I try to be nice, but sometime I can't help thinking mean things....

I know I am quite good at what I do... but some clients test the bounds of my patience.

For the un-initiated, PEBKAC stands for "Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair"

heh! My fave story involves those that thought the CD/DVD drives were cupholders. Even I ain't that messed up!

Tech Support: "Ok, now please click on My Computer."

Client: "I can't see your computer."

Tech Support: "No, I mean click on the icon for My Computer on your desktop."

Client: "I know what you mean. What would your computer be doing on mine?"

!! Yes, there is nothing more fun than trying to troubleshoot technology with someone over the telephone!

What's really nice is having the same problem, over and over... knowing that that problem is caused by a "block" on the telephone/broadband line (put in place by the provider because you've d/l'ed "too much" on your "unlimited d/l" tariff) .... following all the steps to resolve it that you did LAST TIME... and then calling tech support and informing them EXACTLY of what you have done, and what the fault is, only to be asked to do it all again ...

ie..
ME :: Hello Tech Guy, there is a block on my line, I have changed my ADSL filter, twice, I am plugged in to the hub using an ethernet cable/not wirelessly , used three different cables, plugged into the master phone socket, done a speed check using YOUR software, tried the test port on the socket(that is hidden behind a panel under a flap, that no-one could possibly know about unless they had been told) .. and the problem still persists.. I even dialled YOUR shortcut number for a line test and got told the line has been clipped... please remove the un-lawful clip/block on my connection ...

TECH GUY :: Okay, have you changed your ADSL filter ?

ME:: Yes ...

TECH GUY :: Okay, are you using your box wirelessly ?... If so please connect using a cable ..

... etc etc.. only to be told after 2hrs of being on the phone ( MY mobile, MY mobile phone bill).. that oddly there is an unlawful block on my line and they will "endevour" to remove it.... three days later I finally get my pittance of 1.5Mb "top-end super fast broadband" back .... ... ... ...

RustyDios wrote:What's really nice is having the same problem, over and over... knowing that that problem is caused by a "block" on the telephone/broadband line (put in place by the provider because you've d/l'ed "too much" on your "unlimited d/l" tariff) .... following all the steps to resolve it that you did LAST TIME... and then calling tech support and informing them EXACTLY of what you have done, and what the fault is, only to be asked to do it all again ...

ie..
ME :: Hello Tech Guy, there is a block on my line, I have changed my ADSL filter, twice, I am plugged in to the hub using an ethernet cable/not wirelessly , used three different cables, plugged into the master phone socket, done a speed check using YOUR software, tried the test port on the socket(that is hidden behind a panel under a flap, that no-one could possibly know about unless they had been told) .. and the problem still persists.. I even dialled YOUR shortcut number for a line test and got told the line has been clipped... please remove the un-lawful clip/block on my connection ...

TECH GUY :: Okay, have you changed your ADSL filter ?

ME:: Yes ...

TECH GUY :: Okay, are you using your box wirelessly ?... If so please connect using a cable ..

... etc etc.. only to be told after 2hrs of being on the phone ( MY mobile, MY mobile phone bill).. that oddly there is an unlawful block on my line and they will "endevour" to remove it.... three days later I finally get my pittance of 1.5Mb "top-end super fast broadband" back .... ... ... ...

See this sort of situation at least can have one of two positive outcomes... either One, you complain about loss of service and get credited for it plus extra due to you having to absorb the cost of unneccessary mobile phone charges, or Two, you end up switching to a better provider that treats you like a person - ie. more than just another account number and minor revenue stream.

There is always a bright side to these things when you experience them yourself. . .remember that one day you will look back at the incident and have a good laugh.