Bob, That's hilarious! I had a friend give me all this advice when I told them that I was in the market for a new computer. It was MAC this and MAC that--they even looked at some used ones for me (which were STILL more expensive than a brand new PC). When I told them that I had ordered a new PC it was like I had announced a funeral. I haven't heard from them since. Weird. It's almost like a cult or something. --M.F.
Bob, Ok, can I just say "Ditto!" to all you wrote! I have to deal with this on a daily basis practically and it's nuts. The worst is the "phone support" that never has the option of dealing with a human being--then you're just stuck.
And who came up with the brilliant idea of speaking your choices or info into the phone while the computer tries to "understand" it over the dull roar of your childrden or other background noise.
I do have to say, though, that nothing erases "finance charges" or gets the free-bees rolling your way like trying to cancel a credit card or service. My favorite line in that conversation would have to be "May I ask why you're canceling this service?"
"No, it's just too personal."
Or if we're Jerry Seinfeld we could always respond-- "Spite. I don't care for the salesman who sold it to me."