Well, I suppose it would be nice if I finished my story...
I went back to the Best Buy Friday (that was the store... I didn't want to mention that in case I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement, which I didn't). I went to the guy in loss prevention (you know, the guy at the front door that makes sure you don't steal crap) and asked for the manager I had an appointment with. While I was waiting for him, I saw one of the employees from the day before. He mentioned something about me being here for "the package." Good start... hopefully it wasn't some consolation prize, rather than a PS3.
The manager came to me, and we went into a different room. The first thing I saw was a pile of boxes labeled "Wiis, do not sell until 11/19/06." The manager started off by apologizing, and explained his side of the story (mostly, why they had a maximum wait time) I explained that I could completely understand that he would have a maximum, but I'm just upset that it wasn't enforced so the rule followers were screwed over. He nodded and agreed with me. Then, the big moment. He told me that he did have a 20GB PS3 that I could buy. Woohoo! Sure, I'd prefer a 60GB, since they go for a lot more on ebay (more than the $100 extra they sell for) but I wasn't even sure I'd get that.
He wrapped the thing up in black shrinkwrap, so that it wouldn't show through the blue bag. If that happened, I don't think I'd have a PS3 to speak of right now, with the crazy people out there and all. I went through to pay for it, and was even congratulated by the cashier when I was done paying for it.
Overall, I'm really glad it worked that way. I waited 12 hours last night for a Wii, and it sucked being in that cold weather for so long. I would have been in line for twice as long if everything went normally. Ouch. Instead, I waited outside for roughly 7 hours, mostly during the day when it was a bit warmer. Which reminds me, the Wii is absolutely amazing! Even the bundled game, Wii Sports, is enough reason to buy a Wii.
Finally, I'd like to make one last comment... the Best Buy employees were fantastic. Despite their high levels of stress from the situation, they were always friendly and did not show any sign of being stressed out. They were so good, in fact, that I'm even planning on writing a letter to Best Buy... hopefully the employees will get what they deserve.
Well, given my track record of not posting here much, I guess it's see you later blog.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Playstation 3 Madness, Part 2/3
So, here I was at [Store Name], looking at the ~50 people in line. Ouch. There would be 26 PS3s at the minimum, probably no more than 40 at this store. I also saw a few people across from the crosswalk, seemingly in the same boat as us. A car drove by them, and the people in it said that they "thought nobody was supposed to come until 8:00" Thinking they may know something, and not having anything to lose, I went to them, and asked what they knew. My friend Turns out, they were in fact in the same situation as us... even planning on staying in their car and all. Their plan was to protest this whole thing (peacefully, of course) It was only about 7:00 at this time, so it's possible people would be cleared out for that level playing field we came for. We were in that area across from the crosswalk, getting some dirty looks from people. Soon before 8:00, a cop shows up, just to make sure no fights occur. 8:00 comes, and we decide to go in front of the door. The cop was right there, so we knew the odds of a fight happening was next to nothing. (plus, it's Woodbury... a pretty safe place)
As one would expect, the people in line were not happy. But how else would our complaints be taken seriously? The manager came out, and he listened to both of us. The people there said that they should be first, since they were there first. We said that we were told 8:00, tried to coem before, but were kicked out. They were rewarding people that went against the rules, and punishing those that followed them. The manager said he'd have to figure things out. In the meantime, he did give the people in our group (about 15 of them) $25 gift cards. Soon, a person from the corporate headquarters came, and we repeated our side of the story. One kid's mom, who was with us in the beginning, even mentioned calling an attorney. We were told to go to write down our names and numbers, and go to the back of the line. They also told us that they wouldn't tell us to do that unless they thought it would be worth it. Not having much other choice, we did that.
In the back of the line, there were some rumors spreading that they would try to get extra units from other stores. Soon, the son of the woman that threatened to use an attorney told me that their mom did talk to him (the attorney, that is). He went straight to [Store Name]'s legal department. Within 30 minutes, people on the list, myself included, started getting phone calls. We were asked to come back tomorrow, and were given individual appointments. They said that they have something planned, but cannot say what "for legal reasons" (not the first time I've heard that expression from them) However, they said, I "should be veeeery happy." Since my friend was not on the list (he was in the other line, thinking it would be more likely for at least one of us to get a PS3 that way) he never got a phone call, and we stuck around a bit. Then, we figured it may not be a bad idea to try to get him on that list, since we were together (and had reasonable proof of it, if we used our college IDs) We waited around a while for the manager, and ended up leaving our number so he could call us back. On our way home, we found out that he could not get on that list and will not be able to get an appointment like I did. Understandable, I guess, but that would have been nice.
Well, this is where I need to cut things off, unfortunately. I still have to go to [Store Name] tomorrow, and see what will make me veeeery happy (that didn't sound right). I would like to mention that during the times I have talked to the managers, they were VERY friendly, and did understand our point of view. They probably wanted us to be first in line, but wouldn't be able to (for legal reasons, of course). Granted, I'd prefer that this whole thing didn't happen, but they used what they had very well, and were always very polite. Oh yeah, I'd like to apologize for any lack of organization here.
As one would expect, the people in line were not happy. But how else would our complaints be taken seriously? The manager came out, and he listened to both of us. The people there said that they should be first, since they were there first. We said that we were told 8:00, tried to coem before, but were kicked out. They were rewarding people that went against the rules, and punishing those that followed them. The manager said he'd have to figure things out. In the meantime, he did give the people in our group (about 15 of them) $25 gift cards. Soon, a person from the corporate headquarters came, and we repeated our side of the story. One kid's mom, who was with us in the beginning, even mentioned calling an attorney. We were told to go to write down our names and numbers, and go to the back of the line. They also told us that they wouldn't tell us to do that unless they thought it would be worth it. Not having much other choice, we did that.
In the back of the line, there were some rumors spreading that they would try to get extra units from other stores. Soon, the son of the woman that threatened to use an attorney told me that their mom did talk to him (the attorney, that is). He went straight to [Store Name]'s legal department. Within 30 minutes, people on the list, myself included, started getting phone calls. We were asked to come back tomorrow, and were given individual appointments. They said that they have something planned, but cannot say what "for legal reasons" (not the first time I've heard that expression from them) However, they said, I "should be veeeery happy." Since my friend was not on the list (he was in the other line, thinking it would be more likely for at least one of us to get a PS3 that way) he never got a phone call, and we stuck around a bit. Then, we figured it may not be a bad idea to try to get him on that list, since we were together (and had reasonable proof of it, if we used our college IDs) We waited around a while for the manager, and ended up leaving our number so he could call us back. On our way home, we found out that he could not get on that list and will not be able to get an appointment like I did. Understandable, I guess, but that would have been nice.
Well, this is where I need to cut things off, unfortunately. I still have to go to [Store Name] tomorrow, and see what will make me veeeery happy (that didn't sound right). I would like to mention that during the times I have talked to the managers, they were VERY friendly, and did understand our point of view. They probably wanted us to be first in line, but wouldn't be able to (for legal reasons, of course). Granted, I'd prefer that this whole thing didn't happen, but they used what they had very well, and were always very polite. Oh yeah, I'd like to apologize for any lack of organization here.
Playstation 3 Madness, Part 1/3
Everybody gather 'round, it's time for a story from your ol' pal Brian (you may want to make a sandwich first, too)...
As some people may know, the Sony Playstation 3 is coming out today. There is a huge shortage of these, and they are all going on ebay for some pretty good money. So, of course, I had to go in on this to get a little cash (buy and resell). The plan was for me to go with a friend of mine, and we'd camp out at the [City 1] [Store Name], a Mecca for things like this. Since my parents have told me about all the people camping out at that location already, we decided to see how the one in [City 2] is... especially since it was on the way home anyway. We got there to find... nobody. We walked in the store, and asked if we could start camping out (I've heard of some locations turning down people ahead of time). They said no, and that nobody would be allowed to camp out until 8:00 the next morning. Hoping to get a level playing field, we decided to go to [City 2]. After seeing the [City 1] [Store Name], we were glad we made that choice. (I called earlier, and was told there would be 60-80 units... when I drove by, there seemed to be over 80 people)
Later that day, I went to that ([City 1]) [Store Name] to look around. I talked with someone there, and he came around the same time I would have. My guess of 80 people was right, he was number 80-something. He also told me there were really getting about 140 units, so I could have gotten one afterall had I came at that time.
Early the next morning, we arrived at the [City 2] [Store Name]. The plan was that we'd get there around 7:00, and wait in our car until 8:00, like we were told to. That would have been a spiffy plan, except there were already about 50 people in line when we got there. That's right, we planned on playing by the rules, and still got screwed. This post is getting to be pretty long, so I think I'm going to split it up into 3 parts. Part 2 coming up...
As some people may know, the Sony Playstation 3 is coming out today. There is a huge shortage of these, and they are all going on ebay for some pretty good money. So, of course, I had to go in on this to get a little cash (buy and resell). The plan was for me to go with a friend of mine, and we'd camp out at the [City 1] [Store Name], a Mecca for things like this. Since my parents have told me about all the people camping out at that location already, we decided to see how the one in [City 2] is... especially since it was on the way home anyway. We got there to find... nobody. We walked in the store, and asked if we could start camping out (I've heard of some locations turning down people ahead of time). They said no, and that nobody would be allowed to camp out until 8:00 the next morning. Hoping to get a level playing field, we decided to go to [City 2]. After seeing the [City 1] [Store Name], we were glad we made that choice. (I called earlier, and was told there would be 60-80 units... when I drove by, there seemed to be over 80 people)
Later that day, I went to that ([City 1]) [Store Name] to look around. I talked with someone there, and he came around the same time I would have. My guess of 80 people was right, he was number 80-something. He also told me there were really getting about 140 units, so I could have gotten one afterall had I came at that time.
Early the next morning, we arrived at the [City 2] [Store Name]. The plan was that we'd get there around 7:00, and wait in our car until 8:00, like we were told to. That would have been a spiffy plan, except there were already about 50 people in line when we got there. That's right, we planned on playing by the rules, and still got screwed. This post is getting to be pretty long, so I think I'm going to split it up into 3 parts. Part 2 coming up...
Monday, October 16, 2006
Holy Schmokes! Brian added stuff to his blog!
Well, I haven't posted here in a bit... might as well say something. I started college at UW-Stout recently, and am having the time of my life. I have a part-time job on campus fixing the laptops on campus, though I also spend time on the phones for tech support as well. My roommate is awesome, and everyone else on the floor is cool as well (with an exception or 2 here and there)
So, I figured a quick story may not be a bad idea. What else are blogs for, eh?
I was working on the phones today, and got a call from an administrator for UW-Stout. She was having problems with a program many staff people use. We aren't really trained with that program, so I sent her building technician over (not uncommon at all) Well, she was wondering if there was anything I could do to make the process go a little more quickly. It's not too uncommon for us to do things like that for staff, so I got on the radio.
Long story short, I ended up having a conversation with a somewhat random person, since the 2 main people weren't around. When I was done, I really felt like I did something wrong, and I should have checked something before I got on the radio. Less than 30 seconds later, a guy walks into the room. He looks at me, and asks if I was the one on the radio. I figured I was going to get chewed out for it, but admitted it just the same. "Fantastic job, you did everything right. I know [name of person removed] can be an ass at times, and you were perfect." I blinked, and couldn't believe it. I got the exact opposite of what I was expecting. I figure that's always a nice change of pace.
So, I figured a quick story may not be a bad idea. What else are blogs for, eh?
I was working on the phones today, and got a call from an administrator for UW-Stout. She was having problems with a program many staff people use. We aren't really trained with that program, so I sent her building technician over (not uncommon at all) Well, she was wondering if there was anything I could do to make the process go a little more quickly. It's not too uncommon for us to do things like that for staff, so I got on the radio.
Long story short, I ended up having a conversation with a somewhat random person, since the 2 main people weren't around. When I was done, I really felt like I did something wrong, and I should have checked something before I got on the radio. Less than 30 seconds later, a guy walks into the room. He looks at me, and asks if I was the one on the radio. I figured I was going to get chewed out for it, but admitted it just the same. "Fantastic job, you did everything right. I know [name of person removed] can be an ass at times, and you were perfect." I blinked, and couldn't believe it. I got the exact opposite of what I was expecting. I figure that's always a nice change of pace.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
If you can't succeed with luck, use strategy
Boy, that's a title so deep I wouldn't want to fall into it. Or not.
Anyway, as some of you may know, I am a diehard listener of KS95, a local radio station. At night, they do this thing called "You're kidding me, Eric Trivia." With this, you are given a random fact, missing one major element, which is the listener's job to complete. In this case, the DJ (Eric) said that, "A recent book released the top 10 things a man can do for a woman that is classy... what is the #1 thing?" (or something along those lines)
Well, me being the sneaky guy I am, I used everybody's best friend, google. Hey, what do you know? I think I found it! I called them, he answered, and told me I was right! So, I should be getting 4 tickets to the Acme Comedy Company, a place I've been wanting to go to for a while.
And before I become hated for cheating, keep this in mind: the answer was "standing up when they enter the room." I really don't think anyone would get that on their own. Once it gets to be a certain point, he gives a clue which makes things ridiculously easy, and it's a matter of getting through (I've tried, I aways get a busy signal after the clue) So, I was just jumping to the front of the line when he gives the clue, I figure. Yeah, that's it. Ok, I won't do it again until next month, at the earliest (partly because I can only win at that station once each month)
Anyway, as some of you may know, I am a diehard listener of KS95, a local radio station. At night, they do this thing called "You're kidding me, Eric Trivia." With this, you are given a random fact, missing one major element, which is the listener's job to complete. In this case, the DJ (Eric) said that, "A recent book released the top 10 things a man can do for a woman that is classy... what is the #1 thing?" (or something along those lines)
Well, me being the sneaky guy I am, I used everybody's best friend, google. Hey, what do you know? I think I found it! I called them, he answered, and told me I was right! So, I should be getting 4 tickets to the Acme Comedy Company, a place I've been wanting to go to for a while.
And before I become hated for cheating, keep this in mind: the answer was "standing up when they enter the room." I really don't think anyone would get that on their own. Once it gets to be a certain point, he gives a clue which makes things ridiculously easy, and it's a matter of getting through (I've tried, I aways get a busy signal after the clue) So, I was just jumping to the front of the line when he gives the clue, I figure. Yeah, that's it. Ok, I won't do it again until next month, at the earliest (partly because I can only win at that station once each month)
Monday, August 14, 2006
Attack of the Bad Tech Support!
I've never liked calling tech support about anything, but there comes a time in a man's life when he needs to. This often leads to more frustration than it's worth, but in the past I've had pretty good luck. Until yesterday. I tried to install one of those wireless internet cards on a computer, but there was no network to be found (and believe me, they existed) I was put on hold for about 10 minutes, I'm guessing, and was finally talking to an actual person. At one point, I had to turn off the computer, take out the card, and turn it back on. No problem, I can understand that. Then I put it back in, and got a black screen. From here on, our conversation went as follows:
Me: I see a black screen on my monitor.In her defense, she could have thought I meant a screen with an error and no accompanying GUI. But it got worse:
Tech Support: What does this black screen say?
Me: ...
Tech Support: Sir, I need you to unplug the phone cord from the modem and wait a minute.For you non-techies (or non-geeks, non-nerds, whatever) that think this is a perfectly legitimate request, this is like being told to turn off your radio when your engine isn't starting. It just won't do a thing. I hope I don't have to deal with these people for a loooong time. *shudder*
Me: The phone cord on my modem?
Tech Support: Yes.
Me: You want me to unplug it?
Tech Supprot: Yes.
Me: To fix the black screen?
Tech Support: Yes.
OMG, a Blog!
I never thought I'd do it, but here I am... making a blog. Why, you ask? Well, I suppose it's a mix of going to college and keeping in touch with those at home. Maybe it's to tell various anecdotes of sorts. Maybe it's to become like every other person my age (really, I'm actually a little surprised people actually read these things). Whatever it is, I guess I'm doing it now.
Also, this is meant to be used along with my Facebook profile, since Facebook doesn't have a blog feature as I expected. This is just an easy way for me to post content of bloggy form.
Also, this is meant to be used along with my Facebook profile, since Facebook doesn't have a blog feature as I expected. This is just an easy way for me to post content of bloggy form.
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