The corporate promise mill
Now that we’re in the stretch (the week before holidays), I have more time to watch how badly some of our corporate partners actually treat us. Things were better when the phone rang and people stopped by the cubicle with their shopping list of personal problems.
About thrty -five days ago, we shipped a new computer to a distant school. Used a courier, to permit some security in the process. So far, no delivery. The firm will remain nameless, as we hope for a settlement. Soon, I hope. So far, the official line is that they are actively searching. Hey! This is not a treasure hunt. From your online tracking site, we know when and where the parcel disappeared from the radar. Give up, and pay up.
Last month, I requested that one of our corporate telephones receive authorization to call overseas. Over oceans, actually. This requires channels, and purchase orders, and multiple email confirmations. The billing order was executed, and we were billed in consequence. One small difficulty. We still can’t call overseas (or oceans, or whatever). Turns out that we already had an “International profile”, and no actual changes were made (despite the bill). Calling Japan works; it already did. Calling Mexico… the recorded message suggests that a “higher precedence” is necessary.
I did the “right” thing, by placing a repair call. Last Thursday. Told that all would be well within thirty-three hours. As in last Friday. When I called on Monday morning, I received the promising news that my request for service would be forwarded to “Tier 2”, soon. When I called this morning (Tuesday) I received the promising news that my request for service would be forwarded. See the pattern emerging?
Tomorrow is Wednesday, which means that I should study Spanish this evening in a burst of optimism.
