Template update

Using a new template.

With a couple of tweaks to the HTML to remove some of the text-transform:lowercase style elements.

The former template ("Thisaway blue") also had bullets suppressed for the <ul> element, which I had to change. This template ("565") handles them, as well as the intended layout on the first post (which was previously just one paragraph lumped together).

The message

On my way back home today, I passed this sign put up by a local property company, Bray Estates:


'For Sale' and 'Sold' signs are commonplace. For years, they have said that. So much so, that people probably don't really take much notice any more.

This sign is a perfect example of a simple, yet effective marketing strategy. A 'Sold' sign is a plus point and may trigger some response, but, in the current climate, it is only like to trigger a feeling of disappointment in potential buyers, as they trudge on looking for other properties.

This sign says that this agent is selling houses and the message, 'Sorry, Too Late', preys on the fear that they missed out, that they didn't act quickly enough and urges them to do something about it next time

And, furthermore, the slogan appears on a banner on their website, reinforcing the message.

Two-speed customer service

You can tell a lot about how much a company values your call, by the option number which corresponds to your reason for calling.

I phoned Tesco's helpline this morning about a problem with one of their own brand products.

Presented with six options, I had to sit through the whole message to get to my option, No.6: all other customer enquiries.

I wasn't phoning to find a product, a store, enquire about fuel or my shopping delivery.

I was an existing customer with a problem, put to the back of the queue. Much like the banks, who offer the best deals to new customers, my problem was deemed less of a priority.

Of course, it's off-putting to new or potential customers to hear an option for complaints or problems. The loud, agitated customer making a scene will always be ushered to somewhere more private, out of the way.

But problems happen and when they do, it would be nice to know that there is a dedicated number, with people dedicated to serving you, the existing customer.

Top 10 Excuses For Not Wearing Your Guild Tabard

I think too many people take World of Warcraft too seriously, especially on PvE (Player versus Environment) servers, where people are playing mostly for the sake of fun.

There are RP (Role-Playing) servers for hardcore players, where you can invent and live out an online persona and adhere to the stricter rules governing play and interaction.

But some people on PvE realms need to lighten up a little, especially those who run their Guild like some paramilitary brigade, where there are rules governing:

• twinks (never been in a Guild which didn't have twinks);
  
• the use of CAPS (annoying, yes, but live and let live - besides, perpetrators ALWAYS get flamed);
  
• more than one question mark in chat (huh???); and
• the wearing of a Guild tabard.

Yes, I have come across one Guild Master who insisted that Guild members buy and wear a Guild tabard at all times.

My wife pointed out that you could probably get away with it most of the time, but you just know you're going to bump into the Guild Master as you are hanging around outside the Stormwind Auction House and he's going to tear you off a strip for not wearing your Guild tabard.

So, here, in David Letterman style, are my Top 10 Excuses For Not Wearing Your Guild Tabard:

10. It's in the wash.
9. This Guild has a tabard?
8. It doesn't go with my PVP gear.
7. A Tauren stole it off me.
6. I lost it in the Caverns of Time.
5. It accidentally caught light when I cast Rain of Fire.
4. I gave it to Topper McNabb.
3. What? I had it on when I came through the Dark Portal.
2. I disenchanted it into an Aquadynamic Fish Attractor.

And the Number 1 excuse for not wearing your Guild tabard...

...I swapped it for an Azure Whelpling.

/gkick

First post

Using ScribeFire now - add-on for Firefox, which means I can post from inside the browser without having to go to my blog site, login, etc.

And, more importantly, keep any page I am blogging about open in the browser window, as it brings up an interface below in a split-screen mode.

I can even preview the post from within the browser on another tab.

Going to see how this might speed things up and make blogging easier. :)

First complaint: I can't easily format paragraphs, without editing the source.

EDIT: And the preview panel sucks big-time: unless you have it maximised it runs all the text together. Fail.