Ok so I was driving home after work the other day and noticed a sign for Urban Active (long story which I will explain presently). The sign said "New: Month-to-Month Memberships!" or something to that degree. Now I will start my rant on how NOT month-to-month that means.
So about 3 or 4 years ago (I forget exactly) we entered to win a 30 day gym membership via the little box thing at Quiznos. We "won" (I think everyone wins...reason being continued) and got a call to come in. We got a little sermon about getting in shape and then that we could use the 30 day free to convert to the initiation fee and then we would just pay "month-to-month". Well after a while we started to not use the gym anymore and they built Gold's Gym and I wanted to get rid of the membership. Turns out, the guy who looped us into it didn't tell us we had a THREE YEAR CONTRACT. We pay month-to-month but the contract is set in stone. I tell them I want to cancel and that is that.
Then Gold's Gym comes up and I think that would be better (it's got a pool, it's closer and bigger.) we go there and I ask if it's a month-to-month membership and the guy says yea and we have the rate locked in for two years and all that. Turns out it was a TWO YEAR CONTRACT. Month-to-month is a load of bull to get you looped into a contract. So read the fine print, all of it...and make them wait while you do.
I'm never going to join a gym in the future because of all the lying and suckering these people do. It's sickening.
To top of it: Gold's financial holding company decided to make OUR Gold's location an Urban Active so I can't go to any Gold's fitness areas in the country.
Pieces of crap...that's what they are. Their "free" trainers are bogus as well. At Gold's you have to pay for a personal trainer.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
If I can't see your bumper, you are too close!
Seriously...when will people learn that 55 mph means 55 mph? I was driving on SR 35 into Xenia and I'm going the speed limit. I get passed by a beige SUV, and THEN and THEN a little P.O.S. car comes up on my right side and starts honking the horn! They pass me and then I notice the little Jesus fish on their bumper. Can you get any more hypocritical? Stuff like that just pisses me off.
This morning - 4 police cars on SR 35 pulling people over for speeding. I love it :) They need to do more in the evening. I want my just revenge :)
This morning - 4 police cars on SR 35 pulling people over for speeding. I love it :) They need to do more in the evening. I want my just revenge :)
Earthlink - Another Charge?!?
Remember that charge for the internet protection that I didn't want, didn't ask for, and already have (I have Symantec)? I just got a bill today that has a $2.00 charge on it referencing my conversation on the 5th of May.
The CSR (after I tell her what I just said above) says "I see that you payment mode is check." Just what does THAT have to do with anything? I pay my cable bill through Time Warner, on their site...not by check. What on earth is going on? Will they ever get my account straightened out?
OHHH.. The CSR continues: "I see that there is no due amount on your account." Then how am I getting a bill in the mail for $2.00? Is it a computer error? How many computer errors could they have? How many people are paying $2.00 bills because they are tired of talking with Earthlink's customer service?
The CSR is removing the $2.00 bill. I have no idea how it got there because when they voided the $12.29 charge I saw on the account that there was a $0 balance.
URGH.
The CSR (after I tell her what I just said above) says "I see that you payment mode is check." Just what does THAT have to do with anything? I pay my cable bill through Time Warner, on their site...not by check. What on earth is going on? Will they ever get my account straightened out?
OHHH.. The CSR continues: "I see that there is no due amount on your account." Then how am I getting a bill in the mail for $2.00? Is it a computer error? How many computer errors could they have? How many people are paying $2.00 bills because they are tired of talking with Earthlink's customer service?
The CSR is removing the $2.00 bill. I have no idea how it got there because when they voided the $12.29 charge I saw on the account that there was a $0 balance.
URGH.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
What is a Stoplight?
Ok...seriously. This is one thing that has been bugging me for ages. You know they call it a stoplight, however you don't just stop. It ACTUALLY is supposed to be the little light on the back of people's cars when they stop. Some idiot from who knows where must have decided that it would be fun to confuse the hell out of people but changing the word from "traffic light" to "stoplight". I mean, with a stop sign you always have to stop...logic dictates a stoplight would indicate the same as well, much like the flashing red lights at stop signs...if stoplights are traffic lights then what are those called? Oh yes...so you don't get confused they are beacons. Now beacon by definition is a warning signal (seriously...just warning). Let me show you...
See? Now do you see anything that would give you any indication that a beacon means "stop"? The traffic people who come up with this crap REALLY should be the ones responsible for all those intersection accidents we have. It's not our fault they can't name crap right. Mr. or Ms. Traffic Person, please get out a dictionary before you start naming things.
bea·con
–noun
1. a guiding or warning signal, as a light or fire, esp. one in an elevated position.
2. a tower or hill used for such purposes.
3. a lighthouse, signal buoy, etc., on a shore or at a dangerous area at sea to warn and guide vessels.
4. Navigation.
a. radio beacon.
b. a radar device at a fixed location that, upon receiving a radar pulse, transmits a reply pulse that enables the original sender to determine his or her position relative to the fixed location.
5. a person, act, or thing that warns or guides.
6. a person or thing that illuminates or inspires: The Bible has been our beacon during this trouble.
–verb (used with object)
7. to serve as a beacon to; warn or guide.
8. to furnish or mark with beacons: a ship assigned to beacon the shoals.
–verb (used without object)
9. to serve or shine as a beacon: A steady light beaconed from the shore.
See? Now do you see anything that would give you any indication that a beacon means "stop"? The traffic people who come up with this crap REALLY should be the ones responsible for all those intersection accidents we have. It's not our fault they can't name crap right. Mr. or Ms. Traffic Person, please get out a dictionary before you start naming things.
Monday, May 5, 2008
You call me up...and THEN
So...I don't know how many times I've gotten emails from people who want me to hire them for something or other. They apparently don't realize I'm not an advertising agency and I never have been. Maybe the whole "studio" word throws them off. Well Friday I got a call from some guy that asked for the CEO of Aibrean's Studio. Granted, that threw me off and I instantly thought something was fishy. Then he started talking about wanting to partner up for websites/e-commerce. I thought, "hey, this might be good...fine I'll talk." So he scheduled me up for a 4:00 today. I get a confirmation email and click on their website. They offer outsourcing solutions...
Fancy that.
That is the single most annoying thing EVER. Outsourcing solutions. I pride myself in being able to offer my clients everything and designed by ME. If I can't do it, I talk to people (local people that I *cough cough* can understand on a phone or any other communication method) and let my clients know the cost (and I do not mark up).
So for those little Indian smart butts running around undermining American (and possibly global) industry (and YES I blame you for the Earthlink situations since I can't understand your dialect and you apparently can't understand me)...I DON'T OUTSOURCE TO INDIA, I DON'T NEED CHEAP LABOR, and I CREATE MY OWN DESIGNS!!!
Can you tell I'm just still a little mad at Earthlink?
On the subject of cheap labor. I do say one thing. Indian products trump Chinese ones. I choose quality over price and in my experience, Chinese products are the lowest they come. If I had the option of a $15 can opener made in America over a $5 one made in China, I would buy the American one. I would by a $10 spoon made in Poland over a $2 Chinese one. and I have bought a $7 pair of salad tongs made in India over Chinese ones because I don't want to ingest lead. So here is the thing, I'm pretty much solid against anything Chinese made. I could care a less where it's made if it's outside China...because EVERYTHING seems to be made in China and it's making me sick. I went to a Celtic Isles store here and the guy said the Irish stuff is going overseas and people aren't buying because it isn't authentic anymore. Chinese production is killing the world.
Fancy that.
That is the single most annoying thing EVER. Outsourcing solutions. I pride myself in being able to offer my clients everything and designed by ME. If I can't do it, I talk to people (local people that I *cough cough* can understand on a phone or any other communication method) and let my clients know the cost (and I do not mark up).
So for those little Indian smart butts running around undermining American (and possibly global) industry (and YES I blame you for the Earthlink situations since I can't understand your dialect and you apparently can't understand me)...I DON'T OUTSOURCE TO INDIA, I DON'T NEED CHEAP LABOR, and I CREATE MY OWN DESIGNS!!!
Can you tell I'm just still a little mad at Earthlink?
On the subject of cheap labor. I do say one thing. Indian products trump Chinese ones. I choose quality over price and in my experience, Chinese products are the lowest they come. If I had the option of a $15 can opener made in America over a $5 one made in China, I would buy the American one. I would by a $10 spoon made in Poland over a $2 Chinese one. and I have bought a $7 pair of salad tongs made in India over Chinese ones because I don't want to ingest lead. So here is the thing, I'm pretty much solid against anything Chinese made. I could care a less where it's made if it's outside China...because EVERYTHING seems to be made in China and it's making me sick. I went to a Celtic Isles store here and the guy said the Irish stuff is going overseas and people aren't buying because it isn't authentic anymore. Chinese production is killing the world.
Earthlink Lesson Review
So today I get a bill in the mail from Earthlink. It says I owe $12.29 for Norton Security. I was wondering where the hell this came from. So I chat with them (online rather than phone, reason being I was so pissed I could scream and that would be inappropriate and not polite given the CSR doesn't know me)...apparently I "asked for it" in March back when I also "asked" for my account to get fixed. I was very put off (yet again).
My exact words were:
I have no idea what they were thinking...but at least the CSR gave me the credit...I hope. Even if I were to cancel, I still have to wait 30 days and thus pay any bill. But I learned my lesson...next time I need a cable provider, I'm going with people I can understand in English and don't have to jump through hoops for...and that means Time Warner.
Earthlink if you are reading, enjoy this FREE advertising.
My exact words were:
"You want to know what happened in March? Your company upgraded my plan without my knowledge and I called to have it fixed. Maybe you decided to also make me pay for something else while you were at it. I've spent hours on the phone with you people trying to get my account resolved. This is the last thing I need, quite literally."
I have no idea what they were thinking...but at least the CSR gave me the credit...I hope. Even if I were to cancel, I still have to wait 30 days and thus pay any bill. But I learned my lesson...next time I need a cable provider, I'm going with people I can understand in English and don't have to jump through hoops for...and that means Time Warner.
Earthlink if you are reading, enjoy this FREE advertising.
Earthlink - Lesson 5 - Credit Me
So all you want is a measly credit now...you have endured many changes in your plan and many charges and you are wanting the whole issue resolved.
Hopefully you don't have to go through what I did. See, I only got part of the credit, I was supposed to have the service prorated initially for the jump from lite to standard and have those service charges removed (as it was their fault to begin with that they had to change plans). I called Earthlink yet again and they told me they would credit me and I should get it within 3-5 business days. This week I get the bill - no credit was issued (save a service charge from premium down to standard). I call up Time Warner, let them know the date I talked to Earthlink and they immediately credited the account.
Hopefully you don't have to go through what I did. See, I only got part of the credit, I was supposed to have the service prorated initially for the jump from lite to standard and have those service charges removed (as it was their fault to begin with that they had to change plans). I called Earthlink yet again and they told me they would credit me and I should get it within 3-5 business days. This week I get the bill - no credit was issued (save a service charge from premium down to standard). I call up Time Warner, let them know the date I talked to Earthlink and they immediately credited the account.
Earthlink - Lesson 4 - Up the Ladder
In this lesson you might notice a increase in your bill. Earthlink doesn't tell you whenever you change you plan, you also get a "hidden" charge that is perfectly legal in their policies. What they have done in my case is perfectly ILLEGAL.
I called up Earthlink to complain (AGAIN) and the CSR was obviously confused and disoriented (must not happen often...HAHA). She couldn't exactly give me a credit for the confusion so she had to direct me to upper management. I talk to the person "in charge" at that point and SHE tells me that what happened was they had some technical glitch and couldn't update me to standard so they guy just decided to upgrade me to premium without my knowledge. She would give me a credit and it would be reflected on my bill. It was...to a degree.
Continue to Lesson 5 -Credit Me
I called up Earthlink to complain (AGAIN) and the CSR was obviously confused and disoriented (must not happen often...HAHA). She couldn't exactly give me a credit for the confusion so she had to direct me to upper management. I talk to the person "in charge" at that point and SHE tells me that what happened was they had some technical glitch and couldn't update me to standard so they guy just decided to upgrade me to premium without my knowledge. She would give me a credit and it would be reflected on my bill. It was...to a degree.
Continue to Lesson 5 -Credit Me
Earthlink - Lesson 3 - When Speed's Don't Change
In this lesson you might notice your internet speed not increasing as planned, if so you might want to check with the cable provider. I called Time Warner and to my happiness the issue was quickly resolved as they needed to update the modem with the new data manually rather than automatically as it should do.
Now a new bill had come in the mail for me, I noticed that it was $89.69. Now what the freaking hell is going on? I have a Earthlink Premium charge there plus two service changes. I wanted them to put me on standard.
Continue with Lesson 4 - Up the Ladder
Now a new bill had come in the mail for me, I noticed that it was $89.69. Now what the freaking hell is going on? I have a Earthlink Premium charge there plus two service changes. I wanted them to put me on standard.
Continue with Lesson 4 - Up the Ladder
Earthlink - Lesson 2 - Troubleshooting
Lesson 2 is for those who have tried an online setup and have noticed their download/upload speed to be terribly slow. First you want to call your provider (I had to call Time Warner as they provide the actual service). I went through about five different technicians on Time Warner's side to figure out what the problem was then finally I was told that I hate Lite service, not the standard plan to which I originally thought. I was a bit put off and obviously frustrated and called Earthlink to change me to the plan I THOUGHT I had (and they obviously wouldn't give me the promo now so I was stuck PRESUMABLY paying $41.95 rather than the $29.95). So then all is well. Yea...RIGHT. A week later the speed hasn't changed so I called Earthlink yet again. Guess what? They had to submit a form to Time Warner to allow the plan change and they didn't do it before so now I have to wait ANOTHER WEEK. I wait and wait...no change.
Continue to Lesson 3 - When Speed's Don't Change.
Continue to Lesson 3 - When Speed's Don't Change.
Earthlink - Lesson 1 - Service Startup
So my little tale begins with your first lesson and thus free advertising for my current cable provider, Earthlink. Lesson 1 for those who are interested in Earthlink service is do NOT under ANY circumstances get the service through an online chat. I wanted the promotion of $29.95 for the first 6 months for their standard service. That is what I was told in the chat. That is not what I received. See Lesson 2 - Troubleshooting.
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