Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site ttidcc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!whuxlm!harpo!decvax!genrad!grkermi!panda!talcott!harvard!seismo!cmcl2!philabs!ttidca!ttidcc!hollombe From: hollombe@ttidcc.UUCP Newsgroups: net.flame Subject: Re: Seething hate... burning rage... searing anger... Message-ID: <473@ttidcc.UUCP> Date: Wed, 12-Jun-85 14:21:49 EDT Article-I.D.: ttidcc.473 Posted: Wed Jun 12 14:21:49 1985 Date-Received: Fri, 14-Jun-85 05:12:45 EDT References: <979@trwatf.UUCP> Reply-To: hollombe@ttidcc.UUCP (The Polymath) Organization: The Cat Factory Lines: 67 In article <979@trwatf.UUCP> root@trwatf.UUCP (Lord Frith) writes: >Yah know what I hate? Computer stores that feel obligated to use >names like "Businessland," "Business Center" or "Business Systems." > >I remember a chain called "Computerland" when they used to cater to >the small home-brew computer marketplace. In those days they sold >breadboards and kits, monitors and micros that appealed to techy >types. The franchise owners were just regular hackers like us. "Computerland" used to be a popular name for computer stores, I guess. We had one out here that was pretty much as you describe (kits, breadboards, parts bins). I saw my first home computer there (an Apple I, would you believe). Then they changed hands a few times and some business/salesperson types took over. They soon had the worst reputation in the area. _No_ concept of customer relations at all. A year later they went bankrupt. Those who weren't left in the lurch, waiting for pre-paid computers on order, stood up and cheered. If ever a company deserved to go bankrupt ... (Actually, I feel the same way about Osborne Computer Corporation and for the same reasons). > "Well GEE... the nice man in the three-peice >suit looked so professional, I naturally assumed that he knew what >he was talking about." Years ago I formulated what I call the "generic computer store staff". Apparently things haven't changed much. It consists of: (a) 1 Person who knows about computers. This person is invariably out to lunch or visiting another store. (b) 1 Person who doesn't know about computers and is willing to admit it. This is the person who refers you to (a) above. (c) Lots of people who know nothing about computers but will answer your questions in an authoritative manner anyway. These frequently were snotty, minimum wage high school kids who would obviously rather be playing computer games in the back room than having to deal with customers. More recently the type has included what appear to be former used car salespersons. They're a little smoother and more authoritative than the high school kids, and even more ignorant. >Ya know what's REAL fun though? Go into one of these stores dressed >in a t-shirt and jeans. Of course they'll think you're just some bum >off the street. ... > ... That's when you inform them that you were actually >scouting out systems for your large DP department, but since they're >going to take that kind of attitude they can FUCK OFF and SHOVE THAT >DEGENERATE PC UP YOUR SLEAZY PRINTER PORT! WHY DON'T YOU GO BACK TO >SELLING USED-CARS YOU SYCOPHANTIC COMPUTER-WHORE YOU! My preference is to fiddle with a high-end credit card (Gold or Platinum AMEX or MasterCard) while demanding to see the manager. I then politely explain that our city is _lousy_ with computer stores and the ineptitude of your sales staff has just cost you a multi-thousand dollar sale, not to mention future maintenance and software business. Then I walk out. After all, it's undignified to come down to their level. -- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- The Polymath (aka: Jerry Hollombe) Citicorp TTI "How goes the rat race?" 3100 Ocean Park Blvd. "The rats are winning." Santa Monica, CA 90405 -- Paul Lynde (213) 450-9111, ext. 2483 {philabs,randvax,trwrb,vortex}!ttidca!ttidcc!hollombe