Random thought thread!

Matt_Bowyer · 2010-11-10T08:05:25.000Z

sinfony:

I’ve found most of these systems to be quite clever; they almost always connect me to a real person when I say “fuck off, let me talk to a real person.”

“SHUT UP AND GO AWAY” has also worked for me in the past.

Enidigm · 2010-11-10T08:07:45.000Z

sinfony:

I’ve found most of these systems to be quite clever; they almost always connect me to a real person when I say “fuck off, let me talk to a real person.”

They usually respond to corresponding touch tone numbers; if there are three options, you can just hit “3” and go to option three. They also usually respond to “0” by connecting you person directly to a human despite that not being an explicit option.

Bahimiron · 2010-11-10T08:12:00.000Z

I like the one for UPS. While he lists the things he can help you with if you interrupt him with “Agent.” he stops, pauses and then sounding just a little annoyed says something along the lines of, “I can connect you to an agent, but first I need to know what you need help with. Is it…” and then he starts listing off the original menu. If you say “AGENT!” again he, very stiffly, says, “Allow me to connect you to an agent.”

I enjoy his robotoid frustration.

TheTrunkDr · 2010-11-10T08:56:04.000Z

Bahimiron:

I like the one for UPS. While he lists the things he can help you with if you interrupt him with “Agent.” he stops, pauses and then sounding just a little annoyed says something along the lines of, “I can connect you to an agent, but first I need to know what you need help with. Is it…” and then he starts listing off the original menu. If you say “AGENT!” again he, very stiffly, says, “Allow me to connect you to an agent.”

I enjoy his robotoid frustration.

I can’t remember who I called recently, some government office I believe, which when I tried to contact an actual person the recording said that there was long wait time, which I was fine with but then it just disconnected me. I called back with the same result. It was strange, perhaps their call queue was full and the system just doesn’t let any new calls in.

Raife · 2010-11-10T14:25:08.000Z

I have a Cricket modem for my laptops, and their automated call system hangs up on you rather than asking you again or transferring you to an actual person if you make two mistakes in a row. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Why don’t you try calling back at another time.” CLICK

What’s worse is that the pause timer on entering things like your modem number is really short, so you can get booted pretty easily just trying to make sure you hit the right numbers. It’s basically a QTE every time you have to enter something.

It’s really annoying if you are multiple menus deep.

Strato · 2010-11-10T18:21:49.000Z

TheTrunkDr:

I can’t remember who I called recently, some government office I believe, which when I tried to contact an actual person the recording said that there was long wait time, which I was fine with but then it just disconnected me. I called back with the same result. It was strange, perhaps their call queue was full and the system just doesn’t let any new calls in.

It’s the government. They were probably having lunch, and maybe afternoon tea, and a team bonding session all at once, and just not taking any calls… so sayeth a government worker.

Delta · 2010-11-11T03:27:43.000Z

And now, for the first time in my life, I’ve lost my voice.

Omniscia · 2010-11-11T05:56:00.000Z

Delta:

And now, for the first time in my life, I’ve lost my voice.

Where’s the last place you remember having it?

Raife · 2010-11-11T06:07:14.000Z

Bet it’s under the sofa.

Delta · 2010-11-11T06:51:48.000Z

I had a look there - it wasn’t under it, but it was between the cushions. I’ve found it now, but it’s dusty and kinda growly.

Bad_Neighbor · 2010-11-13T11:25:39.000Z

So help me, I have grown to enjoy dubstep.

Sarkus · 2010-11-13T13:24:44.000Z

Quite a few people at work have a flu bug that is going around and I won’t be getting my flu shot until Tuesday. The last few days I’ve been waking up with a slightly sore throat and a bit of congestion, though it goes away when I get up and there are no other symptoms. I’ve been drinking tea and juice that are both supposed to be immune system boosters so hopefully that is what is holding this off.

Eilonwy · 2010-11-13T19:28:28.000Z

I really wish I felt more comfortable with this zoom recorder.

Delta · 2010-11-14T10:20:04.000Z

Alright, Qt3 - there must be some typeface experts here:

What’s this font?

The idea looks okay, too, but the font interests me more.

Omniscia · 2010-11-14T10:21:53.000Z

Which font? I see two.

Delta · 2010-11-14T10:30:00.000Z

Ah, I’d assumed that it was two styles of the same font. Both, I guess.

Mordrak · 2010-11-14T13:12:40.000Z

Are there any good modern retakes on Robin Hood?

Raife · 2010-11-14T20:06:53.000Z

Enchantment? Enchantment!

Omniscia · 2010-11-14T20:12:50.000Z

Delta:

Ah, I’d assumed that it was two styles of the same font. Both, I guess.

Well, using Identifont, the all-caps stuff appears to be Scout Condensed.

Mightynute · 2010-11-14T20:25:21.000Z

The uppercase M is a bit too wide for most forms of Scout Condensed (Regular and Bold were the first two that came to mind, since EW uses them far too liberally). The design is the same, but it’s almost like Scout came out with an Extra Condensed font family, or someone’s distorted it slightly in addition to playing with the kerning.