The Angry Number
by Scott Hardie on April 10, 2008
Steve Dunn is bemused when people speak out against corporate America, as if it's a bad thing that they give millions of people jobs and create the products & services that enrich our lives. I'm with him, but sometimes I do get tired of being treated like a number.
I've been a good tenant at this apartment complex for three years – always paid rent on time, no loud parties or messy pets or maintenance problems. But a few months ago, it slipped my mind to pay the rent on time. Within an hour of their office opening the next day, there was an eviction notice on my door, with a testy letter warning me to pay in 72 hours or they'd toss my ass out. Isn't it possible that I just forgot? How about a courtesy call to remind me, before playing Martin Luther and nailing a proclamation on my door? There may be some perpetual deadbeats in this neighborhood that deserve the harsh treatment, but not me. I miss renting a house from a small local company who knew me by name, and who gave me courtesy and consideration before escalating problems.
I was reminded of this today by my Internet service provider. I've been a faithful customer for the same three years, always paying in full every month without delay. Last month I forgot to pay on time; they gave me a courtesy call and got their money right away. Apparently it happened again, because tonight I got a knock on my door from the tech they dispatched to my apartment to turn off service; the only way I could keep it was to give him a check on the spot, which I did. Is this sort of intimidation necessary? Next time, are they going to send a mafia thug to break my kneecaps? I've praised this ISP to friends since the nearby competitor is terrible, but I'm going to be a lot less complimentary about them from now on.
Two Replies to The Angry Number
Lori Lancaster | April 10, 2008
[hidden by author request]
Logical Operator
The creator of Funeratic, Scott Hardie, blogs about running this site, losing weight, and other passions including his wife Kelly, his friends, movies, gaming, and Florida. Read more »
Illinois 2014
Kelly and I are home after a week on the road visiting family and friends in Illinois. I wish that we had more time to see more people, but I'm also glad that we got out of town before the sub-freezing temperatures returned. It was important to us to spend time with Kelly's father and brother since this was the first Christmas after her mother passed away, and most of the trip was spent just being a family. Go »Love, Scott
Today is my mother Joan's 70th birthday. I wish her all the happiness in the world, but the occasion brings me feelings of guilt, for I have nothing to give her. Partly that because of bad timing, since she's on a cruise with her boyfriend Andy at the moment. Go »Parting Thought
I read in the news today that a British businessman will get to visit space in 2009 on his frequent-flyer miles alone. (link) I bet this gives David Phillips a damn good idea. (link) Go »Real Predictions, from a Guy Who Takes This Too Seriously
Some of my Oscar contest predictions are solely based on my odds of "winning" the contest. I'm curious to find out if what film I really think will win in certain categories comes out on top. Best Picture: Babel Best Original Screenplay: Babel Best Original Score: Babel Best Film Editing: Blood Diamond Best Costume Design: Marie Antoinette Here's looking forward to a good show tonight. Go »Meow Mix
Thanks Evgeni: Cat Music. Go »
Jackie Mason | April 10, 2008
[hidden by author request]