y2k stuff

From: Philip.Belben_at_pgen.com <(Philip.Belben_at_pgen.com)>
Date: Thu Jan 7 06:09:37 1999

>>I've also been told by some credit card company call center reps that
they
>>couldn't do something or other for me because the "computer wouldn't let
>>them".
>
> Don't you know a brush-off when you hear it? Employees LOVE to blame
> things on the computer!

Reminds me of an event a couple of years ago.

As those of you who have met me will know, I am something of an eccentric.
A few years ago, I had a medical examination and the doctor, sorry,
physician (I doubt he has a doctor's degree) who examined me said I needed
glasses, go and see an optician.

I went to see the optician and had an eye test. I then tried to order a
monocle. There are (apparently) two standard monocle frames available, and
(complete with lens) the price was L42. Easy?

No. Nothing we could do or say could convince the order processing
software that one could order a frame with only one lens. Eventually we
got the price down to L45 - L42 for frame and one lens, and L3 for fitting
an existing lens to the other side. The girl taking the order then had to
go and find her superior, who used special authority to give me a 3 pound
discount.

So don't dismiss it too soon if someone says the computer won't let them do
it.

Philip.
Received on Thu Jan 07 1999 - 06:09:37 GMT