If Rufus can use Korrektiv to share papers from grad school, I oughtta be able to let loose a little bitching and moaning about some of my everyday pet peeves. Here’s a letter I just wrote to Microsoft:
“I don’t really have just one question, although the problem that prompted this feedback has to do with searching for information in Outlook. I just wanted to let you know that I think Microsoft products are just plain lousy.
I admit I’m fairly illiterate when it comes to technology, but why is it that I’m able to use free email programs like Gmail and Yahoo with total comfort and ease? I’m required to use Outlook for work, and by the end of the day I am entirely frustrated because of all the time spent using this software, which is often the hub for every other project I’m involved with. I now realize that much of the dread I have about going to work every day has more to do with the necessity of working with Microsoft products than the job itself.
That is all.
Thank you for reading.”
And Thank You for reading as well. I feel better now.
Well, that sure was quick! Here is their helpful reply:
“Thank you for contacting the Microsoft Connect Help (MCHelp) Team.
******************************
This Auto-Reply is designed to be a self help tool for you. Additional
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Thank you for your interest in Microsoft products.
Microsoft Connect Help Team”
NOT! As the kids use to say.
In Hell we would spend eternity shifting through machine generated letters such as this for real content, when it was actually written to nobody in particular and means nothing at all.
Wait a minute there…
Well, I guess I’m going to ride this hell wave as long as I can.
Hello _____,
Thank you for writing back. I honestly hadn’t expected a response, and was just airing my frustrations after tearing my hair out for an hour or so, looking for a better way to search through Outlook.
But since you wrote, I’d like to engage with one thing you wrote: “one of the exciting and challenging aspects of technology is the constant learning curve.” This is true, and probably has been true since the invention of the wheel, but it only goes so far. What I find truly exciting about technology is the extent to which it allows me to solve problems that aren’t directly connected to the technology I’m using to solve them.
I find that I am now spending more time trying to solve problems that have to do with technology than the problems I originally set out to solve. This is extremely frustrating, and my work days seem to be getting longer rather than shorter.
It also seems to me that this frustration is greater with Microsoft products than those of other companies. I’m not sure why this would be the case. For example, I’ve found that Yahoo mail is actually better than it was 10 years ago. It’s also more complex, offers more features for its users, and yes, there is a constant learning curve as it is developed. It’s exciting. It’s really not all that challenging – except perhaps when it comes to better integrating it into my life. What it isn’t is frustrating.
Thanks again for writing, and for reading as well.
— Microsoft Connect Help wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Thank you for contacting Microsoft Connect Help
> (mchelp@microsoft.com) and for your interest in
> testing Microsoft products!
>
> We completely understand the way you feel. As
> customers and businesses request additional features
> and functionalities from Microsoft softwares, these
> softwares tend to become more complex. The same is
> true of operating systems, such as Windows Vista.
> One of the exciting and challenging aspects of
> technology is the constant learning curve.
>
> Microsoft Connect Help Team
Hmmm. This second response has the ring of humanity to it. Or am I deluded?