Technology Laughter & Tears

I've had some technical issues for a few weeks. I finally broke down and called the appropriate technical services.

I usually try very hard to avoid this because I get someone like the guy shown on the commercial. You know the one where this burly guy says his name is Shirley and then he repeats the same fractured sentence over and over, regardless of what the caller asks?

I got someone just like that. I could almost hear him turning the pages in the manual as he tried to find the information to help me. As is usual, I knew more than he did about computers. So why aren't there jokes about customers dealing with the so-called experts?

Of course, that made me think of some of my favorite jokes about people who call help lines. Here are a few for your pleasure. This first one makes me laugh until I cry.

Technical Services: Double click on "My Computer"
User: I can't see your computer.
Technical Services: No, double click on "My Computer" on your computer.
User: Huh?
Technical Services: There is an icon on your computer labeled "My Computer". Double click on it.
User: What's your computer doing on mine?

On the negative side, I've been getting charged for a ton of stuff I didn't order lately. On the positive side, I did win that 'Who's Got the Best Password' contest on AOL last week. ~Spike Donner

All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can’t get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer.~IBM Manual, 1925

Takeaway Truth

If you're ever feeling less than brilliant when using technology, remember that even so-called geniuses make great big blunders too. After all, 6 years ago Bill Gates said: "Two years from now, spam will be solved."