One of my co-workers asked me to order a publication from him. I diligently looked up the info on the last outdated book and went to the website. It seemed pretty basic but straightforward. I clicked on the publications link, found the book I wanted and tried to buy it. I tried clicking on anything that looked remotely clickable. I checked the "shopping cart" to see if I had inadvertantly managed to get it in there. Nothing.
I'm not a tech head, but I am pretty adept at navigating websites. I'd even dare to say I'm skilled to a fairly high degree at shopping online. When I run across something like this I have to scratch my head and wonder if it's me.
I try calling the phone number on the older book. It takes me to a phone tree where I pick the publications option. It transfers me to "john doe" of that department. The voicemail informs me that he doesn't work there any longer and that 3 other people have taken on his responsibilities.
At this point I think I know why Mr. Doe left the company. They are techical idiots who make his life hell by not fixing their retarded website. Instead of managing the department he probably spent all his time taking orders by phone. He developed carpal tunnel and went out on disability.
I call one of his replacements who also doesn't answer, but at least still works there. I leave a message stating that I've been to the website and it's broken. A couple of hours later he emails back and tells me to go to the website and click "x" buttons. I reply that I've already done that. He emails back with another combination of buttons. I reply that I've done that too. Still in book purchasing limbo.
Maybe I'm a little short tempered. I'm starting to contemplate calling one of the VPs or perhaps the President of the organization to make a complaint. That's right, why mess around with the middle man when you can go straight to the top?
Cranky. Just cranky today. I hate having to suffer fools.
