They're not all that bad
When I was younger, I landed a 6 month stint working for DEFRA, more notably, the SPS lines. It was my job (and a hell of a lot of other peoples as well) to have a look at claim forms which had not gone through the system and work out any faults.

If needed, we would contact the clients and sort things out over the phone, 90% of the time it would go without a hitch. Maybe the odd comment about when they would get their money, or could we call back at a more reasonable hour (we worked the "late" shift, 5-9). 5% of the time the clients were brilliant. Good manners, well spoken, got the information together very quikly. But the other 5% of the time, the clients were just awful. They were rude, sweary and demanding they get their money soon or they would sue us.

The most memorable of the great 5% group was a man who had shared half his land with his brother. I called him up, explained who I was and what the situation was and could I get some information. He said it was no bother but it would be a few days as he was going for Chemo for his Leukemia. I don't know what happened but I just said "oh, sorry to hear that." The man laughed and replied back with "Ha, don't worry about it. Had it for 5 years now and it's not like i'm going to drop dead tomorrow" We had a chat and I said I'd call him back in a week rather than a few days.

A week later I called back, straight away he recognised my voice and asked how things were with the ex (I may have mentioned we weren't doing too good, stupid I know) He gave the information and the forms were sent through no problem. After the call ended, so did the shift and I left that place smiling, I even told the team leader what happened and he said he loved having calls like that.

On the other side of the phone though, I've had the (dis)pleasure of speaking with 3 broadband. While I may not be the most tech-savvy person on the planet, I know enough to get me by. One day while on the net I got cut off, a few minutes later so did my girlfriend and about 5 minutes later one of her friends called to ask if her broadband had been cut off as well. I decided to call up 3 technical support to see if there was any works going on which could affect the broadband signal. I first called up and spoke to "Rupert" who was trying to insist that it was my computer at fault and would need to change some settings.

We had that lovely conversation where I was insisting that I was sure it wasn't the settings as it was working a moment ago and haven't touched the settings since a week before it crashed. "Rupert" was suggesting I change the settings before he looks to see if there is any maintenance work being carried out. It was then I decided to cut my losses, hang up and try again.

Three times I had to call back before one person told me there was maintenance being carried out to improve the coverage and overall speed, and that it wasn't my settings. (I think it was that at least, his accent was very heavy and he spoke very fast)

Anyway, I feel like i've been typing on here for half a decade at least (and the beer ain't helping at all) so better head off. Nothing really funny, or interesting when I read it back, but there you go. It's just the luck of the draw about whether the next call-centre convo will be good or bad. I always try to remember the good conversations, raises a smile or two.

apologiesforthelengthbutitmaybeaproblemwithyoursettings. Letstryandsortthemoutsoyoursettingsarecorrect.
( Jinxy13 is hating the S key, right about now., Thu 10 Sep 2009, 5:54, Reply)