Today’s society ruder, in spite of better technology

Regarding your customer-service article (Todd Nuttman editorial, May 7, 2008), I agree but consider the problem much broader than you suggest.

  • BY Wire Service
  • Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:00am
  • Opinion

Regarding your customer-service article (Todd Nuttman editorial, May 7, 2008), I agree but consider the problem much broader than you suggest.

I would say we are a much more ruder society overall thanks to our purported informational society with its “improved” communications technology!??

Hence, we have the computer-dialed phone calls, followed with recorded advisories to “please wait, all our agents (or representatives) are busy,” followed with a recorded “customer service is important to us”.

Oh, really?! Or there are the voice-operated systems that cannot understand your verbal “customer service”, but will then advise they will switch you to “customer service.” Hah!

Then there is the Puget Sound Energy’s “PSE.com”, to determine the disposal sites for old fluorescent lights/tubes.

After traveling their path of infinity without success, I have determined to toss the (???) things in the garbage.

For real jollies try their phone system.

Also, view the number of customers who are on cell phones while facing clerks, ticket agents, cashiers, or other business representatives, thus, delaying their processing which then delays service to other customers.

In short, civility today is in short supply in all areas and all sides of our American society.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Opinion

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Is the Northwest ready for our ‘Big One?’ | Brunell

When President Biden warned FEMA does not have enough money to finish… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Combing through this current follicle challenge | Whale’s Tales

I feared the day when passersby on the streets would start in with, “Hey, get a look at Uncle Fester there!” or “What’s cookin’, Kojak?!”

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Thoughts on Memorial Day and the ultimate sacrifice | Brunell

On Memorial Day, we traditionally honor Americans in our military who gave… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
In search of fairness, morals and good sportsmanship | Whale’s Tales

Ah, the Golden Rule. We all know it: do unto others as… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
If you’re right, and you know it, then read this | Whale’s Tales

As the poet Theodore Roethke once wrote: “In a dark time the eye begins to see…”

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
The key thing is what we do with our imperfections | Whale’s Tales

I have said and done many things of which I am not proud. That is, I am no golden bird cheeping about human frailties from some high branch of superhuman understanding.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.
Grappling with the finality of an oncologist’s statement | Whale’s Tales

Perhaps my brain injected a bit of humor to cover the shock. But I felt the gut punch.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Legislature back in session next week | Cartoon

State lawmakers return Jan. 8 to Olympia.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Santa doesn’t drive a Kia | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Salute to veterans | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

On Veterans Day, honor those who served your country.

File photo
Why you should vote in the upcoming election | Guest column

When I ask my students when the next election is, frequently they will say “November 2024” or whichever presidential year is coming up next.