Fun with Comcast

We had to swap out our cable box, and when we picked up the new one, we were told the converter box number (why do we call it a serial number when it's not got any numbers in it only letters? - but I digress) was on the receipt as was an automated phone number to call to get the box activated. The info was even highlighted in yellow to make it easy to find the phone number and converter number. Easy peasy. I like it!

Got home, called the number on the receipt. It wasn't automated. Talked to a rep. Gave her the converter number listed on the receipt. She said she sent the signal to activate the box. After about an hour, the screen still said the box wasn't authorized. So I called again.

This time a chap said, oh you can call an automated number to do that for you. Let me give you that number. And he gave me a number - not the one on the receipt, which was supposed to be an automated one and wasn't. Just sayin'.

Rolling my eyes, I called that number. Guess what? It was automated. However, the initial question was misleading. Did I want to activate a new service? I said no. (It wasn't a new "service" - the service existed, I just wanted to activate a new converter on my existing service - isn't service what you receive from a company, not equipment? Oh, I guess not. Silly me.)

 So, after saying "no" and going through a long menu of "something else," I hung up and tried again and said I wanted to activate a new service. Guess that was the right answer. So - got to the part where I had to give the converter number, and the Voice said the serial number required began with SAB. I looked at the receipt. No SAB. I stared hard. 

No SAB.

I looked at the converter box on the shelf under the television. I looked at the floor. I thought about the fact I have rheumatoid arthritis and how hard it is to kneel or sit on the floor, and how hard it is to push and pull on things, and how I had stupidly thought I could just sit on the floor *once* to hook it up and not have to worry because all the information was on the receipt.

I slowly lowered myself onto the floor and pulled out the box. Twisted it around (further pain due to RA in hands, thankyouverymuch) and squinted at the numbers. Found the SAB number. Repeated the last four letters into the phone as instructed. Said "I'm done" as instructed (and by then I was, believe me!).

Box is now working, but only time will tell the cable still blacks out. If it does, they'll want to send a tech. He'll say we have to replace the line. Then, like the last time, he'll leave the whole mess for us to do because he won't climb into the attic. But that's a whole 'nuther topic.

Would it be so hard, Comcast, to make certain the info on the receipt is really what we need? That would have solved most of it, although I still would have been thrown off by "Do you want to activate a new service?" No - the *service* I had, it was new *equipment.* How about "Do you want to active a new service or new equipment?" 

Okay, I'm done venting.

(And please, no one respond with "switch" - this is the only show in town for fast internet. If I had my druthers, I'd not even have TV service, but internet, I need.)

A Reminder on Thanksgiving:

Thank you, Mr. Lincoln (and my friend philangelus):

http://philangelus.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/thank-you-mr-lincoln/

\o/

gardening again

I haven't been able to care for my gardens and flower beds these last few years, but with the new medications I'm on, I will be able to do some gardening this year (with help from my kids). I'm looking forward to it!

Today, under the maple tree in my backyard, I saw Hosta peeking up through the ground, and Zephyr Lilies, and lily-of-the-valley, as well as new shoots of the Liriope. The Dicentra are blooming already, as are the tulips and the violets. The Aquilegia is up and the lamb's ears. It's looking so lovely, and knowing I'll be able to tend it this year has really made me feel alive.

(Now to figure out how to keep the wiregrass out of it!)

Sword's Edge - update

Well, since I have actually had several people ask me within the last few days about my novel, Sword's Edge, due out in December, here's an update:

It won't be. Long story, not going into it.

Short version: starting from scratch looking for a publisher for my sword-and-planet series. Trying not to be bummed.

Calling Comcast Customer Service...addendum

When on the line with Mr. Thick Accent, I asked if he was aware of any problems in the area, and he said no, not to his knowledge.

Sooo, about five minutes ago, I received an automated call from Comcast stating a problem affecting my area had just been resolved and I was given options to let them know if my service was restored or not (how should I know when it's intermittent?) and did I still want the tech to come on Monday.

Huh.

I'm impressed. Or is it depressed?

Calling Comcast Customer Service

Our internet keeps fuzzing out for a few minutes at a time, so I called Comcast to see what was going on (after doing all the double-check things like unplugging the router, resetting the modem...).

The first time, I got disconnected because the phone is also hooked up through the same modem.

I called a second time from my cell phone and right after getting the notice that it was less than a minute till my call would be taken, they hung up on me.

I called a third time and they said they didn't recognize my home number, then said if I wanted to take a survey after talking to a tech, to press 1, if I didn't, press 2.
I pressed 1 and got a repeat: if I wanted to take a survey after talking to a tech, to press 1, if I didn't, press 2.
I pressed 1 and got a repeat: if I wanted to take a survey after talking to a tech, to press 1, if I didn't, press 2.
I pressed 1 and got a repeat: if I wanted to take a survey after talking to a tech, to press 1, if I didn't, press 2.
I pressed 2 and then was put in a queue to talk to someone.

Talked to a tech and explained the problem; she said she was in Mississippi and couldn't do a check of my modem and was going to transfer me to my area.

Talked to in-my-area-tech with thick accent who said he checked my modem and it's fine, it's the wiring, so they need to send a tech to my house. I say fine, when - they set up a time on Monday and then before hanging up, Mr Thick Accent says "Have a good evening." I look out the door to see morning sunshine - they passed me to a tech in MY AREA????

:headdesk:

So, since pressing 1 didn't work, this is as close as I can get to letting Comcast know I am not a happy camper.

Tackling a Dreaded Job

I had a very difficult writing task to perform. I didn't want to do it, not only because the subject matter was emotional, but because I didn't want to face what it meant. And because it's a type of writing I just don't do well. But with a deadline glaring in my face, I finally rolled up my sleeves, sat down, and just did it.

It hurt, it feels badly written (like that one episode of Galaxy Quest Gwen complained about), but it's done. Rough draft anyway.

You'll be able to read it in the Overlords' Lair of Issue 57 of Ray Gun Revival.

*sigh*

How Moms Write

Boy, I can identify with this:

How Mom Writes a Novel

Oh yeah, baby!

a very strange feeling

I love to reread novels. A scene will pop in my head and I'll think, "Gotta get that book out and reread it!" Nothing like curling up with a hot cuppa and a good book, after all.

At times I do this with my stories as well although it's not so cozy. I'll pull up the manuscript and have to sit at the computer to reread at least the section that had scurried through my mind.

This morning I remembered a scene that was one of my favorites and I sat down at the computer to pull up the story and stopped with a shock: it was already in print!

So with a very strange feeling of my mind being boggled, I picked up my own book and sat down in a chair with a cuppa and began to read Deuces Wild.

It's the little things in life you treasure...

Ray Gun Revival's Demise

http://raygunrevival.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=3438

Superversive

The failure of subversion in imaginative literature:
http://www.bondwine.com/essays/superversive/superversive.html

Was Heinlein a Fascist?

Great article!

http://johncwright.livejournal.com/327024.html

Geeky Mom

My older son came over yesterday, lugging all his computer stuff. I asked what he was doing (I knew, but moms have to ask those sorts of stupid questions), and he said "Combat day."
His internet connection is significantly slower than mine, so occasionally, on a day off from work, he drags his stuff to my place and sets up to play Eve Online with his buddies.

However, yesterday our internet connection was down all day. I made him sit down while I delivered the dire news. He took it well, only growing slightly pale. He bolted out of the chair, grabbed his gear, and headed for the door. "Gotta get home and get set up by two o'clock."

I waved good-bye and laughed as I shut the door. Most moms would be hurt or upset by such behavior, but being a geeky, gaming mom, I understand. I hope my son realizes and appreciates that.

Plugging a Pal

w00t! My buddy Stuart's book is published!
http://marcherlordpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=2_11&products_id=20

I Will Survive!

For all my homeschool friends:
I Will Survive

I can't stand this! I'm sick and home and not with my girls at the gym! Waaaaah!

Another book signing

I had another book signing today. Sold some books, met some interesting people -- had a marriage proposal from an 81 year old man. That was a real highlight of the day!

The people watching is the best, though. I do think I want to make a sign that says, "You might just be in my next novel!"

What would Tolkien say?

Oxford University Press dumbs down junior dictionary

*shakes head in disbelief*

Editorial Printed

With my co-editor Johne's help, I wrote an editorial about the whole fiasco.

One of our newspapers printed it:
Librarians co-opted Del. Authors Day

Addendum -- I've already had a reply from the Libraries trying to cast all blame on the Heritage Commission. It will probably take several day for me to bring the boil to a simmer before I can reply. Gah!

odds and ends

I accomplished quite a bit today, I think. I managed to do chores around the house (my hands and wrists are not happy about it -- pain levels are incredible, and I bet I regret it tomorrow), wrote the cover letter and found a new title for my book (both with the help of friends), did some proofing of stories for RGR, tweaked my website a bit, and played on Facebook for a few minutes.