#06 Five Things "Normal People" Do to Get Bad Technology and Service

It's no secret; some people get more from technology and "techies" than others. Many say that it's genetic or random chance but, I don't think it's either one. I think it's mostly about about relationships.

We can all talk about high standards and being professional but, if you follow the patterns described below you're seriously hurting your perceived and real chances of getting more than the least acceptable level of service from technology and techies--any place you go.

Treat your computer and your "techie" nicely and you'll get a lot more out of them than if you don't. That's not technology that's human nature. Here's a my top five list for getting the least out of both of them:

1. Grump generally, publicly, and loudly about any new technology to everyone except people who can really help you.
   
   
2. Avoid conversations with the tech support staff until you desperately need them. Demand immediate service when you do and say, this thing hasn't worked right for the last two months.
   
   
3. Call them and say you have to change your hardware/software installation schedule, office, and location less than 24 hours before the install date. It's even more effective if someone from the installation site tells them they knew the date/location change two weeks ago.
   
   
4. Begin conversations with techies by saying:
   
   a. You said...
   
   b. I was told...
   
   c. I don't know what I've done...
   
   d. I have no idea where I saved that file...
   
   e. I saw an error message but I didn't write down what it said.
   
   f. I thought YOU were responsible for backing up my hard drive...
   
   g. How was I supposed to know that opening joke email would give everyone else a virus? The other ten I read today didn't!
   
   h. I see you're eating lunch but, would you mind taking a quick look at my virus laden computer from home. It's in the trunk of my car...here's the keys...do you think you'll be done by this afternoon...my kids have a new Internet game from MySpace.com they have to download tonight.
   
   
5. Make it clear that you're not interested and/or not responsible for learning, knowing, or remembering anything new about the technology that surrounds you.~