Fuck Vonage! How to Reduce Your VOIP Phone Bill (1704 hits)
Category: NoneLabels: ets_nonfiction
Rating: 0.82 on 57 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (View user info) at 2007-06-28 21:37:05 EDT
If you're like a growing number of people, you've scrapped your land line phone service in favor of either a cell phone or a VOIP (voice over IP) phone, or both. Until earlier today, I fell into the latter category when I decided whimsically to disconnect my Vonage service for lack of use.
In the interest of clarity little background is in order. I've called the Customer Service line for Vonage only a handful of times in the more than 2 years I've had the service, and everytime I've managed to speak to a - clearly Indian - man named "Steve". This time was no different.
After about an hour on hold (they don't want you to cancel your service, they'd rather you gave up forgot about it) I was given the 20 questions treatment by "Steve", who I can only assume gets a small bonus of some kind if he gets customers to change their minds about canceling service.
"Why are you changing your service?"
"That's really not any of your business, but if I had to come up with reasons off the top of my head, I'd say because I suspect your business is cooperating with Operation Eschelon and the NSA spying, and because you outsource your labor, no offense."
"None taken," he said in his broken english. "I vill tell-a you though, I am located in New Jersey."
"Is that so?"
"Yes." Then he proceeded to give me the address of his supposed location, which I seriously doubt is accurate since, like I said before, I've always managed to speak to Indians named "Steve" when calling them, and he later made a slip up that I will go into in a moment.
I let that slide, though, as he continued with his list of questions, some legit, some just a delay tactic...
"Are there any improvements we could make to our service to convince you to stay?"
"Are you planning on keeping your number?"
"What are the things you liked about our service?"
And on and on.
At one point, I just said, "You know what, I just want my service ceased. I am not answering any more questions. I've made up my mind."
"Ok," he said. "But let me just tell you that since you've been with our service more than a year, I am authorized to give you a discount on your monthly bill of $5, so you'd be paying only $19.99 per month instead of $24.99 for the same service. We can also offer you the same deal for our lower $14.99 package, which we could offer you for only $9.99 per month."
Determined not to cave to these schemes, I asked the wife if we want to maybe just..."NO!" she said. "WE DON'T NEED IT!"
That settled that. But it might have been nice to know a year ago though, I thought. Then I calculated in my head...that was about $60 a year savings. Anyone who has Vonage service and wants a $5 per month discount, just call them and say you want to cancel your service. If you've been there more than a year, they'll give you this offer. Although, I got the impression they'd probably do it for just about anyone.
Why am I telling you this? Because of what happened next, and because of the horror stories I later found out about from internet research on people's Vonage horror stories. (I turns out that the Better Business Bureau has given Vonage horrific marks because customers were told that they'd be charged a $90 fee for disconnect and told to call back in one month and they wouldn't have to pay the fee. Then a month later they were told there would be a $90 fee and to call back NEXT month, and so on. There were also cases of people not able to lodge complaints because there was no way to contact anyone beyond Customer Service. There were no managers one could talk to, no supervisors. The New Jersey headquarters apparently has no published phone number.)
As we had finally gotten to the point of canceling my service after the gauntlet of questions, I learned that my phone would be cut off immediately, and, although I had paid for the service until the 5th of July, I would not be getting a prorated credit for the service not used!
"Wait a mintue..." I said. "You're telling me I'm going to be paying for service that I'm not using? That's illegal!"
"It is in the terms of service agreement, sir."
"Oh, ok. Where in the terms of service is that written and I'll verify that with you?"
"Section 3.4."
So I bring up the agreement on their website and section 3.4 states the following:
3.4 Disconnection; Discontinuance of Service. We reserve the right to suspend or discontinue the Service generally, or to disconnect your Service, at any time in our sole and absolute discretion. If we discontinue the Service generally, or disconnect your Service without a stated reason, you will only be responsible for charges accrued through the date of disconnection, including a pro-rated portion of the final Service Term charges. If your Service is disconnected on account of your breach of any provision of this Agreement, you will be responsible for all charges through the end of the current Service Term, including unbilled charges, plus the disconnection fee, if applicable, all of which will immediately be due and payable. Vonage will pursue collection for unpaid amounts on disconnected accounts and may report to credit bureaus.
After reading it once through, I asked again what part of this section deals with not prorating my last bill. I see where it says that you can terminate my service...I see where it deals with termination of service that is in breach of agreement, but I see nothing dealing with a regular old, run of the mill service disconnection.
"I assure you, it is there."
"Well, Steve, with all due respect, I just don't see it. I'm gonna need to speak to your supervisor please."
"He will only tell you the same thing I'm telling you."
"Well, Steve, if you can't show me where it states that I don't get my final bill prorated as a customer in good standing, I'd like to speak with him anyway, please."
"But sir, he will only tell you that same thing I am telling you...."
At this point I was ready to jump through the phone and ring "Steve's" swami neck.
"I.DO.NOT.CARE.STEVE.I'd.LIKE.TO.SPEAK.TO.YOUR.SUPERVISOR.PLEASE."
"Ok, sir, I'll be needing to put you on hold is that ok?"
"Sure, thank you." I went right back to being polite as possible. Having dealt with irate customers myself I know how it is when your personal limitations are at an end and a customer won't take 'no' for an answer, but "Steve" should not have been so reluctant to let me speak to a super.
After a moment he came back and said that although his manager was on another phone at the moment, he had been authorized to credit my account the $6.16 I was owed, probably thinking that would be the end of it. Oh no... I don't let go that easily. This was a matter of principle.
"Thank you for that, Steve. I appreciate it. But let me ask you something. Are your superiors telling you to tell your customers that they have no claims to the remainder of their credit upon termination? Is this what you're being told?"
"We tell people that if they want to use their full service they have to call back a day or two before their account expires. We are crediting your account for the $6.16..."
"No, Steve, you're not listening to me. See, my problem is this... If it's your policy to tell people that they have no claims to their money based on section 3.4 of your terms of service, then you're lying to them. And furthermore, if you had a million people cancel service and their average prorated amount you owed them was the same as mine, that's $6.1 million dollars you've ripped off from your customers, is it not?"
"You would really need to take that up with our billing department in New Jersey."
"I thought you said you were in New Jersey."
"Well...uh...yes I am, but they are in a different office."
"Ok, well, transfer me to them. I'll hold."
"I cannot transfer from here, but you can find their information online..."
The only information that exists for that office online is their address. "I'd prefer not driving to New Jersey to get this resolved, Steve. Or sending a letter. Could you give me their phone number?"
He gave me the number and I told him that I had recorded this conversation as I do all my phone conversations and asked him to verify to me that this was the correct number and it wasn't just going to take me back to the same automated system you get with the 800 number. He said that was correct.* He also said he had not given me permission to record him. I told him it is perfectly lawful for me to do so and suggested he look it up.
Maybe he could look in section 3.4.
*Incidentally, I called the number he gave me and it gave you two options. For customer care press 1. To access our corporate directory, press 2. 1 takes you back to CS, 2 requires you to enter the first 3 letters of the last name of the person you want to speak to. It's only about a tetragillion combinations till you find the correct one. Thanks Steve.
User Reviews
Submitted by Acarnis (user info) at 2007-07-01 13:34:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I like this post.
ETS, you should have gone to law school; it seems it'd fit you.
(except for a few things like your hatred of the 16th amendment)
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2007-07-01 00:55:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by Lambchop (user info) at 2007-06-30 23:52:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Vonage is losing money fast because they lost their lawsuit with Verizon.
Watch for them to go out of business soon.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-06-30 02:06:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by PokeyMen (user info) at 2007-06-29 23:48:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:28:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:10:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Con. A prefix meaning with or together
spirare: to breathe
Con-spirate: to breathe together
conspire: shortened form of "conspirate" has come to mean to do something with many people as a whole, as a group
Sure, the word has negative connotations, but what I said is within the accepted definition. Etymologically and definitively I am was was absolutely correct in what I said. You can try to spin it any way you fucking want, Caul and Scourge, but you're fucking wrong.
The fact is, you've got it in your head that ETS ain't nothin' but a dumb shit "conspiracy kook" and that is clouding your better judgment. Frankly, to anyone with half a brain, it's making you look like a couple utter fools who don't know the english language from the inside of your ass... Or, in that case, maybe you do.
===
OMFG! ANGLOWN3D! ""
anglowned.
100% awesome.
-apollo
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-06-29 21:57:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-06-29 16:55:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
IM SICK OF THOSE LITTLE LIDS ON COFFEE MUGS. IF YOU DONT WANT TO SPILL YOUR COFFEE YOU SHOULDNT BE DRIVING WITH IT NOW SHOULD YAH BE?!
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-06-29 21:19:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i think your wife can't have been anything but good for you, ets.
so damn funny, that woman.
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:42:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Notice I couldn't say anything about the penchant for theatrics and emotional instability.
:P
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:39:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:35:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-06-29 14:55:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
its not because of your whiny high pitched voice
===
http://stuff.ubersite.com/1150516347843323008/1/Beatnik%20Soul.mp3
===
is that suppose to prove the contrary?
lol, he has a terribly nasal annoying high pitched voice. especially worse when he sings.
"pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease hooooooooooooold me"
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:35:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
example of ETS logic:
ETS: "HEY CAUL YOU'RE A STUPID FAGGOT WHO SUCKS DICK!"
Caul: "wow, a gay insult"
ETS: "HAHAHA, FAGOT MEANS 'BUNDLE OF STICKS' FROM THE FRENCH WORD FAGOT (FAH-GO) I JUST CALLED YOU A BUNDLE OF STICKS WHO SUCKS DICK! TOTALLY PWNED!"
Caul: ...
or
ETS: "WHEN EVIL CORPORATION LED BY BLOOD THRISTY GLOBALIST JEWS HAVE BOARD MEETINGS THEY CONSPIRE"
Caul: "wow"
ETS: "OMFG CONSPIRE ONLY MEANS TO BREATH IN HARMONY! HAR HAR! TRICKED TO THE MAX!"
Caul: ZZZzzzzzzZZzzz
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:35:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-06-29 14:55:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
its not because of your whiny high pitched voice
===
http://stuff.ubersite.com/1150516347843323008/1/Beatnik%20Soul.mp3
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:28:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:10:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Con. A prefix meaning with or together
spirare: to breathe
Con-spirate: to breathe together
conspire: shortened form of "conspirate" has come to mean to do something with many people as a whole, as a group
Sure, the word has negative connotations, but what I said is within the accepted definition. Etymologically and definitively I am was was absolutely correct in what I said. You can try to spin it any way you fucking want, Caul and Scourge, but you're fucking wrong.
The fact is, you've got it in your head that ETS ain't nothin' but a dumb shit "conspiracy kook" and that is clouding your better judgment. Frankly, to anyone with half a brain, it's making you look like a couple utter fools who don't know the english language from the inside of your ass... Or, in that case, maybe you do.
===
OMFG! ANGLOWN3D!
jesus...are you still flapping your mouth about this? man...shut the fuck up.
the question isn't if you are correct, the question is why would you use a word with a negative connotation in the first place to refer to board meetings, you stupid shithead.
do you say "i conspire with you, my friend, this steak is good!" or "let's have a conspiracy over what we'll have for dinner?" no you don't. for what reason would you use the fucking other than use its negative connotation?
which is why scourge said "are you serious?" and why i said "wow" that you would use such a term for corporate meetings then backpeddle with etymological caca that is unrelated to the effect you were trying to get accross in your comment.
not only does everyone need to explain you how reality works all the fucking time, that insulting everybody and screaming like a 2 years old with a soiled diaper is useless, but we must hold your fucking hand through every single sentence to make sure that your malfunctioning drug-damaged brain can grasp 3rd-grader logic.
i'm amazed you manage to function in society. you must have one of those job in a program for the mentally ill...oh wait, you do!
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:13:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
JonnyX: I've already made a post about that. FA already pointed that out directly to you and also pointed out that you had, interestingly enough, commented on the very post in question.
If you spent half as much time actually reading and applying what little sense you have to dissecting what is contained in a post rather than talking out your ass and salivating to be the next to take some cheap, ignorant pot-shot at ETS, you'd know that already.
Now, find the post, or piss off already.
If you know something I don't, spit it out.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 17:10:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Con. A prefix meaning with or together
spirare: to breathe
Con-spirate: to breathe together
conspire: shortened form of "conspirate" has come to mean to do something with many people as a whole, as a group
Sure, the word has negative connotations, but what I said is within the accepted definition. Etymologically and definitively I am was was absolutely correct in what I said. You can try to spin it any way you fucking want, Caul and Scourge, but you're fucking wrong.
The fact is, you've got it in your head that ETS ain't nothin' but a dumb shit "conspiracy kook" and that is clouding your better judgment. Frankly, to anyone with half a brain, it's making you look like a couple utter fools who don't know the english language from the inside of your ass... Or, in that case, maybe you do.
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-06-29 16:55:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
IM SICK OF THOSE LITTLE LIDS ON COFFEE MUGS. IF YOU DONT WANT TO SPILL YOUR COFFEE YOU SHOULDNT BE DRIVING WITH IT NOW SHOULD YAH BE?!
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2007-06-29 15:59:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
hey Brad, where's my post about the GENUINE CIA CONSPIRACY that was uncovered this week, hmm?
WHERE IS IT
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-06-29 14:55:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks for saving me the trouble, Caul.
There is a reason the FIRST definition listed is the first one listed, you table pounding madman. The makers of dictionaries always use the most commonly recognized and identified meaning behind a word. I could go into many of your hare-brained reviews and posts and say, 'AHA, FOOL, word A also has meaning Z, thus you are wrong and an idiot who should insert his own opinions into his anus.'
You know what ETS, I've decided I'm just going to interact with in the manner you interact with me and anyone else who doesn't agree with you on every point...so basically you can go fuck yourself.
You remind me of this girl I went to high school with. No, its not because of your whiny high pitched voice, penchant for theatrics, and emotional instability. Not at all.
It's because you have a special ability to not only offend those who are against you, but those who tend to be sympathetic to some of your causes.
She was a self described Riot Grrrrl...haha, what a joke. Anyway, she decided to hand out some 'Take Back the Night Flyers' at high school. Some guys started to give her grief about it...so she crwaled under a table and began to cry. I walked into the room and asked why she was doing that, as I hadn't seen them harassing her. When she explained it I told her something along the lines of, 'skate it off'.
There were no tears then. Oh no. That incited the yelling. She began to go off. *I* and those like me were the exact reason she had to try and promote this type of event.
Hilarious!
Here's the thing: I'm all for the idea of women being able to wlak the streets at night without fearing rape, intimidation, abuse, what have you...
I simply wanted her to realize that by CRYING UNDER A FUCKING TABLE BECAUSE OF WORDS SHE WAS BASICALLY GOING AGAINST THE MESSAGE OF THE THING SHE WAS PROMOTING. This automatically put me at the level of a rapist.
Happenings like this were commonplace for this girl.
Did it make me decide that women needed to be raped or murdered if they decided to brave the streets? No. I still felt the same way about those things.
Did it make me not want to associate with this person and other 'activists' like her? Absolutely.
I don't know why I bothered writing this out...
Here:
Just go cry under a fucking table, Bradley.
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-06-29 14:31:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 14:20:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-06-29 11:05:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 01:19:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
IT'S A CONSPIRACY TO EARN PROFITS!!! OH NOES!
------------------
Actually, yes, most companies that earn profits do so via conspiracy. Every time they have a board meeting.
----
Are you serious?
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-06-29 13:27:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 01:19:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
IT'S A CONSPIRACY TO EARN PROFITS!!! OH NOES!
------------------
Actually, yes, most companies that earn profits do so via conspiracy. Every time they have a board meeting.
===
wow
-------------------
Main Entry: con·spire
Pronunciation: k&n-'spI(-&)r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): con·spired; con·spir·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French conspirer, from Latin conspirare to be in harmony, conspire, from com- + spirare to breathe
transitive verb : PLOT, CONTRIVE
intransitive verb
1 a : to join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful act or an act which becomes unlawful as a result of the secret agreement <accused of conspiring to overthrow the government> b : SCHEME
2 : to act in harmony toward a common end <circumstances conspired to defeat his efforts>
LEARN THIS! I don't want to have to go over this shit with you people again what a conspiracy is. Get over your connotations that prevent you from realizing that the word has a second meaning that does not require that the conspirators be unlawfully minded. The Latin root essentially means "to breathe in harmony". So take your "wows" and your "you can't be seriouses" and shove them up your ignorant cornholes.
===
"conspire" has a negative connotation no matter how you slice it or dice it.
knowning how anti-establishment you are, one can only assume that you referred to corporative board meetings negatively. i doubt you speak of your marriage as a conspiration between your wife and you.
etymology has never been an argument, you uneducated douche.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 14:20:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-06-29 11:05:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 01:19:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
IT'S A CONSPIRACY TO EARN PROFITS!!! OH NOES!
------------------
Actually, yes, most companies that earn profits do so via conspiracy. Every time they have a board meeting.
----
Are you serious?
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-06-29 13:27:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 01:19:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
IT'S A CONSPIRACY TO EARN PROFITS!!! OH NOES!
------------------
Actually, yes, most companies that earn profits do so via conspiracy. Every time they have a board meeting.
===
wow
-------------------
Main Entry: con·spire
Pronunciation: k&n-'spI(-&)r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): con·spired; con·spir·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French conspirer, from Latin conspirare to be in harmony, conspire, from com- + spirare to breathe
transitive verb : PLOT, CONTRIVE
intransitive verb
1 a : to join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful act or an act which becomes unlawful as a result of the secret agreement <accused of conspiring to overthrow the government> b : SCHEME
2 : to act in harmony toward a common end <circumstances conspired to defeat his efforts>
LEARN THIS! I don't want to have to go over this shit with you people again what a conspiracy is. Get over your connotations that prevent you from realizing that the word has a second meaning that does not require that the conspirators be unlawfully minded. The Latin root essentially means "to breathe in harmony". So take your "wows" and your "you can't be seriouses" and shove them up your ignorant cornholes.
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-06-29 13:27:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 01:19:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
IT'S A CONSPIRACY TO EARN PROFITS!!! OH NOES!
------------------
Actually, yes, most companies that earn profits do so via conspiracy. Every time they have a board meeting.
===
wow
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-06-29 12:44:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
When I cancelled my dialup internet years ago, the isp actually told me over the phone to write them a list of reasons for cancelling before they will consider closing my account. I'm fairly certain that the lady wasn't screwing with me.
On the statement stub for the final bill, I wrote something to the effect of "CANCEL THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY. I REFUSE TO WRITE AN ESSAY DESCRIBING WHY. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH MY REQUEST, AND ANY FURTHER CHARGES WILL BE HANDLED BY MY ATTORNEY."
It was cancelled in two days time, and I never heard from them again.
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2007-06-29 12:11:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2007-06-28 23:38:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh yeah, you can pretty much tape any phone conversation you want, especially if you tell the other person.
They fuckin' hate that. I used to get calls from collection agencies all the time because of some douchebag with the same name as me, and when it got to the point where I was getting bored screwing with them, I'd just bring up that I tape all my calls. Listening to a collection agency phone jockey trying to sound righteously indignant is even better than telling the Jehovah's witnesses you worship Satan.
--------------------------------------
I live in a two party state so I have to inform the other person if I want to record it. Most companies have a policy of refusing to be recorded, which leaves you kind of screwed.
Submitted by DudeThatsBOSH (user info) at 2007-06-29 11:34:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
fuck steve in his stupid ass
Submitted by Anansie (user info) at 2007-06-29 11:15:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-06-29 11:05:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 01:19:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
IT'S A CONSPIRACY TO EARN PROFITS!!! OH NOES!
------------------
Actually, yes, most companies that earn profits do so via conspiracy. Every time they have a board meeting.
----
Are you serious?
Submitted by Foolproof (user info) at 2007-06-29 10:55:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I cancelled my cable and they tried to get me to answer questions about why. I told them it wasn't their fucking business. They told me they needed to have a reason before they could disconnect me. I told they my reason was "Fuck you, disconnect it."
She wasn't happy, but why the hell do I need to explain myself? Fucking business ethics in America don't exist.
Submitted by Scott_James (user info) at 2007-06-29 10:45:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
The bit at the end had me in hysterics. I can only hope you are aware of the irony of putting your network provider under suveilance.
Who knows? Maybe they are all out to get you, Brad.
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2007-06-29 10:33:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I just came back to an empty review screen. I have no idea what post this is.
Submitted by congo (user info) at 2007-06-29 09:48:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Now this I liked.
Submitted by orph (user info) at 2007-06-29 06:54:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Beano312003 (user info) at 2007-06-29 06:42:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I will kill dead the next 3 mobile phone operator who rings ME up and calls me Mr Carl.
Submitted by mikethescottish (user info) at 2007-06-29 06:17:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
With you on this one.
Submitted by ilikesteak (user info) at 2007-06-29 01:29:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Finally you've raised a smile.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-29 01:19:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
IT'S A CONSPIRACY TO EARN PROFITS!!! OH NOES!
------------------
Actually, yes, most companies that earn profits do so via conspiracy. Every time they have a board meeting.
Also, this isn't "profits", this is extortion.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
IT'S A CONSPIRACY TO EARN PROFITS!!! OH NOES!
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:27:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You basically said what iddqd said but took away the funny.
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:03:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I mean stager lee
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-06-29 00:03:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Which one ets?
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2007-06-28 23:39:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
p.s. I don't tape all my calls, but goddamn, telling people you do makes 'em nervous.
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2007-06-28 23:38:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh yeah, you can pretty much tape any phone conversation you want, especially if you tell the other person.
They fuckin' hate that. I used to get calls from collection agencies all the time because of some douchebag with the same name as me, and when it got to the point where I was getting bored screwing with them, I'd just bring up that I tape all my calls. Listening to a collection agency phone jockey trying to sound righteously indignant is even better than telling the Jehovah's witnesses you worship Satan.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2007-06-28 23:09:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh yeah, "overage" my ass.
For the entire time I was with T-Mobile, I NEVER came close to using all my minutes.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2007-06-28 23:07:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Ah thank you.
I'm currently in a war with the collections department of T-Mobile. My contract was up and instead of renewing it or continuing on with service, I decided to cancel with them and switch to Verizon.
Everything went fine until a few months later. I started getting a bill from T-Mobile alleging that I still owed them $220.00.
"For what?!" I asked.
Overage charges, taxes, fees, etc. they replied.
I started raising hell telling them when I cancelled, I repeatedly asked customer service if I owed anything other than my last month's bill.
I was assured over and over again that I was free n' clear.
I told them they can go to hell and I won't pay it.
So they've turned me over to their collections department.
I have the name of the customer service rep (an actual American) that I had talked to who told me that I didn't owe anything. Dates, times, etc.
I'm thinking about recording the conversations because their collections department really takes their job to a whole new nuisance level. I would love to record a few and turn it over to Consumer Advocacy (UCANN)
They've threatened to "take me to court" "garnish my wages" "ruin my credit" etc. All over $220.00 which I don't owe.
I don't care. It'll be a cold day in hell before I cave on this. Call me stubborn but damn!
Submitted by DCWoody (user info) at 2007-06-28 23:02:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Three things
Yahoo messenger (or msn or whatever).
microphone.
eat shit.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:52:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
http://www.callcorder.com/phone-recording-law-america.htm#The%20US%20Federal%20Law
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:52:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Consent: In the absence of more restrictive state law, it is permissible to intercept and record a telephone conversation if one or both of the parties to the call consents. Consent means authorization by only one participant in the call; single-party consent is provided for by specific statutory exemption under federal law. 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2511(2)(d).
Recording Telephone Calls with Parties in Different Jurisdictions
Federal law may apply when the conversation is between parties who are in different states, although it is unsettled whether a court will hold in a given case that federal law "pre-empts" state law, but either state may choose to enforce its own laws. Therefore it is better to err on the side of caution when recording an interstate telephone call.
He was (supposedly) in New Jersey. I am in Indiana. Federal law takes precedent. I authorized the recording ("one party"). It's perfectly legal.
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:49:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:42:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I'm ignorant about this so would you link me to a source that outlines the legalities of tape recording phone conversations.
Seriously.
===
http://www.aapsonline.org/judicial/telephone.htm
He only needed one party consent (i.e. his own) to record a conversation between himself and NJ. If NJ required two party consent, he would have been breaking the law even thought IN wouldn't have had a problem with it.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:42:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I'm ignorant about this so would you link me to a source that outlines the legalities of tape recording phone conversations.
Seriously.
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:33:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And you know what? I realize their country has over 1 billion people and they are just trying to feed their village...but for fucks sake...can't they just go back to milking their goats or stealing money from tourists or whatever it is they do to earn a living?
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:31:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I almost convinced my father in law to call his boat Steve.
Honestly I don't care about the nickels and dimes that various utility and credit card companies try to gouge me out of on a regular basis, but it's amusing to harass them about it just on the general premise that it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to bring a little bit of annoyance into someone else's life.
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:31:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I just got off the phone with an Indian (dots, not feathers) woman who did this exact same thing. In fact, I was reading this post while I was talking to her. And I shit you not, it took her about a dozen times to get the spelling of my name right. Fucking ugh. I hate outsourcing.
IS THERE ANYONE ALIVE ANYMORE ON ANY CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE IN THIS WHOLE DAMN COUNTRY THAT DOES NOT LIVE IN INDIA? *ANYONE*?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COME THE FUCK ONNNNN.
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:24:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Steve appears to be from Fritaly.
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:06:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Nice redundancy there, d_prime.
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:03:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Are you sure you're 30 or so? This seems more like something a 12 year-old or a 70 year-old would do.
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2007-06-28 22:03:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I actually quite enjoyed this.
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2007-06-28 21:59:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
as a recommendation, wil, smi, jon, joh and mcc are almost always in every single directory ever.
Submitted by iddqd (user info) at 2007-06-28 21:52:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
wow, youre 30 going on 60. youre in for a fun dotage, counting your pennies and screaming at those noisy hoverboard kids
Submitted by BeaverDamn (user info) at 2007-06-28 21:51:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I was as old as Greg Oden by the time I finished reading this.