Oxford International, High Tech Ventures, and other annoying, cold-calling recruiting firms

If you work in the high-tech field like I do, and especially if you’re in management, you probably get regular cold calls from recruiters looking to either (a) hire someone into your company, (b) convince you to let them find you a new job, or (c) sweet-talk you into giving them the names and phone… Read More: Oxford International, High Tech Ventures, and other annoying, cold-calling recruiting… »

Comcast sneaks in back-door rate increase by increasing “equipment charge”

UPDATE: If you would like to help me call attention to this, Comcast’s most recent attempt to cheat its customers, please Digg this article. In a classic Gotcha Capitalism strategy, Comcast in Boston has just informed their VoIP and Internet customers that they are raising their monthly rate by $2 without actually admitting they’re doing… Read More: Comcast sneaks in back-door rate increase by increasing “equipment charge” »

Product recommendation: Skip Hop’s “Pronto” diaper changing kit

Much of what I attempt to pass off as useful content on my blog is criticism of products and companies that, in my opinion, just don’t measure up.  I have very high standards, which means that I’m often disappointed.  However, it also means that when I’m happy with a product and recommend it, you should… Read More: Product recommendation: Skip Hop’s “Pronto” diaper changing kit »

One service offer from Chase, 16 problems, 3 clueless customer support representatives

October 16, 2009 James Dimon Chairman and CEO JPMorgan Chase & Co. 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017-2070 Dear Mr. Dimon, This letter concerns my Chase Visa card, account number **** **** **** ****. I am writing to describe to you Chase’s recent abject failure to provide me and others with a minimally acceptable… Read More: One service offer from Chase, 16 problems, 3 clueless customer… »

American Express has a definition of “electronically” I haven’t heard before

I recently received a letter from American Express confirming that I’d enrolled in online bill payment.  I received the letter on paper, in an envelope, with a stamp on it, in the mailbox on my porch. The final sentence of the letter, all the way at the bottom, below the signature, reads as follows: You… Read More: American Express has a definition of “electronically” I haven’t heard… »

The most obscene “guilt mailing” I’ve ever seen

  You’ve all gotten them, right?  An envelope, or sometimes even a box, from some alleged charity you’ve never heard of before.  You open it up and discover personalized mailing labels, greeting cards, a notepad, a tree ornament, a cheap electronic doodad, a coin, or whatever, along with a plea to send a donation. The… Read More: The most obscene “guilt mailing” I’ve ever seen »