Angry Letter Day

[blustocking]

To PacificBell/SBC

To Whom It May Concern:

I have used Pacific Bell ever since I moved here 5 years ago. And in that time, I have seen a slow, and recently not-so-slow downward spiral of customer service and billing procedures. I had no qualms with the way you provide your services in the beginning, and I don't know if the SBC merger has affected this area of your company or not, but frankly, I'm getting very sick of it.

I received our monthly PacBell bill this month, which includes charges for local phone service and DSL, only to see a $60.00 service charge for repairs made more than 3 months ago(Dec 21st, 2001). This is unacceptable. First of all, the "repair" was necessary to the service of my phone and DSL, two things you provide. Second, I'm not going to pay $60.00 for someone to come out and clip one little wire in the outlet. Third, I can't believe you have the nerve to charge me 3 MONTHS AFTER it occurred. Either get with it, or drop it.

So instead of paying for something I shouldn't have to, I am sending you this letter. If you insist that I pay this "service" charge, then I will promptly drop PacBell not only for DSL/internet service, but local calls as well. There are alternatives, and at this point, I am sure that they are more reasonable.

I highly suggest a re-tooling of your customer service and billing policies, as I've heard so many complaints about the way this company has been treating it's customers lately. I, personally, have had only a few problems with your service, but they seem to be increasing in size and number.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
___________________

And a response to a very NASTY, smacking of bill-collecting, unwarranted letter from Columbia House Video Club...apparently I had 2 movies left to buy on my agreement and instead of warning me or telling me, they threatened me.

To Whom It May Concern:


Recently I received a very nasty notice that I was obligated to fulfill my contract by purchasing two more videos at regular club price. The letter took on a threatening tone and I feel it was completely unwarranted as I received no indication prior that I was near the end of my contracted term. I would have been happy to purchase the required videos had I been given a gentle reminder, and then a follow-up if I did not respond. Alas, I received what should have been the 3rd form of recourse, an angry letter from the "Collection Division".

I am now sending you a check and indication of the two selections I would like.
Please cancel my account immediately after these items ship.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
------------------------


Dood, I'm such a bitchy little girl sometimes. But by god do I miss writing angry letters. ;)
Oh, and in case you're wondering, and I know you are, I got The Exorcist and Fight Club.

Comments

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

When I worked at the bookstore, I unpacked this (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/078710860X/qid=1017803581/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/104-7816568-8122305) book one day. I was horrified at the inclusion of nude photos of the victims, not even a black bar to give the girls a little respect. I guess just because they were prostitutes, no one cared or thought they should care. But it pissed me off, so I wrote 5 letters. One to Time, one to Newsweek, one to the publisher, and one each to the presidents of Borders and Barnes & Noble.

I don't believe in censorship at all, but fucking hell, have some respect.

Shortly after that, I couldn't locate the book anywhere, had one person return it to the bookstore for the same reason I didn't like the thing, and now it's out of print. From reading the reviews, it's no great loss.

The point is, I used to be a crazy letter writer. I even had a letter published in BUST and 2 in Movieline, one right after the other. On one hand, I think it's kind of silly, as some letters can induce the eye-rolling factor, but on the other, I try and do it justifiably and I really fucking enjoy it. ;) A well-written, honest letter is one of the best doses of reality you can give someone.

[aubreycolors.livejournal.com]

My only letter-writing claim to fame is having a letter I wrote posted in the Houston Chronicle. I really can't even remember what it was about!! How lame is that??!?!

[motherevol.livejournal.com]

"THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELLES YOU!" *amen*

Re:

[filleinvisible.livejournal.com]

Saying it in writing usually does it better than saying it in words. It seems less confrontational - but it is subtle about it.

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know very well that I could have gotten the charge taken off if I had called them. But I really am not feeling up to the verbal fight it would take to get there. Besides, I wanted those bastards to have it in writing. :D