I remember Beaufort. We did the tree walk. The trees did not walk but we did. That is where we saw the house from the Big chill.

http://img.tapatalk.com/440c8a74-6236-d42b.jpg

That was a HOT day in August.

Gettin close to bed time.

My wife was on the phone with my daughter (in college in Beverly MA.) when the police sirens went off. The Beverly PD is right behind her dorm room. And we thought she'd be safe there:rolleyes:
Hamilton Sergeant Found Dead After Allegedly Shooting Beverly Cop « CBS Boston

Dlink and Viewsonic tech support (RMA) sucks. I remember dealing with Dlink.
"Hi, I have a switch that is not working and would like an RMA."
"Okay, sir. But first, we need to test the device. Can you please plug it in and tell me how many lights you see."
"There are no lights. The unit is defective."
"Okay, sir. Can you humor me and plug it into another socket and tell me how many lights you see."
"Grrr. Okay... There are no lights! The unit is defective."
"Okay, can you please push the reset button and tell me how many lights you see."
"There are no freakin' lights!"
"Can you please try a different power supply."
"I already did! There are no lights!"
"Can you tell me how many lights you see now."
"Damn you! None, zero, zip, zilch."
"Okay sir, I think there may be a problem with the unit."
"You don't say!"

It was really fun when a power supply went out. I told them I tested it with a volt meter, but they had me go through the above steps. Each time with me telling them that the damn power supply was dead and when switched out, the switch would work fine. I just need a new power supply!

Now I am dealing with Viewsonic. In the first message, I was really clear with all the steps I took to diagnose the monitor. I get an email back asking me to try a number of steps - the steps I already tried and told them about!

Those tech guys have a list they have to read and have you try. Logic has nothing to do with it. Just read the list and do each step no matter how stupid.

I can't! The list is asking me to do things that 1) I have already tried and 2) in this case the monitor keeps turning off and on and I am being asked to access the OSD- which I can't do since the monitor cycles about every 5 seconds.

Friend of mine works for att wireless install support. He has steps he is required to follow period. His calls are monitored and randomly checked. If he does not follow the steps he gets written up. He is promoted based on how quickly he resolves the issues. He really likes working with the installers that know the routine and follow the steps or at least say they are. Logic and real problem solving is left to the higher tier tech support that set the steps they must follow.

He says most of the time the solution is as simple as re-flashing the settings in the router, but they are not allowed since the routers are supposed to be setup correctly from the distribution center. Sucks that the customer has to wait for another router to be next day shipped when the tech on sight could re-flash the router. Some customers allow the re-flashing and some don't for security reasons. Says it's silly because their access and passwords are in their account files.

It has to go through approval of 3 tiers before a router is replaced. I told him when the bureaucracy gets to 4 tiers it's time to bring in a management consultant to redo their procedures to improve efficiency. He laughed and said that happened just before he got hired and it has grown 2 tiers in the last year. Told him to be careful to not be promoted into the tier positions that are let go when the restructuring happens. Oh, and he has to fill out TSR reports just like in the movie Office Space. In fact, the whole work environment is very much like that movie.

I think Viewsonic is going to get me mad. This is being done via mail, so everything is taking forever.

I also see this going nowhere fast, since one of the steps is to access the OSD, which I can't do.

It also seems to me that companies don't want to perform warranty work anymore, since it costs them money. It almost feels as if they just want you to give up and buy a new unit. Especially with the lower priced things, like the Dlink switch.

Not a fan of Viewsonic, Dave?

I actually was, as a second choice to Samsung for monitors.

We'll see how the RMA goes and I'll get back to you.

Well, I hope this cheers you up. :)

http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/...y-girls-16.jpg

I now know where to go if I need some basketballs.

They can come in handy!

Hows that for ya, Dave. :)

http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/...kini534479.jpg

Better.

Just trying to help. :)

http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/...ni36643511.jpg

12hrs of Bathhurst is on now... Damn those aussies have big stones.....


http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/utm_campaign=synclickback&source=http://www.bathurst12hour.com.au/&medium=20669743

Oh good, think I'll go home and watch.

Work turned out to be a root! Time to go home and have that beer :D