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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / August 2005WTF? (OT) Rant
Okay, I normally use the United States Postal Service web site to order postage online and also to print pre-paid shipping labels. I got the battery for my digital camera and it's totally the wrong one. So I filled out the return form on the website from the battery folks. I signed on to USPS and try to process a return label and it says my credit card has been *declined*. It's a VISA check/debit card. I most definitely have enough money in the account to pay for a measly shipping label; no, the card has not expired. I've signed out and back in to the USPS site. Deleted my card info and re-entered it. No go. GRRRR. Checked online with my bank and verified someone didn't abscond with my funds. Nope, they're still there. I *hate* driving to the post office. This doesn't make any sense to me at all. I was able to order the replacement battery with the same debit card earlier yesterday, no problem. I'm getting a bit irritated over a freakin' shipping label to return the battery I can't use. On topic: I want to get pics of Persia on her new napping spot atop the rolled up comforter in my closet! Jill OH WAIT! I just got automated email from USPS saying "my attempt to cancel payment" for the postage/mailing label failed. What, the payment they said didn't go through?! Now I have to go to the site and request an Online Refund? This just gets better and better, doesn't it? I was charged but got no shipping label. (HUGE SIGH) Where's my Persia? I need to pet my cat right about now. As long as we're griping about websites, what's up with financial website redesigns that are less useful than they were before? USBank redid its online payment section. Before, I could use firefox with no problem. Now, everything works ... except the button I need to click in order to pay, which disappears on FF. I have to use that bug-ridden, insecure piece of crap known as IE to pay my bills. I am *not* happy. Now Chase has redesigned its site. And for the last several days, it's been unable to show me any info about my HELOC and car loan. Apparently that information is "unavailable." Info about the mortgage is partially available. Spare me from redesigns. I don't care if you're using last year's fonts. Just make sure it works. Function first, people, then worry about form! Grrr. Sorry about the post office snafu. I've never figured out how the online label stuff works (I guess you need a scale at home, and stickers?), so I haven't run into that one.  Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > As long as we're griping about websites, what's up with financial > website redesigns that are less useful than they were before? [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Grrr. I hear you, Monique! I had a problem (albeit years ago) with things on the AT&T web pay bill site being so small I couldn't read it. And the server just crawled. Fortunately, they changed the site (and tweaked the server) so I could actually read my bill. > Sorry about the post office snafu. I've never figured out how the > online label stuff works (I guess you need a scale at home, and > stickers?), so I haven't run into that one. Naw, you don't need stickers. Just tape the label printed on plain paper to the package but don't put tape over the bar code to be scanned. In my case I was returning a package so I guessed the weight based on what I ordered in the first place. That's always worked for me :) Jill <--finally got her label > > As long as we're griping about websites, what's up with financial > > website redesigns that are less useful than they were before? [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > just crawled. Fortunately, they changed the site (and tweaked the server) > so I could actually read my bill. A note to novice web site designers here. It is *really* bad form to use CSS to specify a point-based font size (e.g. font-size: 12pt). This keeps people with vision problems from being able to change the text size to suit them. It's much better to use a relative size when setting up fonts (e.g. font-size: x-small). Even if you specify a small font size, those people who need to can still use the tool bar on their browsers to change the text size to be readable to them. If anyone needs it, I can tell you how to over-ride style sheets in IE. Hugs, CatNipped > A note to novice web site designers here. It is *really* bad form > to use CSS to specify a point-based font size (e.g. font-size: [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > be readable to them. If anyone needs it, I can tell you how to > over-ride style sheets in IE. Hrm. Ctrl+ has never failed to work for me to increase font sizes in Firefox. It seems unlikely they're *all* being good netizens and using relative sizing. But I haven't checked. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca I dunno re the post office, but recently saw a warning article re identity theft telling you to not use a debit (only credit) card online to order stuff, etc. That's a mystery to me also, but I only shop/browse online; always call to order from a hoomin employee. Sure saves a lotta returns and you discover quite a bit from a hoomin instead of a website....example: I never order anything that would come by shipping other than USPS as only the mailman has keys to get in secured building here, and UPS and FedEx require shlepping down to their offices to pick up their shipments. But I digress....maybe USPS has new orders: why don't you call them? > Okay, I normally use the United States Postal Service web site to order > postage online and also to print pre-paid shipping labels. I got the [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > cat > right about now. > I dunno re the post office, but recently saw a warning article re > identity theft telling you to not use a debit (only credit) card [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > down to their offices to pick up their shipments. But I > digress....maybe USPS has new orders: why don't you call them? When I recently got a checkcard for a new acct, the bank rep told me to always use credit, never debit. Apparently, at least at this institution, they will always reimburse you if someone gets your cc number and starts making charges. If they get your debit pin, though, the feeling is that you've been irresponsible with your pin ... something stupid like that. Seems bassackwards to me. I don't even have a checkcard for my personal account; ATM only. Had to request that specially. I figure that if my credit cards get stolen and used (which has happened), it's a minor inconvenience and easily sorted out; if my checkcard number is used, though, numerous checks could bounce before the whole thing is straightened out. I also have a gut feel that credit cards, which front *their* money, might be more proactive than check cards, where it's actually *your* money being stolen. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca Good point. I think you figured out the root of all this. >> I dunno re the post office, but recently saw a warning article re >> identity theft telling you to not use a debit (only credit) card [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > front *their* money, might be more proactive than check cards, where > it's actually *your* money being stolen. > I dunno re the post office, but recently saw a warning article re > identity theft telling you to not use a debit (only credit) card > online to order stuff, etc. That's a mystery to me also, but I only > shop/browse online; always call to order from a hoomin employee. LOL! A hoomin? Do you say it like that when you're speaking, too? Or do your cats do the calling for you? ;) Sure > saves a lotta returns and you discover quite a bit from a hoomin > instead of a website....example: I never order anything that would > come by shipping other than USPS as only the mailman has keys to get > in secured building here There's one difference; my mailbox is out by the curb. Yes, I live in an apartment complex but we have um, "regular" mailboxes. I lived in a complex once which required keys to get in the gates and also keys for the mailboxes. You couldn't fit much more than a couple of envelopes in the mailboxes, which ticked me off. , and UPS and FedEx require shlepping down to > their offices to pick up their shipments. I only have to do that if it's something I have to sign for and I'm not home. But I digress....maybe USPS > has new orders: why don't you call them? I'll call about the refund, don't worry. So here the question becomes... if it's a bankcard which is a debit card but also a checkcard... online how do you know which they are doing? And what's the difference? I've seen only a *few* web sites that ask if it's a debit card. Most treat it like a credit card and need the security code off the back, which is good. But, IIRC, the ones that ask if it's a debit card do the same thing; they don't ask for my PIN number. And, my bankcard doesn't charge me interest if I treat it like a credit card. So again, what's the difference? Jill >> Okay, I normally use the United States Postal Service web site to >> order postage online and also to print pre-paid shipping labels. I [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] >> I need to pet my cat >> right about now. > I'll call about the refund, don't worry. > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > for my PIN number. And, my bankcard doesn't charge me interest if I > treat it like a credit card. So again, what's the difference? OK - here's the deal - we have one of those "visa check card" things - not what our bank calls it, but it works the same: it takes money out of our checking account whether we use it like a credit card (sign the slip) or ATM/debit card (use your PIN). And that's the danger of using one online: if it gets stolen somehow, it takes money out of your checking account! Most banks, if notfied of the theft of the card *immediately*, will replace the money, but it's a hassle to straighten out and there's the danger of a check for the car/house payment or other important bill getting bounced in the time it takes to get things righted. At least if you use a *credit* card that's not tied to your checking account (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diner's Club, etc., etc.), you won't be out the *cash* from your checking account if it's stolen - and if you are diligent and check your accounts regularly, notify them of suspicious activity *immediately* (within 24 hours) you are not liable for it (used to be you were liable for $50 max, but anymore, they write off all of it). HTH SignatureThe ONE and ONLY lefthanded-pathetic-paranoid-psychotic-sarcastic-wiseass-ditzy former-blonde in Bloomington! (And proud of it, too)© email me at nalee1964 (at) insightbb (dot) com http://community.webshots.com/user/mgcmdjeep > OK - here's the deal - we have one of those "visa check card" things > - not what our bank calls it, but it works the same: it takes money [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > not liable for it (used to be you were liable for $50 max, but > anymore, they write off all of it). That's exactly how I see it and how I've been handling my finances for the last few years. I caught a $3K purchase from Hong Kong the day it was made ... the bank locked down my credit card, and several days later I get a call from them asking if I'd like to allow a $17K charge from the same company. Weird stuff. I'm not sure the 24-hour rule applies to credit cards, either. In fact, the bank reps I spoke to seemed completely confused about the fact that I didn't have a statement showing the bad charge. It's hard for me to believe that you would be held responsible for charges when you hadn't yet received a statement about them; most people just aren't in the mindset of checking their accounts on a daily basis. And not all banks have charge information available instantly. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> I'll call about the refund, don't worry. >> [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > > HTH Okay, that makes sense. But since I lost my job I don't use my credit cards *at all*. That way there is no temptation if I don't have the money in the bank to say "Oh what the hell, I'll pay for it later". Jill > Okay, that makes sense. But since I lost my job I don't use my > credit cards *at all*. That way there is no temptation if I don't > have the money in the bank to say "Oh what the hell, I'll pay for it > later". I definitely do understand that temptation. Do you have something like quicken, where you could keep track of expenditures on a card and make sure you still have enough in your checking acct to cover it? (I realize that might not be sufficient. There are certain financial situations that I have trouble with, too, unless I avoid them altogether.) Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> Okay, that makes sense. But since I lost my job I don't use my >> credit cards *at all*. That way there is no temptation if I don't [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > situations that I have trouble with, too, unless I avoid them > altogether.) I simply don't use credit cards and that eliminates all worry in that regard. I have one card with a zero balance which I would use should I suddenly have to fly to SC due to a problem with one or both of my elderly parents. Otherwise I try not to spend what I don't have :) I keep a pretty good running total of my funds in the bank in my head and I do check the web site regularly to make sure I have the money before I purchase something. That's why the USPS web site saying I didn't have the money for a shipping label pissed me off! Jill > There's one difference; my mailbox is out by the curb. Yes, I live > in an apartment complex but we have um, "regular" mailboxes. I > lived in a complex once which required keys to get in the gates and > also keys for the mailboxes. You couldn't fit much more than a > couple of envelopes in the mailboxes, which ticked me off. I own a house but still have that slot thing for my mail. We don't have a proper mailbox, just this box thing for maybe 10 different houses. I guess they do this to make the postal employee's job easier? Definitely more annoying for me. > , and UPS and FedEx require shlepping down to >> their offices to pick up their shipments. > > I only have to do that if it's something I have to sign for and I'm > not home. Yeah, I've signed paperwork at UPS and FedEx telling them to leave it on my porch if at all possible. > So here the question becomes... if it's a bankcard which is a debit > card but also a checkcard... online how do you know which they are [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > for my PIN number. And, my bankcard doesn't charge me interest if I > treat it like a credit card. So again, what's the difference? That *is* worrisome. I just reiterate my stance on not having a checkcard/debit card in the first place. Credit cards offer an additional level of protection because they don't directly touch your money. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca Yes, I *do* say "Have I reached a hoomin bean here? " when I finally get one to place an order by phone. You'd see why if you just dial this: 1-800-comcast! That's my ISP as well as my cable tv (of course I don't order anything from them, just complain when broadband takes a rare dive). It is the epitome of "for ****, push *; "for ****, push *; otherwise, call **** " jokes on tv about getting through to what dept you want! Re your mailbox & present dwelling complex: I said not long ago Memphis is, I believe, pretty tame compared to either my hometown, Miami, or urban MileHigh. ROFL @ imagining mailboxes @ curbside here...... >> I dunno re the post office, but recently saw a warning article re >> identity theft telling you to not use a debit (only credit) card [quoted text clipped - 74 lines] >>> I need to pet my cat >>> right about now. > Yes, I *do* say "Have I reached a hoomin bean here? " when I finally get one > to place an order by phone. You'd see why if you just dial this: [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I believe, pretty tame compared to either my hometown, Miami, or urban > MileHigh. ROFL @ imagining mailboxes @ curbside here...... Speaking of obnoxious telephone systems, I used to hate the newer voice-recognition ones ... until I realized that every single one (at least that I've used) responds to "customer service." They'll never list it as an available option, but if that's what you say, it connects you to real live people. Now I don't mind them so much, although I still find it annoying that they hide the fact that the option even exists. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > Speaking of obnoxious telephone systems, I used to hate the newer > voice-recognition ones ... until I realized that every single one (at > least that I've used) responds to "customer service." They'll never list > it as an available option, but if that's what you say, it connects you > to real live people. Now I don't mind them so much, although I still > find it annoying that they hide the fact that the option even exists. OMG, when I did billing for a medical office, Aetna insurance had changed to all voice recognition, no more "press 1 for this", you had to say "one" or whatever dept you needed. It was so obnoxious, and I felt like an idiot sitting at my desk going "one", "medical claims", etc. I found out if you said "Operator" you could get a human. I don't know why they got rid of the touch tone system, that worked fine. I hate the systems where if you mess up you get disconnected and have to start all over again, too. -Kelly > > Yes, I *do* say "Have I reached a hoomin bean here? " when I finally > > get one [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > to real live people. Now I don't mind them so much, although I still > find it annoying that they hide the fact that the option even exists. If that doesn't work, try "representative". If all else, dial the Interactive Voice Response Mental Health Line: If you are obsessive-compulsive, please press 1 repeatedly. If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2. If you have multiple personalities, please press 3, 4, 5 and 6. If you are paranoid-delusional, we know who you are and what you want. Just stay on the line so we can trace the call. If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press. If you are passive-aggressive, get someone guilty enough to press 8. If you are depressed, it doesn't matter which number you press. No one will answer. If you are manic, press them all repeatedly while laughing wildly. ROFL >> > Yes, I *do* say "Have I reached a hoomin bean here? " when I finally >> > get one [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > will answer. > If you are manic, press them all repeatedly while laughing wildly. >> > Yes, I *do* say "Have I reached a hoomin bean here? " when I finally >> > get one [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > If that doesn't work, try "representative". <snipped> Howard speaks truth - at least for Cingular Wireless. If you don't want to spend far too much time going through their prompt system, just say "representative" and you'll get put through to one straightaway. Sam, closely supervised by Mistletoe |
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