Cringley on Fukushima

Cringley on Fukushima

Bob is interesting and has great ideas, you should check him out.

A new day

First off thanks to Clark Little photography for the best ever surfing photos. This week is going to be very busy. I decided it was time to start up the blogging again. We should have lots to review. My wife owns a children consignment store ( http://www.ladybugs-and_lizards.com) that we are trying to finalized a new web site for. One of the companies my partners and I invested in that did not go well is now a the lets send paperwork to each others lawyers stage. Two other business I am involved are moving along. The TV show got picked up and we are awaiting contracts. I am finalizing a business plan for a new company. Busy week ahead.

Where is My Ice Tea

I know I grew up in New England but I like Sweet tea. Besides I gave up anything carbonated for lent.  –  Sigh –

The last few times I went to McDonalds for the $1 Large tea it was mostly Ice.  Actually 22 oz of ice and 10 oz of tea!  Yes my wife and kids watch me as I measured everything.  So I called to complain and it turns out the the auto ice machine is programmed to fill the glass with ice.  So now if I want a little more I can ask for light ice, this will keep the cup full with mostly ice tea. Oh I also got  two free drink coupons for taking the time to call and asking what gives

 

Thanks for the info from my local McDonalds’ manager.

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Service

Above is a picture of the Sportsstuff Paparazzi  3 Person Tube Model 53-2150. It is a great tube! However, our tube cover literally disintegrated after just a few weeks in the sun last year. That just sucks considering the list price is over $400 plus shipping. I called Sportsstuff and was told they went bankrupt and would not warranty the tube.

More often than not this is when a blog will start to bitch about poor customer service and crappy quality.  Read on and prepare for a divergence from the norm.

So I packed it away last year disappointed and put it out of my mind.  A few weeks ago I pulled it out and decided to call and see if I could just buy the cover.  It turns out that the company who bought up Sportsstuff assets is called Qwiktek. They also manufacturer Airhead products.   I talked to a great lady named Amber.  I told Amber my story and she immediately told me she would replace my cover – for free!   I was shocked.   Amber said it was the right thing to do.  It turns out Airhead manufactures the tubes at their own plant using the highest quality materials.  I sent Amber my information with a few pictures and about 8 days later a brand new cover showed up!

Whoo hoo!

Now it was time to assemble the new tube. 15 minutes of hard work in 92 degree heat later I had the tube assembled and the compressor filling it. Then I noticed that there was leak.  It only took 5 minutes to pull it apart and discover  a rip in the seam.  For two weeks I tried to get Amber on the phone to see how much a new bladder was.  It turns out she was very busy.   When I did get Amber on the phone she said she would just send me a new bladder.  I was shocked!

So chalk one up for the good guys,  they treated me very well and new have a loyal customer forever.  Amber I owe you for going above and beyond. Kudos to your company too for allowing you to do the right thing.

http://www.sportsstuff.com

Got Fired As A Customer

Yesterday I received word from Earthlink that they were firing me as  a customer.   I have mixed feelings about this since I have had them since about 1993.  My first non-dial up was also with them – a 56Kbs ISDN Line.

Today I spent a lot of time looking for a ISP where I can move my domains and website to.  Aren’t there better things I can be doing then this?