Since I've got you here... (ITC nightmare)

Sometimes I hate myself. That is to say, I hate how nice I am when I don't need to be.

Yesterday I somehow* had a couple non-clients wander/corner/trap me in my office, with a series of questions concerning nothing that has anything to do with my job description, services, or expertise. Not only are they not clients, but aren't even qualified to *be* a client (long story). They must have gotten stuck in their quest to get rich quick, and since it involves a computer, they found the biggest room full of computers they could locate (I guess. Still trying to figure that one out actually).

I have minimal experience with web-based affiliate programs, and from a user perspective, frankly I hate them! Unfortunately, their problem was simple to figure out, and not even their fault. (out of date instructions are sometimes worsee than no instructions.) I was able to figure out the "fix" pretty easily, next thing you know, I'm helping to make the Internet just little less useful. Sorry folks. Then it comes:

Well, hey- Since I've got you here...

45 minutes later... Yeah 45! they finally they leave. That was one of the most aggravating, annoying consultations to date, and I didn't get a consultant fee! But at least I'm done with them. Or am I? [insert omninous music]


About 5 minutes ago I got a phone call and can you guess who is on the other end? Yeah- one of my non-clients! He must have grabbed my business card when I wasn't looking, and secured access to my direct line!

SUNUVA!!...

Again the questions were basic and solutions were simple. The worst part- this guy is one of those "customers" that ask you questions, but by the way they're asking, you know they actually know what they're doing, they just don't know it. So it's another 15 minutes of "yep... yep... yep...". Meanwhile I'm not getting work done I'm being paid for, doing work I'm not getting paid for, but worse yet, I'm aiding and abetting junk-peddlers?! Someone shoot me!

I could decide to charge them. I could throw down the classic bluff: "this is beyond the level of support we give here, but I'd be more than happy to support you outside of my time here for only $70/hr..." That should scare em off! But if it doesn't and they call my bluff, I'd actually have to pay more attention to both their problems and advice I'm dishing out.

But, yeah, I'd have $70. Dammit.

*(Note: Remind me to choke my employee tomorrow for not chasing them away in the first place.)

What to do in Maui?

This morning a colleague posted an open plea for ideas of what to do during her upcoming vacation to Maui, Hawaii. This reminded me of what great time I had when I went oh so many years ago! After sending off another one of my trademarked TMI email responses, I decided what the heck- I'll share it with the world as well!

DISCLAIMER: I haven't been to Maui since 2002- I don't know what may have changed since then, but all the quotes came from websites visited today.

Aloha xxxxxxxxxxxx! I typically don't go for the touristy type activities but I still remember playing the tourist role in Maui was one of the best vacations I've ever had. I've borrowed text from various websites that reflect my experiences in words better that I could come up with on my own. You should be able to get more details about any of them online.

Road to Hana
"The Road to Hana is world famous for the natural beauty of its unblemished landscapes and towering waterfalls. Maui is understandably proud of Heavenly Hana's successful fight against overdevelopment and the destruction of their Hawaiian culture. When you make the trip over to Hana Maui, you'll see why it's referred to as The Land That Time Forgot..."

Photo of Hana, Maui, State of Hawaii. Photo by Kanoa Withington 2006

Haleakala Bike Ride
"If you’re looking for a real thrill while on Maui, you need to try the most popular activity on the island... While cruising down Haleakala’s slopes, you’re able to see Maui in a different way than most. If you drive, you’ll miss out on a lot of views only seen in areas where a bike can stop (and cars can’t.)..."




Molokini Turtle Cruise
"Snorkeling at Molokini crater is truly a unique opportunity, as there are only 3 volcanic calderas including Molokini in the entire world. In this offshore, sheltered crater sanctuary, you experience clear, sparkling waters that only Molokini can provide, often boasting unlimited visibility. Over 250 species of fishes call the crater their home, making snorkeling at Molokini a rare, exotic adventure..."

Molokini by Collin Grady (www.flickr.com/collingrady)

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Sunset Dinner Cruise
"Maui is one of the most romantic places on earth, and nothing speaks of romance quite like a Maui sunset dinner cruise. The waters of Maui offer one of the best places to view the sunset, filling the sky with bursts of brilliant gold, soft reds, peach and warm oranges. Feel the warm trade winds. Feel yourself relax, and tension disappearing with the setting sun. Watch the sun’s great ball of fire sink slowly into the horizon. After the sun sets and the golden sky sleeps, gaze at the twinkling lights of Lahaina and Kihei, or catch a view of Haleakala as her peak disappears into a wreath of clouds..."



NOTE: I've purposely not recommended any particular companies because a) I don't remember, and b) that was 6 years ago. :)

Have fun!