The Etiquette of Instant Messaging

I put all my IM contacts on my blog because I think we bloggers should be reachable; and, besides, sometimes interesting people get in touch. But I’m starting to get a bit disillusioned. Most folks don’t introduce themselves — they just start with “hello”, and then, usually “I want help”, or “I am new to … Read more

Buzz Spam

Anyone else getting spammed by craigslist, or rather its PR company? This in my blog mail inbox: hi there Jeremy, quick note to let you in on all the chitchat happening on the electronics forum over on craigslist.org http://forums.craigslist.org/?forumID=74 it’s the new year and in the spirit of giving and resolutions, people are helping people…with … Read more

Love Hertz, Cos I Don’t

Booking online is, sadly, still sometimes as mindless and time-wasting as dealing with an automated phone system. I’ve just tried to book a rental car online for the UK. OK, so Christmas is a busy time, but some of these sites take so long to navigate it would be quicker to walk. Actually, Budget and … Read more

“Your Call Is Important To Us. Really.”

Paul English’s website about about getting around ‘interactive voice response’ phone systems (where you talk and a computer listens) is already triggering industry rebuttals, like this one from Angel.com – Top 5 Reasons NOT to Zero Out of an IVR System (via Dan Gillmor): If you’ve visited Paul English’s website, you’ve learned how to “zero out” of … Read more

Carousel Etiquette

Is it my imagination, or did people use to behave better at airport luggage carousels? I recall there being yellow lines behind which you stood politely until your luggage appeared and you lugged it off, usually with the help of some nice young man waiting nearby. That way allowed everyone else to see what was … Read more