Angry Dialing
The telephone conversation I had today went like this:
Me: WCLO studio.
He: Rose, you screwed up!
Me: That's always nice to hear.
He: I won a prize last week, and I never got it!
Me: Oh. It'll take us a couple weeks to get that to you. (And I explained how prizes are usually mailed out in bunches here at WCLO. We send about a dozen prizes out at once instead of setting up the process each day for one prize.)
He: Mm. Well, I guess I'll just have to go out and buy this thing in the meantime...
Me: That's your choice then. If you're going to be so fussy over a free gift, then don't play the contests.
And I hung up on the man.
Now, I don't feel good about this. I don't like hanging up on people. I understand that this man only wanted to know when to expect his prize. But when people are rude and angry, I don't feel I should have to sit and endure their nastiness. Especially when they are so bound and determined to NOT accept a reasonable explanation.
You might be surprised how often angry people call the studio. Many times I've answered the phone to be bombarded with “Can you tell me why...” or “You tell that Stan Milam...” or “You screwed up again!” without the simple courtesy of a “hello” or “good afternoon.”
A little courtesy goes such a long way. Here's the conversation we could have had:
Me: WCLO studio.
He: Hello, Rose. I won a prize last week, and I haven't received it yet.
Me: Oh. It'll take us a couple weeks to get that to you.
He: Mm. Well, I was hoping to get it sooner so I can give it to my wife for her birthday/use it this weekend/get it on E-bay as soon as possible.
Me: Oh, I can help you, there. Give me your name, and I'll get it in the mail to you today.
...
That's right. I might have been able to get his prize to him sooner. What a shame I'm such a screw up. ::sigh::
Mar 12, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.
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Hey Rose...I too, can't understand why someone could be so mean to you over a "free" prize. In my opinion, he got what he deserved. Don't let people like these get you down. People are "generally" good natured. He may have had a "hangover" or just got fired. But, more than likely, it was just his "colorful" personality showing through. Have a Great Day!
Feb 29, 2008 at 10:38 a.m.
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Rose, I run across this all the time, and it seems to be rampant in retail in this particular community. (Evidence: When we shop or eat in Madison, Milwaukee or Chicago, my kids are AMAZED at how "nice" people are.)
This one tends to stop them dead in their rude little tracks, but only if said without the slightest hint of irony (that is, you have to call up all your intestinal fortitude and really mean it): "You seem to be having a bad day. Is there anything I can do?"
I don't much mind that sometimes folks look at me with their mouths open as if I've just escaped the loony bin.
More often than not, in fact, they tell me that yes, indeed, many awful things are happening in their lives right now.
I'm not perfect at it -- sometimes I'm having a lousy day of my own, and it doesn't take much to tip me into rude-for-a-rude retort!
But I'll tell you that this tactic promotes goodwill -- which we can all use -- and when it doesn't, it shuts them down at once.
Sorry you have to put up with mean callers. You always have a kind smile for visitors, and that's worth a million bucks. Which I'm pretty sure was not the value of the prize the man wanted.
Feb 28, 2008 at 10:56 a.m.
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i had a prize not show up too once but Tim Bremmel was very accomadating.(salvation army donation of time prize) original prize had expired and he sent me a differnet one. Yes it took some extra time but that was to be expected. I believe in "the rules" it says if it doesnt come we are not responcible " but he still accomadated me.I too may have had an irretated tone in my voice( but i am an impatient person and apoligize for that) but i wasnt downright rude. thanks Tim.
and for this rude guy being mean to rose how could you she seems so nice. you know when people are rude when they are mean to the nicest people that would never ever be rude to anyone.
Feb 28, 2008 at 9:44 a.m.
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I think we should replace all of our street lights with full spectrum lighting which is said to cure SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Feb 27, 2008 at 11:59 a.m.
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"I'M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!"
Network-1976
Feb 27, 2008 at 11:57 a.m.
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Some people just don’t get it. If I have to complain about something I always start by saying I have a problem could you please help me? Even if the person I’m talking to is the cause of the problem. Nobody likes to be yelled at.
Hang in there Rose we like you!
Feb 26, 2008 at 8:33 p.m.
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It seems to me that more towards the end of winter some people get really depressed or become depressed in an instant. Lately I've seen and heard some of the same unhappiness or rude behavior directed towards me. Hopefully with nice weather coming the attitudes will brighten up also. If we all take a deep breath things will change soon.
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