Juts found this site, haven’t looked around much, but it looks to be awesome.
More upon further review…
Liberate Beer Sales in PA (from Sheetz)
You may have read my previous post about beer sales at Sheetz, this is a continuation of sorts. I received an email from them today that I felt that I should pass along.
Here it is…
Hey Sheetz fans!
Sheetz is participating in a state-wide initiative in Pennsylvania to change laws on alcohol sales in the state. These laws have been on the books since the 1930’s and we think it’s high time they be updated! Join us in this effort by signing our petition at www.freemybeer.com or looking out for people who will be positioned at some of our PA stores collecting signatures over the next few weeks.
Customer convenience and freedom to purchase beer in grocery and convenience stores is something that people enjoy in most other states across the US. In fact, in May 2009, Pennsylvania’s shoppers indicated by an overwhelming majority (70%) that they wanted to be able to make beer purchases like the rest of the country. So we are asking, why not?
We want to get as many signatures on petitions to help get legislators to hear what we’re saying and hear what their constituents want and change the law on beer sales.
Simply put, we already sell beer responsibly in 5 other states that allow us to and people can buy a six pack on their way home or while on vacation and it’s totally convenient. You should be able to have that freedom here in Pennsylvania too.
So we need your help. Go to the website and vote “YES” to beer sales or sign one of the petitions circulating at our stores. This will be a powerful way to achieve the end goal — you buying a six-pack in a convenience store!
You can help make it happen. Let’s do it!
Thank you,
The Sheetz Team*Must be 21 or older to participate. This email was sent to: [Me@myemailaddress]
This email was sent by: Sheetz, Inc.
5700 Sixth Ave. Altoona, PA 16602If you no longer wish to receive emails, unsubscribe here
Copyright © 2009 Sheetz, Inc. All rights reserved.
Not that I’m an alcoholic or anything, but it’s ridiculous that we don’t operate like the surrounding states on this issue in 2009.
I signed the online petition & sent emails before, and yesterday in store I signed a paper petition.
The government shouldn’t have useless control over these types of issues.
Search Terms – Seriously?
Always amusing…
Search Engine Terms
These are terms people used to find your blog.
Today
Search Views picture of naked mrs claus 1 quiznos response to 5 dollar foot longs 1 mrs claus naked 1 msg 1051 sprint 1 mrs claus apron 1 naked mrs. claus pictures 1 yuengling barbecue sauce in store 1 what is text message sprint network erro 1 “the short code you are attempting to us 1 twitter short code expired sprint 1 Yesterday
Search Views msg 1051 1 sheetz beer 1 24-hour wendy’s pittsburgh 1 shortcode expired msg 1051 1 greentree taking over dormont 1 “msg 1051” 1 mrs clause picture food 1 bryco foods. pittsburgh, pa 1 9230 the shortcode you are attempting to 1
Really? I mean… “mrs claus naked” and “naked mrs. claus pictures” again? Are you disappointed when you get here? Ha ha ha.
Apparently others are being plagued by the Sprint short codes still… and someone is worried that Greentree will take over Dormont for some reason. Who are you? Why are you searching for that? I’d love to know.
And Bryco foods… what happened to you? Where is my Yeungling Lager Sauce? Others want to know too!
The Mythical Magical McGangbang
You’ve heard of the McGangBang, right? For the uninitiated, there’s a world out there of fast food items not listed on the menu that are available for your dining pleasure (and most likely for your digestive displeasure) if you’re in the know, and if the employees are in the know. This list from McDonald’s alone is pretty impressive. There are many others out there. My friend Andy used to apparently get a “Volcano” from Taco Bell, which was described to me as a burrito with everything in it. Now that they have volcano tacos & burritos that are something else entirely, that might be an ordering issue. If you’ve got time to kill or your interest is piqued, it’s definitely worth Googling.
At any rate, while I have raised a legitimate issue with McDonald’s, and I have gotten one response so far… I decided to use my W(aL)D email address to address a ridiculous issue with them. So, off to the McWebform I went! Sadly, you’re forced to pick a category… none of which exactly fits my query. I think I posted to “McDonald’s U.S. Marketing, Promotions, and Advertising“, but it seems like my answer was brought about by the “Unsolicited Idea Policy“. Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself. On to the emails…
My original submission (via McWebform):
Hello Friends,
I was wondering if you are aware of the mythical magical McGang-Bang, and if at any time in the future, you man be adding it officially to your menu?
I believe it to be a McChicken sandwich stuffed inside a Double Cheeseburger, the new 99¢ McDouble, or even a Big Mac. The exact specifics are a subject of hot debate, as this is a rare creature, like Bigfoot, el Chupacabra, or the Unicorn. There is also debate on whether to discard an extra bun or down it whole.
If you do plan to offer this in the future, what would the proper spelling be? McGangBang, McGangbang, McGang-Bang, or McGang-bang? I could see how all options would be acceptable?
I’m not sure where the name comes from, but it sure is catchy. (Much better than “Arch Deluxe”, no?)
I’d like to be able to go into a McDonald’s and order a McGang-Bang without being looked at like I’m crazy when it’s common knowledge among certain circles.
Thanks for your time, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the matter!
-E.
Their “we got it, we’ll get back to you” reply:
From: McDonald’s DoNotReply@mcdonalds.com
Date: Thu, Dec 10, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Subject: McDonald’s Web Site Comment or Question
To: world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.comThank you for visiting McDonald’s website. Below is your email which has been submitted to McDonald’s Customer Response Center. While replies to this e-mail cannot be received, should you need to contact us again, please feel free to contact us through mcdonalds.com. Thank you.
Title: Mr.
First Name: ERiC
Last Name: AiXeLsyD
Mailing Address: ____ _______ _____ ____ __
City: Pittsburgh
State: PA
Zip: _____-____
Day Phone: 412-555-1212
Evening Phone: 412-555-1212
Contact Time: None. Email please.
Your E-mail Address: world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com
Comment: [What you just read above…]
Their “real” reply:
From: McDonalds.CustomerCare@us.mcd.com
Date: Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 5:08 AM
Subject: Message from McDonald’s USA
To: world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com
Hello ERiC:
Thank you for contacting McDonald’s recently with your idea for a product or service that you believe would be of interest to us. We appreciate your interest in McDonald’s, but it is our company’s policy not to consider unsolicited ideas from outside the McDonald’s system. We have retained an electronic copy of your submission solely for our records.
It’s not that great ideas cannot come from people outside of McDonald’s. Each year, however, McDonald’s receives thousands of unsolicited ideas and proposals for products and services from individuals as well as companies. Because of the volume of unsolicited ideas and the difficulty of sorting out what is truly a “new” idea as opposed to a concept that has already been considered or developed by McDonald’s, we must adhere to a strict policy of not reviewing any unsolicited ideas that come from outside the McDonald’s family of employees, franchisees and approved suppliers. We realize that we may be missing out on a few good ideas, but we have had to adopt this policy for legal and business reasons.
As a result, we must decline your invitation to review your submission and hope you understand the reasons for this decision.
Again, thank you for thinking of McDonald’s.
Jessica
McDonald’s Customer Response Centerref#:6525973
————————————————————————————————————–
Please do not “reply” to this email response. No “replies” can be received through this mailbox. If you wish to contact McDonald’s Customer Response Center again, please visit our website at www.mcdonalds.com
————————————————————————————————————–
Are you finished with your holiday shopping? Even the person with everything gets hungry. An Arch Card makes a great holiday gift. For more information visit your local McDonald’s restaurant or our website at http://www.mcdonalds.com/archcard.
You wrote:
[You just read it above…]
Well, apparently my idea went to the wrong department, or someone that’s absolutely no fun. I didn’t submit an idea! I asked about a secret menu item… Hopefully, as we’ve learned with most other web-forms, we submit again, and we get a different person responding. Although, this looks curiously like a form letter. Perhaps I should try again in a different category? Should I ask for the email address of a real live person? Perhaps I need to Google some names of high-up important McPeople and try to figure out the syntax of the company email addresses. This worked with great success for me in the past with Boston Market. Ha ha ha.
Also, I wondered on the Beat if putting a “Mc” in front of everything could be construed as racist? As an American of Irish and Scottish descent, perhaps I should be taken aback by the flippant use of “Mc” in front of everything? (By McDoanld’s, and even my own shockingly casual use.) It is after all, listed in the Racial Slur Database and in Wikipedia’s list of ethnic slurs. Perhaps this is an idea to addressed in the future. Dave was quick to point out though, that nothing is more racist than 365Black. Wow. Just… Wow. (…or McWow?) Also… What about leap day? Is that a day off?
Find any of this amusing? What’s the next step?
(Another) Message from McDonald’s USA [ref#:6502666 & ref#:6521333]
I never got a reply from McDonald’s going any farther than the original “we’ll forward it to the appropriate party” email. So, I decided to reply. Nothing to lose, right? Well, I couldn’t directly reply, because of the incredibly blunt “No ‘replies’ can be received through this mailbox. If you wish to contact McDonald’s Customer Response Center again, please visit our website at www.mcdonalds.com” part of their email. So, back to the McWebform I went! I even included the fancy ref#:6502666.
Well, it apparently worked!
From: McDonalds.CustomerCare@us.mcd.com
To: me@my.email.address
Sent: Wed, December 9, 2009 5:09:19 AM
Subject: Message from McDonald’s USAHello Eric:Thank you for taking the time to re-contact McDonald’s Customer Service Center. I’m sorry you have not yet received a local response regarding your recent McDonald’s restaurant experience.
Please know we take your comments very seriously. I will immediately re-contact the franchise owner of the restaurant you visited and request that he or she follow-up with you as soon as possible.
Please be assured your complete satisfaction is our top priority. Thank you for your patience and for taking the time to re-contact McDonald’s Customer Service Center.
Jimelle
McDonald’s Customer Response Centerref#:6521333
————————————————————————————————————–
Please do not “reply” to this email response. No “replies” can be received through this mailbox. If you wish to contact McDonald’s Customer Response Center again, please visit our website at www.mcdonalds.com
————————————————————————————————————–
Are you finished with your holiday shopping? Even the person with everything gets hungry. An Arch Card makes a great holiday gift. For more information visit your local McDonald’s restaurant or our website at http://www.mcdonalds.com/archcard.
You wrote:
Hello,
Regarding my last message from Ashley at McDonald’s customer service… ref#:6502666
I was told not to reply to the email… hopefully that reference # can refer you to my earlier message.
I think it’s a very poor setup that you have… not being able to reply to emails.
Your message to me said “Because most McDonald’s restaurants are independently owned and operated, I have forwarded your comments to the franchise owner or local representative for follow up at the restaurant you visited. Please be assured that your comments will be investigated and, if appropriate, corrective action will be taken.
Secondly, although we did not completely meet your expectations, please know that our restaurant employees strive to maintain the highest standards of quality, service, cleanliness and value and it’s certainly nice to know that their efforts are appreciated. We want to recognize your complimentary comments and thank you for your kind words.“
Was anyone at that McDonald’s contacted?
Will I get a reply?
And, then, it was followed up by this…
From: Sandra Jaeger sandra.jaeger@gmail.com
To: me@my.email.address
Sent: Wed, December 9, 2009 7:07:00 PM
Subject: Fwd: Follow up of e-mail for the West Liberty Avenue RestaurantFrom: Sandra Jaeger sandra.jaeger@gmail.com
Date: Wed, Dec 9, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Subject: Follow up of e-mail for the West Liberty Avenue Restaurant
To: [complete@misspelling.of.my.email.address]
Dear EricI am the Customer Service Representative of the West Liberty Avenue Restaurant. I unfortunately did not receive your first e-mail. Please fill me in on the situation. I am located in the Pittsburgh area and will address all issues to the supervisors of this restaurant.Sincerely,Sandra Jaeger
How cool is that? Ha ha ha. An actual response! Funny that it “didn’t get through” the first time. Very funny. Also funny that it went to a complete misspelling of my email address, those of you who have it will find it amusing. There was a “.” where a “_” should be as well, as a few incorrect letters. (Not transposed, incorrect.)
So, of course, I had to write back…
From: me@my.email.address
To: Sandra Jaeger sandra.jaeger@gmail.com
Sent: Wed, December 9, 2009 10:00:58 PM
Subject: Re: Fwd: Follow up of e-mail for the West Liberty Avenue RestaurantHello Sandra,Thanks you for the reply! I have always wondered if the emails that you get in reply to webforms at sites like the McDonald’s one are anything more than a standard form letter. In reply to my first message, the response said “I have forwarded your comments to the franchise owner or local representative for follow up at the restaurant you visited.” I had wondered if this really was the case… Apparently not, until I took the time to reply with a second message asking if it had really gone any further. I’m glad I took the time to follow up!
I find it amusing that my original comments did not make it to you. It makes me wonder how many emails remain unanswered daily when filtered through the McWebform. This is not your problem though, as you are obviously concerned and addressing this issue now.
My original comments were regarding a visit that I had over a week ago now, in an evening stop at the McDonald’s on West Liberty Ave. in Beechview or Dormont or whatever the neighborhood may be there.
My original message was…
The crew in the place tonight seemed to be operating well, were friendly, and quickly as far as the food was concerned, but the parking lot was full of cars for the bar next door, and the men’s bathroom was disgusting. Please see this link for a review & photos: http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/23/1346713/restaurant/Far-South-South-Hills/McDonalds-Pittsburgh
That pointed to a review that I posted on UrbanSpoon.com, which you can read here…“Sadly, had the best service there tonight in years…” by ERiC AiXeLsyD (98 reviews)November 29, 2009 – Doesn’t like it – Small crew tonight, decent night-time crowd, stopped for a late dinner, was served relatively quickly… fries were a perfect golden color and hot… burgers were OK, super-greasy but it IS McDonald’s. We were out at an event earlier, on the way home… had to use the facilities… but they were trashed. Stall #1 had no TP dispenser, the roll was on the back of the commode, and the bowl was chock full of the stuff. Stall #2 had a broken doorknob/lock mechanism. One hand dryer was stuck on, the other didn’t work, and both urinals were full of urine. I know they can’t control flushing… but periodic checks/cleanings and some repairs might be in order. Just when I thought this place had their stuff together for once… My advice? When stopping here, use the facilities somewhere else. 1 person likes this review…and these are the photos referenced:
I understand that the fact that at that time of night, there’s perhaps a smaller than usual crew, and that the West Liberty Ave. location is seemingly always busy. I have been through the drive-thru at this time of night before, and it always seems slow, though it’s thankfully not as slow as the Wendy’s right down the street. Those people have a whole different set of issues. My friends and I call it “The Slow Wendy’s”.
I was just wondering what kind of cleaning & maintenance policies that you have in place? Does management or ownership do any kind of inspection or follow-up? Do inspections my the corporation ever occur? I mean, surely you can’t think the photos above are an acceptable presentation of your restaurant chain?
I don’t know about you, but when I “gotta go”, it’s urgent! The urinals looked filthy, si I opted for the stalls… one was stuffed, and one had a door that wouldn’t close. I like to do my business in private, no interruptions. Closing doors are a good thing! Also… the lack of a TP dispenser, & the roll just being on the back of the thing… I cannot imagine what would have happened had I needed to use that. I mean, how uncomfortable would it be to reach behind yourself like that after… Well, after doing your thing?
Thank you for your time, and the follow up. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to inquire about the issue.
Sincerely,
-Eric
Maybe I should have included a link to the Wendy’s incident? Not yet, my friends. Not yet. I can’t wait to see what kind of response I get this time. I love when it gets down to a real live person in charge of something.
Stats
Heh. Stats are amusing to me. I love relatively useless information, and I love that they’re built in to WordPress. I don’t even have to do anything. They’re just… there.
First off, thanks to all the readers, posters, and all 3 or 4 people brave enough to comment here on the blog. I really dig comments.
You can see over the weeks, the views have been up & down each day, generally according to whatever was posted that day… but steadily over the weeks, the number of views has climbed. (That last drop is because it’s meed-week, I believe…)
Apparently, the goofy emails go over better than the other stuff. I’ll have to try some more of that… but this is really my only outlet for anything, so it may stay a mixed bag for a while.
Not only are the graphs funny to look at, but I can tell what people have been reading…
Apparently the shortcodes are still a problem with Sprint. Wonder why this isn’t a news story yet? Others are wondering why they can’t get Yeungling Lager Sauce any more. Me too. People are still inquisitive about Quiznos, Kmart, Wendy’s, and apparently a naked Asian Mrs. Claus. I hope any of you that landed here randomly were amused, apologies for the lack of naked Asian Santa’s wife.
This is what you’ve been reading recently…
So, the Data vs. C-3PO thing was read (or at least clicked on) a lot… No real interest, or just nothing to say about it? Subway is still apparently amusing. Still haven’t heard anything further from Quiznos once I let them know that I had a blog, and the allergy amigos must not find alliteration amusing.
Here are the URL’s if you missed any of the stuff the 1st time and want to read it now…
Today
Yesterday
At any rate, thanks for reading!
Data vs. C-3PO?
Nerd alert. We’ve all seen the “vs.” threads on message boards, and I believe there’s even whole sites dedicated to them… be it comic book characters, TV show casts, movie characters, or sci-fi icons. A lot of geeks like to argue about completely hypothetical situations for fictional characters for no apparent reason other than because we can.
I noticed that I’m following both Brent Spiner and Anthony Daniels on twitter… and is struck me that they’re in the same category as a golden-hued “tin man” of sorts in their respective powerhouse franchises.
This is a vs. that I’d love to see. Has this been done? Probably. I didn’t Google it yet… I’m almost afraid to. I don’t want the discussion to be biased from my point of view anyway.
Why not Data vs. C-3PO? I started a hashtag just to see what would happen: #datavsc3po. It will be interesting to see if it takes off at all. A few people are on to it. On twitter? Please throw in your 2¢! Or, you can comment on this blog with your thoughts. I’d love to see all out stories… perhaps I may write up a scenario myself.
It was brought to my attention rather quickly that R2-D2 must accompany C-3PO… they are after all, a set. Then, it was suggested that if C-3PO gets a sidekick, then Data must be able to utilize Geordi La Forge. (Oddly enough, I’m also following Levar Burton on twitter, and it was brought to my attention that R2-D2 does indeed tweet – to make this “legit” though, does Kenny Baker tweet?)
I’ll digress here by saying that yes, I do realize that the actors are not the characters that they play, and that they have had other rolls in life… and I realize that they might be mildly annoyed by such discussions.
Oh well, this is what geeks do. So, please join me and the people who have already started discussing this so far.
P.S. – Did an image search for “C-3PO Data” and this came up. So, someone has paired them before, albeit in a completely different manner.
Sprint, Shortcodes, SMS, Service, & Satan
Lately I’ve been getting weird error messages when trying to text to the shortcode of a local radio station. Since my messages were trivial feedback or text requests, I wasn’t really all that concerned… and there other ways to get a hold of the DJ’s. Out of curiosity, I forwarded the error message to my phone, and then emailed it to a local radio personality… and we discovered an oddity amongst ourselves. I decided to pop it into an email or two or three to Sprint, as I have acquired many customer service email addresses over the years.
Thanks to Dave again for editing help on the email to Sprint. I get excited with this stuff, and it’s damn-near impossible to proofread your own work with any sort of clarity or efficiency.
Reads how the story unfolds below, DJ’s identity protected by request.
From: Eric Carroll me@myemailaddre.ss
To: customer.servicenet@mail.sprint.com
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 8:35:30 AM
Subject: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???Hello Old Friends at Sprint Customer Service,
I have had several interactions with Sprint customer service before, and they usually go like this or like this. So, please pardon me if I sound confoundedly abrupt, direct, or belligerent. I will try to be as direct & concise as possible in describing this error, which may have an effect on a great number of customers.
The following is an email exchange that I had with a local radio personality today after emailing him out of frustration that every time I text to the number pimped out over the air, I get some sort of error message. Full contents of that message below…
From: Me me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Wed 12/2/2009
To: [DJ] DJ@station.com
Subject: [shortcode]?Every time I try to text you guys from my phone at [shortcode], I keep getting this message…—– Forwarded Message —-
From: ##########@messaging.sprintpcs.comTo: me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Wed, December 2, 2009
Subject:Fwd:
From: 9230
Sent: Dec 2 1:24pm
Msg: The shortcode you are attempting to use has expired and is no longer a valid short code.
Msg 1051By the way, I dug the Flyleaf!
-E.
From: [DJ] DJ@station.com
To: Me me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Wed, December 2, 2009
Subject: RE: [shortcode]?really???? that is weird, got about a hundred txts for the pick today…[DJ]
[station]-fm Pittsburgh
http://www.station.com/pages/dj.html
From: Me me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Wed 12/2/2009
To: [DJ]
Subject: Re: [shortcode]?Sprint is the devil incarnate, so it comes as no surprise, must be their issue. Or I’m persistently fat-fingering the wrong number… Ha ha ha.
-E.
.seitilibasid gninrael fo nuf ekam ot ynnuf ton yllaer s’tI
From: [DJ] DJ@station.com
To: Me me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Wed, December 2, 2009
Subject: RE: [shortcode]?of the last 50 txts or so, not one is from Sprint..[DJ]
[station]-fm Pittsburgh
http://www.station.com/pages/dj.html
Please pardon the “devil incarnate” crack, but again, I refer you to this and this… and I only wish I had saved my correspondence about splitting my phone from another plan years & years ago that was mired with “network issues” and a lack of any real solutions until I elevated it to a level where it trickled down to a regional manager to handle.
As you can see, any and all text messages to [shortcode] for their text requests, feedback on “[show segment]”, or general harassment of the DJ’s, may not be going through on the Sprint network. I checked my phone dialing skills, and my fingers are indeed functioning properly. [DJ]’s comment “of the last 50 txts or so, not one is from Sprint” ought to concern you, or at least throw up the proverbial red flag if you will. How [DJ] comes to this conclusion, I know not, but he is a seemingly intelligent person, and who am I to question his knowledge and authority on the subject? Would you dare question him?
It seems odd to me that a shortcode would expire for one network, and not any others. Again, I know nothing of cell phone and data networks and their mysterious inter-workings… I’m just making a guess based on the evidence presented to me.
If the issue is a network problem, I felt that you might like to be notified, so this is that. If the problem is simply with my phone or plan, I’d like the issue resolved as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for your time, I hope to hear from you soon… and I really hope it’s not an automated response. I hate automated responses with the line “please do not reply to this email”. Seriously. Who wants to read that? I would rather read… “If you don’t have a response from us within X# business days, please contact blah-blah@bowdownto.sprint.gov” or something like that. And please, please, please… do not ask me to call any automated numbers… or provide my phone number to “discuss the issue”. I don’t want to discuss the issue. This is why I took the time to construct a thoughtfully worded and calculated email.
Inquisitively,
-Eric
Heh. I really wish I had that 1st set of Sprint correspondence somewhere. It was highly entertaining. At any rate, got a few responses today already. I’m amazed at the degree of difference.
From: “McDonald, Maria [CON]” maria.mcdonald@sprint.com
To: Eric me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 8:40:38 AM
Subject: RE: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???May be associated with this issue. We are currently working on this.
Thank you to all of you who helped our customers report this, and for those of you who sent these up to me. This was posted yesterday, please let your customers know Sprint is engaged with our roaming partners to resolve this issue as soon as possible. No ETR at current.
Thanks,
BB
Roaming SMS Text Messaging Issue
As of 11/24/09, Sprint CDMA customers nationwide are experiencing problems when sending and receiving SMS Text Messages on some roaming networks.Details:
· Customers may get an “error 3” message when SMS Text Messages are sent.
· Voice and data roaming is not impacted.
· Sprint is aware of the problem and working with their roaming partner to determine root cause.
· No resolution time has been determined.
· Updates will follow when available.
Actions:
If a customer contacts you about problems sending or receiving text messages while roaming:
· Apologize for the inconvenience and let them know that Sprint is aware of the problem and working as quickly as possible to resolve it, however there is no resolution at this time.
Do not enter a trouble ticket
So, basically, “It’s a network issue that technically isn’t our fault, we have no idea what we’re doing and no resolution at this time even though you pay us a ridiculous amount of money each month for service, sorry.”
From: Eric me@myemailaddre.ss
To: “McDonald, Maria [CON]” maria.mcdonald@sprint.com
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 8:49:21 AM
Subject: Re: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???
Hello Maria,
While I don’t believe that I’m in roaming when I send these texts, as I’m at work, on top of a large hill, not far from the city, and in an area where my reception & service seem to be consistently good… I can appreciate that this may be related to a larger-scale issue. Why would a roaming issue give me an error message about an expired shortcode?
Thank you for your time & almost instantaneous reply!
Impressed,
-Eric
.seitilibasid gninrael fo nuf ekam ot ynnuf ton yllaer s’tI
Reasonable enough, no? On to the secondary reply…
From: “McDonald, Maria [CON]” maria.mcdonald@sprint.com
To: Eric me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 8:52:23 AM
Subject: RE: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???You’re welcome! I was online reviewing emails when I got your message. I believe it has to do with roaming partner agreements etc. While your phone will not tell you that you are roaming (it usually only alerts you while a voice call is made) it code be your location and the proximity to a roaming partner (usually Verizon) tower.
Try setting your phone to “Sprint only” in your roaming settings and see if it helps. May not change the error though but the company is aware of an issue with sms texting.
It’s Verizon’s fault? Verizon is SMS-blocking me and a local radio station? I can see by the icon on my phone that I’m not in roaming where I’m trying to text. Odd. This is a route we’re not getting anywhere with. Luckily, I have other replies…
From: “Belback, Sarah A [CON]” Sarah.Feather@sprint.com
To: Eric Carroll me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 9:07:22 AM
Subject: RE: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???Eric,
Is your phone on roam when you are trying to text?
Sarah Belback
Store Manager #985
114 Trinity Point Dr
Washington, PA 15301
724-250-1700 store
404-948-0699 fax
480-221-0101 wireless
A more subtle approach, I take it? I’ll go with this then…
From: Eric me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 9:28 AM
To: Belback, Sarah A [CON]
Subject: Re: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???Hello Sarah,
Thanks for the quick reply! I don’t believe I’m in roaming… I am not too far from the city, on top of a large hill, and in an industrial park when trying to text. I never have any reception rpoblems or roaming notificatons when I’m here at work… and the icon on my phone doesn’t indicate that I’m in roaming.
Thanks,
-Eric.seitilibasid gninrael fo nuf ekam ot ynnuf ton yllaer s’tI
Regular Text
From: ” Belback, Sarah A [CON] ” Sarah.Feather@sprint.com
To: Eric me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 9:32:31 AM
Subject: RE: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???Ok. When did this start? What is the address where you are at? What is your wireless #?
Sarah Belback
Store Manager #985
114 Trinity Point Dr
Washington, PA 15301
724-250-1700 store
404-948-0699 fax
480-221-0101 wireless
Well, for starters, my wireless number is in the original email if you’re paying attention. It’s the 10 digits in front of the SMS email address. Dave and Kristin (my editing friends) would have a field day with the sentence ended by “at”. Oh, look! I did it again. Oh well, I needed to keep this one going…
From: Eric me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009
To: Belback, Sarah A [CON]
Subject: Re: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???Hello again Sarah,
Noticed the error last week ignored it the first few times until I conversed with [DJ] at [station]. I’m in ________________ , PA _____ … my wireless # is ###-###-####.
Thanks!
-Eric
.seitilibasid gninrael fo nuf ekam ot ynnuf ton yllaer s’tI
So, she tries to help again…
From: “Belback, Sarah A [CON]” Sarah.Feather@sprint.com
To: Eric me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 10:48:17 AM
Subject: RE: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ???
Ok. Thx! Can you bring your phone to the store so we can test it. If need be we may have to call tech support as well and I know I will need the phone present when we call.
Sarah Belback
Store Manager #985
114 Trinity Point Dr
Washington, PA 15301
724-250-1700 store
404-948-0699 fax
480-221-0101 wireless
Thx? Thx! OMG. WTF? BBQ!
Well, I have no idea why I have this store’s contact info, as it isn’t near me, or where I got the phone. So… I’m not about to go to that store for that reason. The other reason being that I tried to send a text to a shortcode multiple times, and got the same result multiple time. I described in details the problem I was having, and I even provided the exact text of the network error message, including a specific error code. “Error Msg 1051” is in the subject line of the email! [DJ] says that he hasn’t received any text messages from Sprint in the last 50 or so that he had received. It’s obviously not an error with just my phone.
At least Sarah accepts the fact that it may not be part of this larger blanket “Verizon text-blocking” issue.
I haven’t decided how to reply to this yet… as customer service at sprint seems to have time & time again locked me into an endless loop of email/call the #/come to the store/call the “special” #/go to the store/… Repeat ∞.
Which brings me to this gem…
From: “IDEN – Online@sprint.com” online@sprint.com
To: Eric me@myemailaddress.com
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 4:21:29 PM
Subject: Re: Error Msg 1051 & Shortcode [shortcode] – ??? (KMM65634876I15977L0KM)
Dear Eric,Thank you for contacting Sprint regarding message to a short code.
I understand that you are unable to send messages to the short code
[shortcode]. I apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced. To
resolve this issue, please contact a Technical Support specialist by
calling (888) 211-4727 and follow the prompts for technical support
assistance. In order to potentially test your Sprint handset, it is
important to call from another phone.Further, to protect your Sprint account from unauthorized access and
changes, it is important that we confirm your information.Please reply to this email and provide me with your:
1. First and last name
2. Email address
3. Wireless telephone number
4. Billing addressWe value your business and appreciate the opportunity to address your
concerns. Please reply to this email or visit Sprint.com/mysprint if we
can be of further assistance.Sincerely,
James P.
SprintHelpful Sprint Links:
Learn to pay & view your bill, check usage and more with our
“how to” videos: www.sprint.com/howtoReceive unprecedented value:
Analyze your plan: www.sprint.com/planfit
Try our individual, shared/family and push-to-talk plans:
www.sprint.com/simpleplansFind a Sprint store, email a question or make an appointment:
www.sprintstorelocator.comPreview cutting-edge devices that give you instant access to
what you want, fast:
Palm Pre & other Smartphones: www.sprint.com/smartphones
BlackBerry 8330i & other Push-to-Talk phones:
www.sprint.com/pushtotalkCheck out our network coverage: www.sprint.com/coverage
Live & breathe football with NFL Mobile Live: www.sprint.com/nfl
Original Message Follows:
————————
Wow, do I have several issues with this. Just wow. I think it warrants a bulleted list!
- “Thank you for contacting Sprint regarding message to a short code.”/“I understand that you are unable to send messages to the short code [shortcode].” – So, you did read my emai? Cool! Finally!
- “To resolve this issue, please contact a Technical Support specialist by calling (888) 211-4727 and follow the prompts for technical support assistance.” – So, you didn’t read my email? (Especially at the bottom where I said “And please, please, please… do not ask me to call any automated numbers… or provide my phone number to ‘discuss the issue’. I don’t want to discuss the issue. This is why I took the time to construct a thoughtfully worded and calculated email.”) Well, boo to you, my friends.
- “Further, to protect your Sprint account from unauthorized access and changes, it is important that we confirm your information.” – You goofy sons of… items 1 through 3 are all mentioned in the 1st email. It’s an email, so you have my address and first and last name… and again, the phone number was listed. So, I need to email you my billing address and call the 888 number that’s been programmed into my phone for the past 2 phones…? For what? To start the endless cycle noted above?
- “Please reply to this email or visit Sprint.com/mysprint if we can be of further assistance.” – I sent you this email for assistace in the first place. I don’t need further assistance… I need an actual occurance of assistance before I can request further assistance. In fact, I don’t even think I need assistance. I think you need the assistance with your network, and I think Verizon needs assistance in text-blocking you.
Wow. I’m not sure where to go form here… but you can see how this is a downward spiral of nonsensical steps in order to (I think) exhaust me to the point where I no longer care about the problem.
And, was that advertisement for themselves at the bottom of the tech support email? Really?
Maybe I should ask Verizon why they’re text-blocking me?
The shortcode you are attempting to use has expired and is no longer a valid short code.
Top 10 Bathroom Reads (Listverse)
Ha, I have #1 on this list from Listverse: Top 10 Bathroom Reads
It’s quite interesting & hilarious. Here’s an excerpt…
![Ring of Fire Poo [What's Your Poo Telling You?]](https://i0.wp.com/i14.photobucket.com/albums/a302/AiXeLsyD13/goofy%20shit/RING-OF-FIRE-POO.png)
I’m gonna have to pick up #8, or ask the wife to get it for me for Christmas or my Birthday… ha ha ha. I love it based on it’s tag-line… “How America is Shaped by its Grossest National Product” — Genius!
I am disappointed however, that the standard by which all bathroom-reading material should be held was sadly absent form the list. What about Uncle John? I have nearly all of their books, and can’t wait until the new ones come out! I was even recently duped into buying an Armchair Reader instead of the Bathroom Reader that was not by Uncle John or the BRI. They’re not written nearly as well, nor are they as informative… yet the covers look eerily similar.
By the way, with all this talk of poop… watch out for El Caganer this year!
Mellon Arena & the Trans-Siberian Orchesrta!
Well, you’ve read my Mellon Arena related Ticket Sales FAIL and Customer Service WIN blog posts, right? This is a nice conclusion to that. Well, maybe not a conclusion, but the next in the series. Derek was nice enough to comp us two tickets to one of the upcoming Trans-Siberian Orchestra events. How awesome is that? I feel better getting two seats than four, and to me it’s more of a comprable show that a circus or the Harlem Globetrotters.
Here are the latest exchanges…
From: Eric Carroll me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 11:16 PM
To: Derek Scalzott
Subject: Re: Horrible seats for Star Wars: In Concert @ Mellon ArenaDerek,
Wow. Thank you for the well-thought-out and explanatory reply. It’s rare to have a cutomer-service oriented reply be so frank and sincere. I can imagine that the tasks faced when putting on each new event are quite complicated, as the arena can be used for such a varying degree of events.
I also now understand that instead of dealing with the ushers, I should have asked to speak/deal with management. They seemed to give us a “you can do this, but you can’t tell anyone that I said it was OK to do this” kind of vibe, if that makes any sense. I wasn’t trying to get anyone in trouble or get more than what I felt we had paid for… I just wanted to enjoy the show.
I would kindly accept your offer of tickets to an upcoming event. I don’t feel that four tickets are necessary as we had only purchased two seats to the last event, but at the same time I will not look the proverbial gift-horse in the mouth.
The prospect of a circus or the Globetrotters is very cool, but I was wondering if it would be too late and or at all possible to get tickets for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra? I noticed it in the upcoming events when looking at the Star Wars: In Concert. I understand completely if this event doesn’t fall within the previously noted constraints, and would like to know when the next circus is coming to the arena?
Thank you again for your time and generosity. I will be sure to spread the word that Mellon Arena is a champion of customer service. My last Pens game was the one vs. the Bruins with the tying goal at .04 seconds to go, and the time before that was Crosby’s last hat trick… so trust me, I have a ton of recent great memories associated with Mellon Arena!
I look forward to our continued dialogue.
-Eric
See? I can write complimentary emails too!
From: Derek Scalzott DScalzott@mellonarena.com
To: Eric Carroll me@myemailaddre.ss
Sent: Wed, December 2, 2009 10:53:45 AM
Subject: RE: Horrible seats for Star Wars: In Concert @ Mellon ArenaEric,
I have approval to offer (2) two Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets to our 3:00 p.m. afternoon show on Wednesday, December 16th. We have no tickets available for the evening show.
Otherwise, we can do (4) four to Harlem Globetrotters on December 26th or (4) four to the Shrine Circus, which will be here in early April.
Please let me know what you prefer and provide your mailing address and a contact phone number in case there are any mailing issues and we’ll take care of it from there.
Thanks,
Derek Scalzott
Event Coordinator
Mellon Arena
66 Mario Lemieux Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
email: dscalzott@mellonarena.com
phone: 412.642.2189
fax: 412.642.1905
Score!
From: Eric Carroll me@myemailaddre.ss
To: Derek Scalzott DScalzott@mellonarena.com
Sent: Wed, December 2, 2009 9:20:43 PM
Subject: Re: Horrible seats for Star Wars: In Concert @ Mellon ArenaHello again Derek,
We’ll take the two tickets to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! (Wow!) We’ll have to take a half-day at work, but it will certainly be worth it! Thank you once again for your explanation and generosity.
Here is all of my contact info:
____ _______
___ _____________ __
Pittsburgh, PA _____-____
(___) ___-____I really appreciate the time and effort that you’ve put into reassuring me that Mellon Arena cares about its patrons!
-Eric
Well, there you have it. Looks like we get a free afternoon full of entertainment… now we only have to pay for parking (don’t tell me I can take the T)… and $10 for nachos n’ Coke!
Again, there’s no mention of how or where my media-copied message was obtained, and why it was responded to in lieu of the original. Ominous!
