Thursday, December 27, 2007

Hello new cable box...

Instalments three and four of "The Cable Story" really got tucked as quick mentions into other posts. But now I think we're on part 5... or part V (looks better) and I think this is the final chapter in the tale.

Some 12 days ago, when Rogier moved out, the digital cable went with him. Although of course it wasn't supposed to. 11 days ago I called them up and they said wait 48 hours and it will be back. 7 days ago I called them again and told them it wasn't back. They made an appointment to send a technician today. Then 4 days ago the cable came back! Where it had gone, I never found out, but clearly it had had a rough time while away.

My cable was back, but either broken or hungover. The signal kept cutting out, and some features weren't working.

Rather than call the cable company, I remained quiet and let the technician arrive today. He was surprised to see the system working. But as soon as he started poking he found problems. Rather than diagnose them, he swapped the converter box. It's new and shiny (even shinier than the old one) and seems to actually work.

There was a moment of uncertainty as to whether I should be charged for the "installation" service but apparently the quality of my coffee swayed the issue. I got my cable, and no bill.

And this brings me to the greater point. It's something that I learned in the corporate world years ago, and that life always confirms for me. You can call, you can complain, you can email, you can wait on hold and you can shout. But nothing gets you further in life than simply offering a cup of coffee.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

What about those folks -- strange though they are -- that don't like coffee? And did you have any of that cake left?

I Dive At Night said...

I keep English tea, green tea, and some silly fruity speciality tea for those who aren't loved back by coffee.

The cake left is more a blob than a slice. With fork marks scoring the edges all the way around. Not quite serviceable for guests. Although he was just the cable guy.

Deb Rox said...

Do they get to keep the Sri Lankan Starbucks mug as a souvenir? Because that would totally get my attention.

I Dive At Night said...

Deb, I'll share my coffee generously. And I'll share the use of the mugs. (A couple of people think I'm nuts just to let guests use them.) But I'm not silly enough to let people walk away with them.

The repairman left with the old cable box. That's enough.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, finally cable again !! I'm waiting for a digital receiver myself, hope to receive it in the mail next week. I'm getting it for FREE after sending an email to the company how to get one.... ain't that great ? I won't mention the name, because they made an exception for me.....
Have a great new years eve, carefull with the fireworks, and I hope to CU next year !!!