Google and the Google person volunteered to place me on hold and call UPS. I said OK. After about five minutes, Google returned with the same exasperating reaction that I had for days: disbelief that UPS could suck this much. Google suggested that I give it another day, Monday. I agreed.
Monday there was no update from UPS, so my package had still not been loaded onto a UPS truck for delivery. I contacted Google and asked that our plan be implemented. Google would tell UPS that my package had been addressed incorrectly and that Google was recalling it. If I had simply cancelled my order the procedure is for UPS to deliver and I am responsible for returning the package to the shipper, Google.
Yesterday I received confirmation from Google that I will be reimbursed.
Thank you Google. Shame on you UPS.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Filed complaint with NY AG against UPS.
New York State Attorney General received this complaint from me at its website for misconduct associated with Hurricane Sandy:
http://techthoughtsmatinale.blogspot.com/
I ordered product from Google with two day delivery. Google chose UPS as its shipping agent. My package was placed on a UPS truck at the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY in New York City 11/9/12. Package was not delivered and despite multiple calls to UPS by me and one call by Google to UPS the only explanation received is "Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.".
Hurricane Sandy hit New York Oct. 29. There was a storm on 11/7 when UPS first tried to deliver but weather has been fine since. That's FIVE days and UPS gives no indication that it will deliver my package.
UPS should be fined and I should be re-paid the shipping charge.
http://techthoughtsmatinale.blogspot.com/
I ordered product from Google with two day delivery. Google chose UPS as its shipping agent. My package was placed on a UPS truck at the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY in New York City 11/9/12. Package was not delivered and despite multiple calls to UPS by me and one call by Google to UPS the only explanation received is "Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.".
Hurricane Sandy hit New York Oct. 29. There was a storm on 11/7 when UPS first tried to deliver but weather has been fine since. That's FIVE days and UPS gives no indication that it will deliver my package.
UPS should be fined and I should be re-paid the shipping charge.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
UPS won't tell Google where my package is. What!?
No hint that UPS intends to deliver the package that it first loaded onto one of its trucks for final delivery at 4:39 AM Nov. 7, three days ago, from the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY, which is maybe five miles from the delivery location. Both are in the New York City borough of Queens. In NYC a borough is basically a county.
I called UPS about 30 minutes ago and waded through the usual junk and finally spoke to a human being who was very nice but not helpful. All I heard was the company line that "emergency conditions" were preventing delivery. At least UPS did not use the Hurricane Sandy phrase that Google Play clings to.
I then spoke to another person, this one working at Google Play. After describing the situation I received loads of empathy and an offer to call UPS. OK. After waiting a while and listening to classical music I was informed that UPS was no more forthcoming with Google that it has been with me.
Wow! What arrogance! UPS stiffs the shipping company, and a big company at that. Now I don't feel quite as bad. If UPS can treat Google like dirt, no wonder it is treating me like dirt.
So here's a compact timeline to highlight the incompetence of UPS.
Oct. 29 Hurricane (downgraded to a tropical storm) Sandy hits the New York area.
Nov. 3 I order from Google Play.
Nov. 5 Google ships.
Nov. 7 4:39 AM UPS puts the Google package that I ordered onto a UPS truck for delivery that day but does not deliver. There was bad weather that afternoon and I'm willing to give UPS a pass on that.
It is now almost 9:00 AM Nov. 10.
1. Where is my package?
2. When will it be delivered?
3. Is it lost?
4. Is it still in the same UPS location from which it was loaded onto a truck on Nov. 7?
I asked UPS some pointed questions including:
1. Was there damage to the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY? No
2. Did the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY have power? Yes.
3. Were trucks driving out and delivering packages from the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY. Yes.
4. Why wasn't my package on one of those trucks? Don't know.
UPS refused to put a trace on it. I asked if UPS would trace the package if Google requested it. UPS said no.
I was charged for shipping. I am the customer, of both Google, for its product, and for UPS for its shipping service.
UPS should at least give me a credit for the shipping charge. What do you think the chances are?
I called UPS about 30 minutes ago and waded through the usual junk and finally spoke to a human being who was very nice but not helpful. All I heard was the company line that "emergency conditions" were preventing delivery. At least UPS did not use the Hurricane Sandy phrase that Google Play clings to.
I then spoke to another person, this one working at Google Play. After describing the situation I received loads of empathy and an offer to call UPS. OK. After waiting a while and listening to classical music I was informed that UPS was no more forthcoming with Google that it has been with me.
Wow! What arrogance! UPS stiffs the shipping company, and a big company at that. Now I don't feel quite as bad. If UPS can treat Google like dirt, no wonder it is treating me like dirt.
So here's a compact timeline to highlight the incompetence of UPS.
Oct. 29 Hurricane (downgraded to a tropical storm) Sandy hits the New York area.
Nov. 3 I order from Google Play.
Nov. 5 Google ships.
Nov. 7 4:39 AM UPS puts the Google package that I ordered onto a UPS truck for delivery that day but does not deliver. There was bad weather that afternoon and I'm willing to give UPS a pass on that.
It is now almost 9:00 AM Nov. 10.
1. Where is my package?
2. When will it be delivered?
3. Is it lost?
4. Is it still in the same UPS location from which it was loaded onto a truck on Nov. 7?
I asked UPS some pointed questions including:
1. Was there damage to the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY? No
2. Did the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY have power? Yes.
3. Were trucks driving out and delivering packages from the UPS facility in Maspeth, NY. Yes.
4. Why wasn't my package on one of those trucks? Don't know.
UPS refused to put a trace on it. I asked if UPS would trace the package if Google requested it. UPS said no.
I was charged for shipping. I am the customer, of both Google, for its product, and for UPS for its shipping service.
UPS should at least give me a credit for the shipping charge. What do you think the chances are?
Friday, November 9, 2012
Google, wake the heck up. Tell UPS that the weather has cleared.
Google, if you throw in Hurricane Katrina you'll have an excuse for not delivering to New Orleans. Hurricane Sandy was a "post-tropical cyclone" when it hit New Jersey back on October 29.
Do your job and get your lame delivery company, UPS, to do its job. Stop making silly excuses for incompetence. The election is over. Silly statements like yours published in my previous post are not acceptable.
Do your job and get your lame delivery company, UPS, to do its job. Stop making silly excuses for incompetence. The election is over. Silly statements like yours published in my previous post are not acceptable.
Google refuses to back customers.
My reply to Google's silly message below: I've been checking the UPS website and my delivery zip code is not impacted.
________________________________
From Google Play eight hours ago:
Delaware
Maryland
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Virginia
West Virginia
Washington DC
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Maine
Ohio
We apologize for the delay. Your tracking number will be updated as soon as our shipping provider is able to proceed with your delivery.
________________________________
From Google Play eight hours ago:
Hi Kenneth,
I can understand your frustration. Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Sandy, we're currently experiencing delivery delays in the following areas:
Delaware
Maryland
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Virginia
West Virginia
Washington DC
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Maine
Ohio
We apologize for the delay. Your tracking number will be updated as soon as our shipping provider is able to proceed with your delivery.
Regards,
Eddie
The Google Play Team
UPS continues sucking.
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/08/2012 10:53 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/07/2012 1:25 P.M. Destination Scan
11/07/2012 10:03 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
11/07/2012 4:39 A.M. Out For Delivery
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/06/2012 10:10 P.M. Arrival Scan
Jamaica, NY, United States 11/06/2012 9:30 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 5:29 P.M. Arrival Scan
Louisville, KY, United States 11/06/2012 3:27 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 1:07 P.M. Origin Scan
United States 11/05/2012 4:11 P.M. Order Processed: Ready for UPS
UPS is sucking.
See UPS status below. UPS continues to blame the weather but the weather was fine yesterday and today. What's really odd is that my package was on a truck TWO days ago but apparently returned to UPS. Now TWO days have passed and UPS still does not have it back on a truck for delivery.
And UPS continues to hide behind the weather. UPS is just being incompetent.
______________________________________________
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/08/2012 10:53 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/07/2012 1:25 P.M. Destination Scan
11/07/2012 10:03 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
11/07/2012 4:39 A.M. Out For Delivery
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/06/2012 10:10 P.M. Arrival Scan
Jamaica, NY, United States 11/06/2012 9:30 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 5:29 P.M. Arrival Scan
Louisville, KY, United States 11/06/2012 3:27 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 1:07 P.M. Origin Scan
United States 11/05/2012 4:11 P.M. Order Processed: Ready for UPS
And UPS continues to hide behind the weather. UPS is just being incompetent.
______________________________________________
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/08/2012 10:53 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/07/2012 1:25 P.M. Destination Scan
11/07/2012 10:03 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
11/07/2012 4:39 A.M. Out For Delivery
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/06/2012 10:10 P.M. Arrival Scan
Jamaica, NY, United States 11/06/2012 9:30 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 5:29 P.M. Arrival Scan
Louisville, KY, United States 11/06/2012 3:27 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 1:07 P.M. Origin Scan
United States 11/05/2012 4:11 P.M. Order Processed: Ready for UPS
Google Play online store needs a lot of work.
play.google.com/store/
I ordered three Nexus 7 tablets directly from Google, which needs to have its website designers look at amazon.com or pretty much any other online ordering site on the planet to get at least a general idea of how a reasonably competent process should work. Google is clueless.
I had to go through multiple order/cancel cycles because of Google's procedural mess. Then after my order was finally placed and shipped UPS continued Google's dysfunction.
Here is the latest message that I sent to Google:
As you can see below, UPS has shown incompetence in delivering my package. I want Google to make UPS refund my shipping charge. The status shows no indication that my package is on a truck for delivery. It was on a truck two days ago but was not delivered, I guess because of the weather. OK, but why was it not on a truck yesterday? I spoke to UPS last night at 10PM and they had no rational explanation except the weather. I live in New York and the weather yesterday was fine. UPS could not tell when my package would be placed on a truck for delivery.
This is unacceptable. I paid for "UPS two-day shipping" and this is not even close. The UPS Maspeth, NY location is only a few miles from the delivery location. I want Google to back me on this. Google has the clout.
I think that UPS returned my package to its site two days ago and either misplaced it or put it at the back of the line instead of at the front where it belonged since it had already been put on a truck for delivery. UPS is totally lost on this and is using the weather as an excuse for its incompetence. Google needs to show its ability to provide some minimal level of customer satisfaction.
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/08/2012 10:53 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/07/2012 1:25 P.M. Destination Scan
11/07/2012 10:03 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
11/07/2012 4:39 A.M. Out For Delivery
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/06/2012 10:10 P.M. Arrival Scan
Jamaica, NY, United States 11/06/2012 9:30 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 5:29 P.M. Arrival Scan
Louisville, KY, United States 11/06/2012 3:27 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 1:07 P.M. Origin Scan
United States 11/05/2012 4:11 P.M. Order Processed: Ready for UPS
______________________________________
I ordered three Nexus 7 tablets directly from Google, which needs to have its website designers look at amazon.com or pretty much any other online ordering site on the planet to get at least a general idea of how a reasonably competent process should work. Google is clueless.
I had to go through multiple order/cancel cycles because of Google's procedural mess. Then after my order was finally placed and shipped UPS continued Google's dysfunction.
Here is the latest message that I sent to Google:
As you can see below, UPS has shown incompetence in delivering my package. I want Google to make UPS refund my shipping charge. The status shows no indication that my package is on a truck for delivery. It was on a truck two days ago but was not delivered, I guess because of the weather. OK, but why was it not on a truck yesterday? I spoke to UPS last night at 10PM and they had no rational explanation except the weather. I live in New York and the weather yesterday was fine. UPS could not tell when my package would be placed on a truck for delivery.
This is unacceptable. I paid for "UPS two-day shipping" and this is not even close. The UPS Maspeth, NY location is only a few miles from the delivery location. I want Google to back me on this. Google has the clout.
I think that UPS returned my package to its site two days ago and either misplaced it or put it at the back of the line instead of at the front where it belonged since it had already been put on a truck for delivery. UPS is totally lost on this and is using the weather as an excuse for its incompetence. Google needs to show its ability to provide some minimal level of customer satisfaction.
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/08/2012 10:53 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/07/2012 1:25 P.M. Destination Scan
11/07/2012 10:03 A.M. Emergency conditions beyond UPS' control.
11/07/2012 4:39 A.M. Out For Delivery
Maspeth, NY, United States 11/06/2012 10:10 P.M. Arrival Scan
Jamaica, NY, United States 11/06/2012 9:30 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 5:29 P.M. Arrival Scan
Louisville, KY, United States 11/06/2012 3:27 P.M. Departure Scan
11/06/2012 1:07 P.M. Origin Scan
United States 11/05/2012 4:11 P.M. Order Processed: Ready for UPS
______________________________________
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Verizon cannot find returned equipment. What a shock.
I had Verizon FIOS. I moved and Verizon advised me to I get a new account (so that the on sight sales person would get credit) and I might get a better deal. OK. I would get new equipment, which was something I wanted anyway. I returned the old equipment following Verizon procedures. When Verizon did not send acknowledgement of receipt (UPS had warned me that Verizon misplaces its stuff), I sent proof from UPS that Verizon had received its equipment: date/time, location, person.
For my new home I ordered the Verizon Home Monitoring service with some extra stuff and when I got a big bill I figured that it was for that new stuff. Who can decipher Verizon bills anyway plus I was consumed with the move. Wrong. Verizon had charged me $650 for not returning the equipment that I had returned. Foolishly, I paid $580 thinking it was for the new stuff. HUGE mistake. Now Verizon wants another $606 due early November.
After being jerked around for weeks Verizon finally acknowledged, kind of, that equipment had been returned. No mention of what equipment or how much money was involved. Here is a message that I just received:
Dear K. Matinale,
Thank you for choosing Verizon. I have received your email dated 11/02/2012 regarding the unreturned equipment charges. I apologize for any frustration or inconvenience this has caused. My name is Janis, and I will be happy to assist you.
I understand your concern about the unreturned equipment charges.
According to the records, we do show equipment processed back on 9/14/2012, 10/24/2012 and 10/29/2012. You should see a final bill generated reflecting the returns processed with a refund check to follow.
____________________________________
My reply:
"refund check"? Is this a joke? I paid online. Credit my current account as requested ... immediately, you know, like when I pay.
"refund check" mailed to where? My current address? My previous address? When would this paper check even be mailed? And when/if I receive it I still need to wait for the funds to clear. So what, maybe ten days from now, if I'm lucky and the hurricane diminished U.S. Postal Service forwards mail from my previous address?
Fix this NOW. I called this morning and wasted five minutes going through the call prompts before hearing that Verizon only answers calls Monday-Friday. What, your system doesn't know this is Saturday when the call comes in and cannot inform the caller immediately that no one will answer?
Verizon does everything to obfuscate, delay, discourage.
For my new home I ordered the Verizon Home Monitoring service with some extra stuff and when I got a big bill I figured that it was for that new stuff. Who can decipher Verizon bills anyway plus I was consumed with the move. Wrong. Verizon had charged me $650 for not returning the equipment that I had returned. Foolishly, I paid $580 thinking it was for the new stuff. HUGE mistake. Now Verizon wants another $606 due early November.
After being jerked around for weeks Verizon finally acknowledged, kind of, that equipment had been returned. No mention of what equipment or how much money was involved. Here is a message that I just received:
Dear K. Matinale,
Thank you for choosing Verizon. I have received your email dated 11/02/2012 regarding the unreturned equipment charges. I apologize for any frustration or inconvenience this has caused. My name is Janis, and I will be happy to assist you.
I understand your concern about the unreturned equipment charges.
According to the records, we do show equipment processed back on 9/14/2012, 10/24/2012 and 10/29/2012. You should see a final bill generated reflecting the returns processed with a refund check to follow.
____________________________________
My reply:
"refund check"? Is this a joke? I paid online. Credit my current account as requested ... immediately, you know, like when I pay.
"refund check" mailed to where? My current address? My previous address? When would this paper check even be mailed? And when/if I receive it I still need to wait for the funds to clear. So what, maybe ten days from now, if I'm lucky and the hurricane diminished U.S. Postal Service forwards mail from my previous address?
Fix this NOW. I called this morning and wasted five minutes going through the call prompts before hearing that Verizon only answers calls Monday-Friday. What, your system doesn't know this is Saturday when the call comes in and cannot inform the caller immediately that no one will answer?
Verizon does everything to obfuscate, delay, discourage.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Verizon FIOS Battery Backup: for what?
Two days ago I received an e-mail message from Verizon which said in part:
If you have fiber-based voice service or FiOS® Digital Voice, the Battery Backup Unit (BBU) installed with your service supplies up to eight (8) hours of phone service. Please note that your FiOS® TV and/or Internet service will not be available until your power is restored.
_____________________________
I replied:
I do not have voice service.
1. Why do I have a battery backup?
2. Why not design the battery backup so that the modem/router can be powered by it? Better yet, so that a power strip can be attached to also power my Home Monitoring gateway and some small computers: smartphone, tablet, laptop.
________________________________
Note: The only phones that will work with no electric power are those old types that plug directly into a phone jack and do not require electric power themselves.
If you have fiber-based voice service or FiOS® Digital Voice, the Battery Backup Unit (BBU) installed with your service supplies up to eight (8) hours of phone service. Please note that your FiOS® TV and/or Internet service will not be available until your power is restored.
_____________________________
I replied:
I do not have voice service.
1. Why do I have a battery backup?
2. Why not design the battery backup so that the modem/router can be powered by it? Better yet, so that a power strip can be attached to also power my Home Monitoring gateway and some small computers: smartphone, tablet, laptop.
________________________________
Note: The only phones that will work with no electric power are those old types that plug directly into a phone jack and do not require electric power themselves.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Verizon returns: always aggravating.
Verizon sent me two Home Monitoring kits. I've been trying for two weeks to return one. Twice I was verbally told that an e-mail with a return label was being sent. Never got it.
I just sent this to Verizon in response an e-mail message informing me that Verizon has an account with UPS and all I need to do is bring the package to UPS. That's it. No other information. Here is my message:
1. Increase font size in your e-mail messages unless you do not want them read.
2.
Bad request
Your browser sent a query this server could not understand.
I got that when I clicked your stores link in the Chrome browser. In IE I did a nationwide search and found no store near me. Didn't you know that?
3. I'll try UPS Monday. I recently returned stuff to Verizon with a shipping label, got confirmation of delivery from UPS, then a paper letter from Verizon demanding that same equipment or else I would be charged an exorbitant amount.
I just sent this to Verizon in response an e-mail message informing me that Verizon has an account with UPS and all I need to do is bring the package to UPS. That's it. No other information. Here is my message:
1. Increase font size in your e-mail messages unless you do not want them read.
2.
Bad request
Your browser sent a query this server could not understand.
I got that when I clicked your stores link in the Chrome browser. In IE I did a nationwide search and found no store near me. Didn't you know that?
3. I'll try UPS Monday. I recently returned stuff to Verizon with a shipping label, got confirmation of delivery from UPS, then a paper letter from Verizon demanding that same equipment or else I would be charged an exorbitant amount.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Google-Asus Nexus 7: very nice.
I finally got over my initial negative experience with Google's ordering process and placed another order. Very nice tablet. Pretty much a larger version of my Motorola Droid Bionic, so I use the Nexus at home instead of the Droid for quick email and look-ups.
The Nexus refuses to sync my calendar, a problem documented elsewhere.
I stumbled into the facial recognition security feature and have been using it successfully. Very nice. Even delightful.
Haven't figured out if/how I can make free Google Voice/Talk calls.
The Nexus refuses to sync my calendar, a problem documented elsewhere.
I stumbled into the facial recognition security feature and have been using it successfully. Very nice. Even delightful.
Haven't figured out if/how I can make free Google Voice/Talk calls.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Verizon Wireless Share Everything plan includes driver's license ID and Social Security number.
I tried the Verizon Wireless Share Everything plan today with the intent of adding the Jetpack MiFi device to share data with my smart phone. After the typical Verizon aggravation with the worst website in the galaxy I got my plan changed. Tonight I tried to buy the Jetpack. Again the usual Verizon junk including the outrageous $35 activation fee. I was even willing to swallow that but I balked at the final cryptic form when Verizon insisted that I provide my driver's license ID, Social Security number and birth date. What?
I did an online chat and asked the Verizon person why Verizon needed that info when I was a long time Verizon customer and was billing everything to my existing account. The reply was some junk about identifying me. I pointed out that I had logged in to my Verizon account, which was enough to let me change my billing plan but not add a new device.
Wow. It's 2012 and it never occurred to me that Verizon would still be screwing up this much. Now I'm trying to cancel that stupid Share Everything plan. No sign that I can do that on the website. Another call to Verizon. Oh, the humanity!
I did an online chat and asked the Verizon person why Verizon needed that info when I was a long time Verizon customer and was billing everything to my existing account. The reply was some junk about identifying me. I pointed out that I had logged in to my Verizon account, which was enough to let me change my billing plan but not add a new device.
Wow. It's 2012 and it never occurred to me that Verizon would still be screwing up this much. Now I'm trying to cancel that stupid Share Everything plan. No sign that I can do that on the website. Another call to Verizon. Oh, the humanity!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Google Play Support Team replies to my written message.
from: Device Store on Google Play googleplay-support@google.com
sender-time: Sent at 8:02 AM (UTC). Current time there: 12:39 PM. ✆
date: Fri, Aug 3, 2012 at 8:02 AM
subject: Re: [#1087338058] General questions
mailed-by: google.com
signed-by: google.com
: Important mainly because it was sent directly to you.
Hi there,
We've received your information and will be in contact with you as soon as
possible. We're experiencing extremely high volumes at this time, so
please expect some delay in response. If you have anything else to tell us
in the meantime (additional details or new developments), feel free to
reply to this e-mail.
In the meantime, please check out our help center for more information:
http://support.google.com/googleplay/
Thanks!
The Google Play Support Team
sender-time: Sent at 8:02 AM (UTC). Current time there: 12:39 PM. ✆
date: Fri, Aug 3, 2012 at 8:02 AM
subject: Re: [#1087338058] General questions
mailed-by: google.com
signed-by: google.com
: Important mainly because it was sent directly to you.
Hi there,
We've received your information and will be in contact with you as soon as
possible. We're experiencing extremely high volumes at this time, so
please expect some delay in response. If you have anything else to tell us
in the meantime (additional details or new developments), feel free to
reply to this e-mail.
In the meantime, please check out our help center for more information:
http://support.google.com/googleplay/
Thanks!
The Google Play Support Team
Google Play Nexus phone number: 855-836-3987
Currently on hold while Google person is checking with a supervisor about what the heck happened to my June 28 order. See previous post.
... Google has no idea! I guess Google is not ready to take over the universe.
I asked for some consideration for my frustration and inconvenience: $25 ($50 would be nice) to my alleged Google Wallet account. Google refused. Just flat out refused ... under the guise that it cannot. I pointed out that it can, as Google had in an unsolicited e-mail message it sent to me June 26, 2012 for stuff I did not want:
Get $25 with Google Wallet
Hello,
It’s time to start using your Google Wallet™ because now, for a limited time only, you’ll get $25 free when you activate Google Wallet and the Google Prepaid Card on the:
LG Viper™ 4G LTE from Sprint
LG Optimus Elite™ from Sprint
LG Optimus Elite from Virgin Mobile
______________________________________
The point is that Google could have given me a credit but declined.
... Google has no idea! I guess Google is not ready to take over the universe.
I asked for some consideration for my frustration and inconvenience: $25 ($50 would be nice) to my alleged Google Wallet account. Google refused. Just flat out refused ... under the guise that it cannot. I pointed out that it can, as Google had in an unsolicited e-mail message it sent to me June 26, 2012 for stuff I did not want:
Get $25 with Google Wallet
Hello,
It’s time to start using your Google Wallet™ because now, for a limited time only, you’ll get $25 free when you activate Google Wallet and the Google Prepaid Card on the:
LG Viper™ 4G LTE from Sprint
LG Optimus Elite™ from Sprint
LG Optimus Elite from Virgin Mobile
______________________________________
The point is that Google could have given me a credit but declined.
Google Play failed to process my June 28 order.
June 28, 2012 I thought I was one of the first to order the new Google tablet, the Nexus 7. I thought I had ordered it directly from Google through its Play Store, which at the time seemed like a great alternative to Apple iTunes and Amazon.
https://play.google.com/store/devices?feature=corpus_selector
I should have been suspicious of an ordering web page with no way to contact the seller.
I received an e-mail message from my bank with a one dollar charge from Google, the kind of thing that I had seen before when ordering on the web. The merchant is probing to determine if the payment info is legit.
I cannot find a confirmation e-mail message from Google. What went wrong? Beats me.
It's really hidden but I finally found a way to contact Google:
http://support.google.com/googleplay/
I sent the link to this post and info from my bank. Let's what if anything Google does.
https://play.google.com/store/devices?feature=corpus_selector
I should have been suspicious of an ordering web page with no way to contact the seller.
I received an e-mail message from my bank with a one dollar charge from Google, the kind of thing that I had seen before when ordering on the web. The merchant is probing to determine if the payment info is legit.
I cannot find a confirmation e-mail message from Google. What went wrong? Beats me.
It's really hidden but I finally found a way to contact Google:
http://support.google.com/googleplay/
I sent the link to this post and info from my bank. Let's what if anything Google does.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
emPower! flopped.
I finally checked it in person last week. At least Superfocus actually did what was supposed to, just too clumsily and it was really ugly. emPower! was confusing. I had read about it but when I discussed it with a sales person and tried a couple of pairs I saw little benefit. I had thought that it would switch between all distance and trifocal progressive but apparently it merely eliminates the reading part of trifocal. Plus, even the sales person was confused about what mode it was in. I told him that I saw no change when I tapped the side. He coached me to do it differently. Finally he looked inside and guessed that it was in auto mode and that my tapping did nothing.
I was very disappointed.
I was very disappointed.
Verizon: how many dead links does your website have?
Message just sent to Verizon customer service:
I tried to fill out your form but it still fails.
http://www22.verizon.com/support/residential/internet/highspeedinternet.htm
How many dead links does your website have? Another recent one is for
home monitoring, which I might consider if I could learn more.
My Internet service at home has been very slow for a long time for
multiple PCs used one at a time with different OS: WindowsXP,
Windows7, Chromium. Old PC, new PC. Doesn't matter. About 10 hops
for both wired and WiFi. Mbps: 32 wired, 17 WiFi. Browser refresh is
unacceptably slow.
Please resolve and offer a good price or I will need to consider alternatives.
I tried to fill out your form but it still fails.
http://www22.verizon.com/support/residential/internet/highspeedinternet.htm
How many dead links does your website have? Another recent one is for
home monitoring, which I might consider if I could learn more.
My Internet service at home has been very slow for a long time for
multiple PCs used one at a time with different OS: WindowsXP,
Windows7, Chromium. Old PC, new PC. Doesn't matter. About 10 hops
for both wired and WiFi. Mbps: 32 wired, 17 WiFi. Browser refresh is
unacceptably slow.
Please resolve and offer a good price or I will need to consider alternatives.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Verizon should offer bundled discounts for its Internet services.
The Verizon website would not accept my comment. I received a vague message (I tried at least six times) that I should not have special characters in the message. That message is below, copied and pasted. Is Verizon trying to prevent people from sending comments? Anyway, here it is. I've made this suggestion multiple times previously. Verizon never reacts.
Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot 890L
Looks good. But ...
I'm already paying for TWO Verizon Internet services: FIOS and Wireless smart phone. I want a discount for having THREE Internet services from the same company. Otherwise, I might as well get them from three different companies. I'm making a reasonable request.
Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot 890L
Looks good. But ...
I'm already paying for TWO Verizon Internet services: FIOS and Wireless smart phone. I want a discount for having THREE Internet services from the same company. Otherwise, I might as well get them from three different companies. I'm making a reasonable request.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Superfocus glasses will be returned.
As soon as Superfocus e-mails the return label, which was promised a couple of hours ago.
1. Ugly. Much more so than I anticipated.
2. Functionality was more limited than expected.
Combined those things made the decision easy for me. Superfocus may be OK for some but not for me.
1. Ugly. Much more so than I anticipated.
2. Functionality was more limited than expected.
Combined those things made the decision easy for me. Superfocus may be OK for some but not for me.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Superfocus order shipped; fitting recommended.
The Superfocus e-mail contained this:
We know that you will be eager to try your Superfocus glasses once the package arrives. However, we strongly encourage you to take your Superfocus glasses to a local optometrist/optician for proper fitting. You can use the Fitting Certificate that has been included with your Superfocus glasses and we will pay the optometrist/optician for the fitting, directly. A custom fitting is the best way to enjoy maximum comfort while minimizing the risk of Superfocus damage due to improper adjustment.
This was not mentioned in the detailed comments made recently here by "villager".
I'll probably ask my optometrist (probably an optician will actually do it). It's a bit awkward since I ordered the glasses directly from Superfocus. In the fall of 2011 I stopped by and asked the opticians whether Superfocus was supported and they had never heard of it. Neither had my ophthalmologist retina specialist who examined my eyes a couple of weeks ago but who does not provide prescriptions.
We know that you will be eager to try your Superfocus glasses once the package arrives. However, we strongly encourage you to take your Superfocus glasses to a local optometrist/optician for proper fitting. You can use the Fitting Certificate that has been included with your Superfocus glasses and we will pay the optometrist/optician for the fitting, directly. A custom fitting is the best way to enjoy maximum comfort while minimizing the risk of Superfocus damage due to improper adjustment.
This was not mentioned in the detailed comments made recently here by "villager".
I'll probably ask my optometrist (probably an optician will actually do it). It's a bit awkward since I ordered the glasses directly from Superfocus. In the fall of 2011 I stopped by and asked the opticians whether Superfocus was supported and they had never heard of it. Neither had my ophthalmologist retina specialist who examined my eyes a couple of weeks ago but who does not provide prescriptions.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Superfocus: concerns
Villager posted two comments to my previous post with very detailed information about his negative experience with two pairs of Superfocus glasses, both of which he returned. He's still waiting for his refund. This is all too typical these days.
One of the primary reasons I ordered Superfocus was because it emphasized that the entire lens is usable. Villager contradicts this. That's something that I will determine as soon as my Superfocus glasses arrive.
All along I have had two concerns, both of which Villager addressed:
1. Looking up from something close to something far. The issue here is whether the benefit of Superfocus outweighs this known limitation. My current trifocal progressive lens accommodates this but with its intrinsic compromises: small reading area and some dead areas.
2. The nature of the slider to change focus. I wonder how easy it is to move with one hand and to quickly achieve a desired focus. I also wonder how that opening can remain clean and functional.
I often watch TV and read, often on my laptop or tablet or smart phone. Superfocus will probably not accommodate this habit. I could, of course, continue to use my progressive lens during this activity and use Superfocus at other times, especially outdoors when I seem to need to switch between distance only glasses and progressive, which I find disorienting during physical activity.
When the Superfocus glasses arrive I will post my views, hopefully each day during my evaluation period. I may create videos but have not decided.
One of the primary reasons I ordered Superfocus was because it emphasized that the entire lens is usable. Villager contradicts this. That's something that I will determine as soon as my Superfocus glasses arrive.
All along I have had two concerns, both of which Villager addressed:
1. Looking up from something close to something far. The issue here is whether the benefit of Superfocus outweighs this known limitation. My current trifocal progressive lens accommodates this but with its intrinsic compromises: small reading area and some dead areas.
2. The nature of the slider to change focus. I wonder how easy it is to move with one hand and to quickly achieve a desired focus. I also wonder how that opening can remain clean and functional.
I often watch TV and read, often on my laptop or tablet or smart phone. Superfocus will probably not accommodate this habit. I could, of course, continue to use my progressive lens during this activity and use Superfocus at other times, especially outdoors when I seem to need to switch between distance only glasses and progressive, which I find disorienting during physical activity.
When the Superfocus glasses arrive I will post my views, hopefully each day during my evaluation period. I may create videos but have not decided.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Superfocus: replies in writing.
I never got a phone call but Superfocus did send multiple conciliatory e-mail messages about the confusion over my order and the process has begun with delivery in 2-4 weeks.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Superfocus: Is anybody there? Does anybody care?
I'm not getting a warm fuzzy feeling about Superfocus.
I called Superfocus 24 hours ago. It rang about ten times before I got voice mail, which committed to a return call within 24 hours. I left a very clear message, repeating my name and number multiple times, asking for a call back to confirm that my prescription was OK. No call back.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Superfocus ordered: let the games begin!
Yesterday, Saturday, I finally bit the bullet and ordered my Superfocus eye glasses at the Superfocus website.
It's confusing because Superfocus requests your payment info before asking for your prescription. And providing the prescription is difficult. Mine may not be done yet.
The prescription options are:
- fax (no kidding, just like a pizza joint circa 1985)
- calling and reading it to them (closed on Saturday and Sunday)
- paper mail.
I had to speak to someone in the optometrist office Saturday to get my pupil distance (PD), which by then I knew was required by Superfocus.
One can also enter the data into a Superfocus form with drop down lists of values for seven variables, including PD. Unfortunately, my hand written prescription had only three numbers per eye. Argh! Did not want to call the optometrist office again.
I entered the data as best I could and completed the process, which fortunately asked for my optometrist contact information and permission to contact, which I granted.
When I received a Superfocus e-mail confirmation from a noreply sender (Don't you hate that?) I forwarded it to info@superfocus.com with a message: Not sure about prescription. Your form had more fields than I had data:
I then provided my prescription data as it appeared on the hand written prescription. I also attached an image of the hand written prescription. I wonder if there is a common Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) type form for eye glass prescriptions. You know, like we all had computers connected to a network and wanted a way to share information. The health care industry is a disgrace.
It's confusing because Superfocus requests your payment info before asking for your prescription. And providing the prescription is difficult. Mine may not be done yet.
The prescription options are:
- fax (no kidding, just like a pizza joint circa 1985)
- calling and reading it to them (closed on Saturday and Sunday)
- paper mail.
I had to speak to someone in the optometrist office Saturday to get my pupil distance (PD), which by then I knew was required by Superfocus.
One can also enter the data into a Superfocus form with drop down lists of values for seven variables, including PD. Unfortunately, my hand written prescription had only three numbers per eye. Argh! Did not want to call the optometrist office again.
I entered the data as best I could and completed the process, which fortunately asked for my optometrist contact information and permission to contact, which I granted.
When I received a Superfocus e-mail confirmation from a noreply sender (Don't you hate that?) I forwarded it to info@superfocus.com with a message: Not sure about prescription. Your form had more fields than I had data:
I then provided my prescription data as it appeared on the hand written prescription. I also attached an image of the hand written prescription. I wonder if there is a common Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) type form for eye glass prescriptions. You know, like we all had computers connected to a network and wanted a way to share information. The health care industry is a disgrace.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Superfocus
From the website superfocus.com:
two lenses ... The pocket between them holds a small quantity of crystal clear fluid ... It is quick and easy to snap off one set of front lenses and replace them with another.
1. So what happens to the fluid when you snap off a front lens?
2. Why is there a need for multiple lenses? Can't Superfocus have a transition lens that automatically adjusts to changing light?
3. After Superfocus got a lot of attention in 2010 why have no big time eyeglass providers adopted and promoted them? In Manhattan there is one small provider. In Westchester county, NY none.
4. What, if anything, will insurance cover?
This Superfocus document is pretty good:
http://www.superfocus.com/assets/files/presbyope.pdf
two lenses ... The pocket between them holds a small quantity of crystal clear fluid ... It is quick and easy to snap off one set of front lenses and replace them with another.
1. So what happens to the fluid when you snap off a front lens?
2. Why is there a need for multiple lenses? Can't Superfocus have a transition lens that automatically adjusts to changing light?
3. After Superfocus got a lot of attention in 2010 why have no big time eyeglass providers adopted and promoted them? In Manhattan there is one small provider. In Westchester county, NY none.
4. What, if anything, will insurance cover?
This Superfocus document is pretty good:
http://www.superfocus.com/assets/files/presbyope.pdf
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Verizon: bundle your three Internet services at a discount.
Message just sent to Verizon Wireless:
Verizon Jetpack™ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4620L
I already have Verizon FIOS and Verizon Wireless Internet services. Four years ago I also had the original hotspot service but dropped it because Verizon would not bundle its three Internet services at a discount.
Your policy has not changed. I'd subscribe to the latest 4G hotspot but I will not pay retail for each of three Verizon Internet services.
Verizon Jetpack™ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4620L
I already have Verizon FIOS and Verizon Wireless Internet services. Four years ago I also had the original hotspot service but dropped it because Verizon would not bundle its three Internet services at a discount.
Your policy has not changed. I'd subscribe to the latest 4G hotspot but I will not pay retail for each of three Verizon Internet services.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
NetZero capitulates!
I just received an e-mail indicating another credit from NetZero for $55, which added to the $65 already refunded. Yesterday I spoke to my bank, Bank of America, which offered to pay me the outrageous $35 re-stocking fee that NetZero had charged. I'd given up tying to recover the comparably outrageous $20 shipping charge, which precipitated my cancelling my order for the NetZero 4G hotspot device priced at $100. All numbers rounded.
Bank of America offered to pay me the $35 if it could not get NetZero to be reasonable. I declined.
NetZero not only ponied up the $35 for re-stocking but also the $20 for shipping. However, I do not give NetZero any credit.
1. I am still out the $11 I paid to UPS to return the unwanted item. How come it cost me $11 and NetZero wanted $20 for the same thing? And you'd thnk that NetZero would have a quantity discount with its shipper. This suggests that NetZero was pocketing most of that money.
2. I spent a lot of time for which I was not compensated.
3. My aggravation factor was off the charts. NetZero has bad business practices and capitulated only after extraordinary efforts. Too bad. NetZero once seemed a legitimate company, maybe even one trying to "do no evil". What happened?
Bank of America offered to pay me the $35 if it could not get NetZero to be reasonable. I declined.
NetZero not only ponied up the $35 for re-stocking but also the $20 for shipping. However, I do not give NetZero any credit.
1. I am still out the $11 I paid to UPS to return the unwanted item. How come it cost me $11 and NetZero wanted $20 for the same thing? And you'd thnk that NetZero would have a quantity discount with its shipper. This suggests that NetZero was pocketing most of that money.
2. I spent a lot of time for which I was not compensated.
3. My aggravation factor was off the charts. NetZero has bad business practices and capitulated only after extraordinary efforts. Too bad. NetZero once seemed a legitimate company, maybe even one trying to "do no evil". What happened?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Netzero is charging $35 restocking fee!
You can't make up stuff like this.
from: billing@support.netzero.com
sender-time: Sent at 10:30 PM (GMT-04:00). Current time there: 11:18 PM. ✆
reply-to: billing@support.netzero.com
date: Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 10:30 PM
subject: Confirmation of your NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband device refund
: Important mainly because of the words in the message.
from: billing@support.netzero.com
sender-time: Sent at 10:30 PM (GMT-04:00). Current time there: 11:18 PM. ✆
reply-to: billing@support.netzero.com
date: Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 10:30 PM
subject: Confirmation of your NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband device refund
: Important mainly because of the words in the message.
This email confirms we have received your returned NetZero 4G HotSpot.
We have refunded your account for the cost of the returned device, minus the
$35.00 restocking fee. Your total refund amount is $64.95.
_____________________________________
Read the posts on April 6, 2012. I called Netzero within minutes to cancel because it was charging $20 shipping on a $100 device (numbers rounded). Netzero claimed it was too late to stop the shipping and that I had to receive and return it. I called my lousy bank, Bank of America, to dispute the charge and it has been of zero help, including today when I tried yet again to dispute the outrageous $35 for Netzero to place the unopened item back on the shelf.
Bank of America had also told me to accept delivery. Big mistake.
And it cost me $11 to return it. Since Bank of America is not backing me it will cost me $46 to return a $100 that I did not want because Netzero charged me $20 for shipping. That's a total of $66 I've paid for nothing but aggravation.
Shame on Bank of America and Netzero.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
NetZero wants me to pay shipping to return their device!
Message just sent to NetZero:
You people are unbelievable. The reason I am returning your device is because of the outrageous $20 shipping charge. I did everything I could to get Netzero NOT to ship it. You shipped it anyway and now you expect me to pay shipping to return it?
I want NetZero to pay the shipping.
You people are unbelievable. The reason I am returning your device is because of the outrageous $20 shipping charge. I did everything I could to get Netzero NOT to ship it. You shipped it anyway and now you expect me to pay shipping to return it?
I want NetZero to pay the shipping.
Friday, April 6, 2012
NetZero: a manager calls.
Brad the manager called at 7:05PM. Nice enough guy. Basically he re-iterated what I had already been told. The order went out to a third party, blah, blah, blah. He will try to see when the process is engaged and intercede but that is unlikely he can prevent the shiping. Brad even offered to waive the shipping charge but I told him that I was so aggravated with NetZero that, no, I just wanted my money back.
I told Brad that I had already called my bank and he encouraged me to dispute the charge through the bank if the item is shipped.
Argh!
I told Brad that I had already called my bank and he encouraged me to dispute the charge through the bank if the item is shipped.
Argh!
NetZero: documentation they are crooks.
| from: | NetZero announcement@support.netzero.com via matinale.net | ||
| sender-time: | Sent at 5:59 PM (GMT-07:00). Current time there: 3:34 PM. ✆ | ||
| reply-to: | NetZero | ||
| to: | Kenneth Matinale | ||
| date: | Fri, Apr 6, 2012 at 5:59 PM | ||
| subject: | Welcome to NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband! |
OK, you can see the time stamp. And I just hung up after wasting 25 minutes on the phone trying to get my money back. A supervisor is supposed to call me back. They say some Olympic athlete already shipped the item. I demanded written documentation that it had already shipped. Oh it's in the system and there is nothing they can do. Yeah, right.
NetZero crooks
I ordered the NetZero free 4G service with a $99.95 hot spot device. What I did not notice was the shipping charge of $19.95. Maybe it was the black background and tiny font.
When I noticed it in the e-mail from my bank I immediately called NetZero to cancel, maybe ten minutes after processing. I am now on indefinite hold waiting for a supervisor. They refuse to let me cancel. The best I can get is to accept delivery and ship it back, supposedly for another $19.95 shipping.
These tech companies make it as difficult as possible to return or cancel. They tell you the order is in the warehouse. I told them there is no way it has even been taken off the shelf. Stay tuned.
When I noticed it in the e-mail from my bank I immediately called NetZero to cancel, maybe ten minutes after processing. I am now on indefinite hold waiting for a supervisor. They refuse to let me cancel. The best I can get is to accept delivery and ship it back, supposedly for another $19.95 shipping.
These tech companies make it as difficult as possible to return or cancel. They tell you the order is in the warehouse. I told them there is no way it has even been taken off the shelf. Stay tuned.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Truconnect cancelled.
See previous post and
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2011 Virgin Mobile cancelled!
I cancelled Truconnect a couple of days ago. A few hours after cancellation deep support called me back after two days finally ready to try to get me connected. I informed him that I had already cancelled. He obviously did not know.
That's two companies that front for Sprint with great pricing that failed to even connect me much less provide service.
Virgin Mobile seemed to be run by teenagers. Truconnect seemed to be run by people in their mid twenties. Neither had procedures that worked.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2011 Virgin Mobile cancelled!
I cancelled Truconnect a couple of days ago. A few hours after cancellation deep support called me back after two days finally ready to try to get me connected. I informed him that I had already cancelled. He obviously did not know.
That's two companies that front for Sprint with great pricing that failed to even connect me much less provide service.
Virgin Mobile seemed to be run by teenagers. Truconnect seemed to be run by people in their mid twenties. Neither had procedures that worked.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Truconnect sucks.
$5 per month fixed cost plus 4 cents per megabits usage for a MiFi mobile hotspot.
I had the Verizon Wireless version a few years ago for $40 per month but cancelled because Verizon did not have a plan, which gave a discount for bundling its Internet services. I was already subscribed to Verizon Wireless on my smart phone and Verizon FIOS at home with no discount so I could not see having three Internet services from one company, which ignored my requests and suggestions that it was good business to bundle its Internet services.
Truconnect sounded like a good deal, especially when New York Times David Pogue endorsed it. I ordered a MiFi device (Novatel 2200 3G) from Truconnect for about $80 in December 2011. The Truconnect website was so messed up that I could not activate my account. After three months of ignoring my mistake I decided in March 2012 to try again. The website problems persisted but so did I and my account was activated. The same could not be said for the MiFi device.
I wasted several hours over the last three days writing and speaking to at least three support people and my MiFi device is still not active. The deep support guy told me this afternoon that the device that his company had sold to me might not be in their data system and that might be the problem. Say what?
When I told him that the previous non-deep support people never knew that he said that they did not have access to the same data system that he did. I suggested that they all have such access. He wanted me to stay on hold while he continued to check. I said I had wasted enough hours today on Truconnect and please call me back when he had resolved it. No call back after seven hours.
I had the Verizon Wireless version a few years ago for $40 per month but cancelled because Verizon did not have a plan, which gave a discount for bundling its Internet services. I was already subscribed to Verizon Wireless on my smart phone and Verizon FIOS at home with no discount so I could not see having three Internet services from one company, which ignored my requests and suggestions that it was good business to bundle its Internet services.
Truconnect sounded like a good deal, especially when New York Times David Pogue endorsed it. I ordered a MiFi device (Novatel 2200 3G) from Truconnect for about $80 in December 2011. The Truconnect website was so messed up that I could not activate my account. After three months of ignoring my mistake I decided in March 2012 to try again. The website problems persisted but so did I and my account was activated. The same could not be said for the MiFi device.
I wasted several hours over the last three days writing and speaking to at least three support people and my MiFi device is still not active. The deep support guy told me this afternoon that the device that his company had sold to me might not be in their data system and that might be the problem. Say what?
When I told him that the previous non-deep support people never knew that he said that they did not have access to the same data system that he did. I suggested that they all have such access. He wanted me to stay on hold while he continued to check. I said I had wasted enough hours today on Truconnect and please call me back when he had resolved it. No call back after seven hours.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Khan Academy: phony or unprepared?
http://www.khanacademy.org/
This guy was profiled yesterday on 60 Minutes:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57394905/khan-academy-the-future-of-education/?tag=contentMain;cbsCarousel
I tried a few exercises a year ago and found the guy insufferable with his unsteady hand, sloppy handwriting and most of all his halting, do-over style, which suggested primarily that he was faking it to seem real or he was truly unprepared. Maybe kids aren't put off. I'll probably try again. Maybe the one about hitting a home run in Fenway Park (cannot find now), which I could not finish because it was so excruciatingly drawn out.
I like the idea of freeing people from the educational institutions and providing alternatives, especially for those who otherwise would not have access. I'm just not ready to say this is the best way. Maybe now that Khan has others working with him the product will get cleaned up.
This guy was profiled yesterday on 60 Minutes:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57394905/khan-academy-the-future-of-education/?tag=contentMain;cbsCarousel
I tried a few exercises a year ago and found the guy insufferable with his unsteady hand, sloppy handwriting and most of all his halting, do-over style, which suggested primarily that he was faking it to seem real or he was truly unprepared. Maybe kids aren't put off. I'll probably try again. Maybe the one about hitting a home run in Fenway Park (cannot find now), which I could not finish because it was so excruciatingly drawn out.
I like the idea of freeing people from the educational institutions and providing alternatives, especially for those who otherwise would not have access. I'm just not ready to say this is the best way. Maybe now that Khan has others working with him the product will get cleaned up.
Monday, January 16, 2012
housepad.com sucks!
Housepad requires you to update a pdf file to change your listing. No joke. Then, their primitive system cannot accept changes. The pdf file opens in my Google Chrome browser but stupid housepad gives an error message stating that it did not open in my browser. When I try it in IE it opens Adobe Acrobat.
Housepad wants me to print, sign and fax it back. No joke.
I changed the pdf on my PC and sent it to housepad as an attachment but housepad refused to accept that. I replied:
No printer. No fax. It's not 1985. Fix your system. I have the
latest versions of Windows, Chrome, Explorer and Acrobat.
You should be embarrassed.
Housepad wants me to print, sign and fax it back. No joke.
I changed the pdf on my PC and sent it to housepad as an attachment but housepad refused to accept that. I replied:
No printer. No fax. It's not 1985. Fix your system. I have the
latest versions of Windows, Chrome, Explorer and Acrobat.
You should be embarrassed.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Cannot login to Verizon website.
Message just sent to Verizon:
For two days repeatedly getting this message when I try to login: "Not Supported Method"
Fix your website and let me know when that's done. This is unacceptable.
For two days repeatedly getting this message when I try to login: "Not Supported Method"
Fix your website and let me know when that's done. This is unacceptable.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Amazon sucks!
Feedback to Amazon on my just completed phone conversation with Amazon:
Amazon invaded my home and deleted a book from my Kindle Fire without any notice. I will never buy from Amazon again and will post this on my blog.
If I borrow a paper book from a real library and it's overdue, the library does not come into my home and remove the book. Amazon did exactly that without any warning or notice. The Amazon person told me that even if I had its Prime service the free book from the Amazon lending library would have been removed from MY device without notice after one month. I guess I could get it back but good luck finding the last page read.
Am I the only one outraged about this unwarranted invasion of my privacy? I am not a big privacy person and think we need fewer secrets, not more, but I really resent Amazon thinking it has the right to remove something from MY property, especially without common sense, good business practice notice.
Jeff Bezos, wake the heck up!
Amazon invaded my home and deleted a book from my Kindle Fire without any notice. I will never buy from Amazon again and will post this on my blog.
If I borrow a paper book from a real library and it's overdue, the library does not come into my home and remove the book. Amazon did exactly that without any warning or notice. The Amazon person told me that even if I had its Prime service the free book from the Amazon lending library would have been removed from MY device without notice after one month. I guess I could get it back but good luck finding the last page read.
Am I the only one outraged about this unwarranted invasion of my privacy? I am not a big privacy person and think we need fewer secrets, not more, but I really resent Amazon thinking it has the right to remove something from MY property, especially without common sense, good business practice notice.
Jeff Bezos, wake the heck up!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Amazon Kindle Fire sucks!
It's as proprietary as Apple's stuff. It came with one month free Prime service, which includes borrowing books for free for the one month.
I had to call Amazon support to get my Roku box to work with Amazon.
I downloaded a free book and read about half. Why didn't I finish? Amazon removed the book from MY device in MY home! How did I find out? Read on.
I tried to order something on Amazon and was going to be charged for shipping, which is supposed to be free for Prime service members (actually I learned that's only if Amazon actually does the shipping). I stopped the order and asked Amazon some questions. That's how I learned that my Prime service had been cancelled. No e-mail follow-ups. No reminders. No final warning. Zippo.
Amazon cancelled my Prime service, I guess after one month. I received one e-mail message reminding me that my one month was coming due. What company sends just one such message? Only Amazon as far as I know.
I lost my book and my Roku setup. Amazon was completely clueless about my outrage and did nothing to placate me. It's two days before Christmas and I'm looking for a buyer. Failing that I will see if someone has posted actual instructions on how to install Android 4.0 ice cream including WiFi.
I will not order anything from Amazon again with or without the Kindke Fire.
I had to call Amazon support to get my Roku box to work with Amazon.
I downloaded a free book and read about half. Why didn't I finish? Amazon removed the book from MY device in MY home! How did I find out? Read on.
I tried to order something on Amazon and was going to be charged for shipping, which is supposed to be free for Prime service members (actually I learned that's only if Amazon actually does the shipping). I stopped the order and asked Amazon some questions. That's how I learned that my Prime service had been cancelled. No e-mail follow-ups. No reminders. No final warning. Zippo.
Amazon cancelled my Prime service, I guess after one month. I received one e-mail message reminding me that my one month was coming due. What company sends just one such message? Only Amazon as far as I know.
I lost my book and my Roku setup. Amazon was completely clueless about my outrage and did nothing to placate me. It's two days before Christmas and I'm looking for a buyer. Failing that I will see if someone has posted actual instructions on how to install Android 4.0 ice cream including WiFi.
I will not order anything from Amazon again with or without the Kindke Fire.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
HP makes returning a PC as difficult as possible
Hewlett and Packard, the founders, must be turning over in their graves. I sent six e-mail messages to HP requesting a Return Authorization Number and never received one. All I got was a run around. Finally I called and got one, which must be used within five days including weekends, holidays and natural disasters. The 21 day return policy applies only to requesting. I dropped it off at FedEx this morning. Let's see how long HP holds on to my money after receiving their PC.
One of the obfuscation responses that HP sent tired to pay me a $30 bribe to keep the PC, which I had tried to cancel before HP had shipped it. HP insisted that shipment could not be stopped and even expedited shipment in an attempt to placate me after I learned that HP has the very unusual policy of charging on the order date, not the ship date as other companies do.
Shame on HP. I'm very disappointed.
One of the obfuscation responses that HP sent tired to pay me a $30 bribe to keep the PC, which I had tried to cancel before HP had shipped it. HP insisted that shipment could not be stopped and even expedited shipment in an attempt to placate me after I learned that HP has the very unusual policy of charging on the order date, not the ship date as other companies do.
Shame on HP. I'm very disappointed.
Emery v. Acer
| from: | Ken Matinale | ||
| sender-time: | Sent at 9:57 AM (GMT-05:00). Current time there: 10:08 AM. ✆ | ||
| to: | Anita_Bock@cand.uscourts.gov, ECFHELPDESK@cand.uscourts.gov, Chris_Wolpert@cand.uscourts.gov, Lynn_Fuller@cand.uscourts.gov | ||
| date: | Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 9:57 AM | ||
| subject: | Fwd: Notice of Class Action and Proposed Settlement | ||
| mailed-by: | gmail.com |
This means of dealing with the judgement is a joke.
1. The form requires both the serial number and proof of purchase, both of which the defendant, Acer, already had or I would not have received this e-mail message in the first place.
2. Paper response only is clearly used to minimize the number of successful responses. Who the heck still has paper receipts after all this time? I do, however, still have the e-mail confirmation from Acer, which is probably very unusual.
3. Note the very small font size in the e-mail message, also intended to reduce the number of successful responses.
Here is a link to my tech blog, which obviously indicates that I had the type of problem this case is attempting to remedy.
This approach negates whatever good the court may have intended. Please refer this to the judge and plaintiff. Thanks.
Kenneth Matinale
___________________________________
Notice of Class Action and Proposed Settlement
You are receiving this notice because, according to our records, you purchased an Acer AOA110 computer, bearing serial number LUS030B0438482A2972536.
If you purchased an Acer computer in the United States between March 24, 2005 and May 1, 2011, read this notice.
You may be affected by a class action settlement. In the settlement, purchasers of Acer computers who file a claim form may receive free recovery utilities, computer equipment, repair services, or cash refunds. Class members also can choose to be excluded from the settlement, or object to it.
Am I included?
You are a class member if you purchased an Acer computer with Microsoft Windows between March 24, 2005 and May 1, 2011.
What's this about?
A lawsuit claims that Acer recovery disks do not provide access to all recovery utilities in the Microsoft Windows operating system. It argues that many Acer users will only be able to recover their computers to a "factory default" setting, losing their data and applications, or may not be able to recover at all. The lawsuit claims that Acer should have disclosed these limitations when it advertised that its computers included Microsoft Windows.
Acer denies the claims and contends that Plaintiff's assertions are factually incorrect. Acer contends that its computers have the complete version of Microsoft Windows, including all recovery features, identical to the version sold by Microsoft and by Acer's competitors. Acer also contends that Acer's marketing was not deficient and was consistent with Microsoft's marketing guidelines for Windows, which Acer was required to follow and which were applied across the computer industry.
The Court has not determined who is correct. To avoid the costs and risks of continued litigation, the parties have agreed to a settlement. The settlement releases all class membersʼ claims against Acer regarding inadequate system or recovery disks and missing features of Windows.
What can I receive?
Class members can choose make a claim in the settlement for benefits under Group A, B or C. Group A will receive a free CD-rom of Windows recovery utilities that can be used with their Acer computers.
Group A claimants also can get Acer to reinstall the Windows operating system on their hard drive, at no charge, if they previously (1) replaced their Acer computer's hard drive, (2) were unable to recover using Acer recovery disks, and (3) contacted the Acer service center for assistance on or before June 3, 2011.
Group B can choose to receive a free USB drive, optical mouse, or webcam if, on or before June 3, 2011, they contacted Acer, an Acer retailer, or a third-party repair technician about recovery problems on their Acer computer or about missing recovery utilities.
Group C will receive reimbursement of the amount they paid (up to $50) for service on their Acer computer related to a recovery issue, if they previously attempted to recover using Acer recovery disks but were not successful and contacted Acer customer service for assistance.
All claims require a valid Acer serial number. Certain claims require additional documentation, such as proof of purchase. For further details, visit the Settlement Website at: http://www.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, you must download the Claim Form from the Settlement Website, fill it out, and mail it with any required documentation to the address shown on the form. Claim Forms are due by March 14, 2012.
What are my other options?
You can exclude yourself from the class if you want to be able to sue Acer separately for the claims released by the settlement. If you exclude yourself, you cannot file a claim or object to the settlement.
Alternatively, you can object to the settlement by filing papers in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, California (Embry v Acer America Corp., N.D. Cal. 09-cv-01808-JW). If you object to the settlement, you also can ask to appear at the hearing or can hire your own attorney to appear.
You must submit your exclusion or objection by January 23, 2012 by following the instructions at the Settlement Website at:www.acerrecoverysettlement.com
The Court will hold a hearing on February 13, 2012 to consider whether to approve the settlement. If the settlement is approved, the attorneys for the class will ask the Court to award them $1,200,000.00 in fees and expenses, and to award $15,000.00 as an incentive to the Acer customer who started the lawsuit. These amounts would be paid by Acer separately from and in addition to the amounts paid for class membersʼ claims.
For more information, please visit the Settlement Website at http://www.
Please DO NOT RESPOND to this email because the mail box is unattended.
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