Let's throw technology into that rant, too. This was going to be a "fun" post about an interesting field trip that Bob and I embarked on a few weeks back. But no... thanks to technology, I can't get the pictures on my phone to download onto my computer so you'll just have to wait for that blog episode. Don't hold your breath.
Okay so the remainder of this blog is an expanded argument about some of the many things wrong in our dystopian country. I was recently in an art show in NYC. As the unpredictable winter weather and COVID are issues, I decided to send my artwork via UPS. My work is easy to roll and fold so into a box it went (*1) and off to UPS I went. I groused as it cost waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more to send than I originally expected (like I could have travelled by train to NYC and back several times for less $$$) but I figured WTH, it saves time and aggravation etc etc. The show ends this weekend, so I decided to make plans to get my work shipped back home. And while I could arrange a pick up by phone or online, I went into the UPS "store" as I felt like there might be problems. Just a hunch...
At the store, I was informed that "they don't handle pick ups". I furrowed my brow and said, "But I already paid for the return of my package (insured, too!)" They said, "But we don't communicate with the drivers". To which I responded, "But you're UPS. They're UPS drivers. You have more communication with them than me, a private citizen". "Oh no," was their answer. "This is a franchise. You have to call them up." Huh? Why call yourself UPS and charge me and then pretend you have no association with the company; highly confusing.
So I returned home and called UPS. I actually got a person who informed me that to schedule a pick up, I was going to be charged and additional $10. WHAT?!?!!? I already pre-paid for a round trip for my art work, what was this about? I got into quite a long harangue and made mention that many other art works were being picked up at the same address on the same day... they stood to make a lot of additional money if we all gave them an extra $10. Sorry! That's the way that is! I called the gallery and the curator there said that others were running into this problem but that at the end of the last show, the UPS driver told the curator that as long as there was a shipping label, he'd take the packages. We'll see.
The same day (I should have known better) I decided to tackle the problem of why we couldn't get our movie selections on Disney+ to stream. Bob and I suspected a technological problem so that's the department I called. I got a young man who hemmed and hawed and apologized (corporate America is really fond of disingenuous apologies.) and finally he asked what kind of device we were attempting to watch Hamilton on. I responded a TCL TV. He sighed and said, "OH! Roku TV's won't allow streaming if you're watching a program with the ads! You have to subscribe to the premium level!" Say what?!?!? We bundled Hulu and Disney+ because the price was right and we only really wanted to see Hamilton and now I'm being told "no; you can't do that unless you pay more... or watch on a Smart Phone or our computer monitor." (Oh great! Hamilton streaming on a 2 inch screen! Fabulous!) So here too, they were attempting to extort an additional $10 out us. I went back on their bundle ad and absolutely nowhere does it say anything about Roku and ads and how disappointed you're going to be- sorry sucker!! It's not even the stupid $10 more; it's the fact they don't tell you this! Infuriating. I also sat on hold for an hour (maybe I'm really stupid...) to try and talk to a supervisor. I finally hung up and we watched the first half of Hamilton (pretty mazing!!!) on our computer. Needless to say, I'm not pleased.
Moral of the story... I don't know. We're all so bound up in corporate life. We never seem to get satisfaction and rarely talk to a real person- and when you do, they're like humanoid robots trained to tell you just how sorry they are (they're not!). Corporations are making money and not feeling any compunction about anything but making money. I was happier back when I read books and never knew I needed TV.
(*1) Word to the wise: find a box and box it yourself at home. The last time I went to UPS and inquired about a box, they wanted to charge me $50 for a cardboard box! I went home and found one of similar size in the attic and used that. They will ship in a recycled box. I mean... really?!??
(*2) So after we finish Hamilton, we're divorcing ourselves from Disney+. I don't even care about the stinking Mandalorian any more! Fuck baby Yoda!
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