OT gumpy old fart rant

Recently I pointed out that "customer service" is a good place for real,
breathing, humans.

Apparently I have too much effect on the local Home Depot.

My wife wanted me to do a few things before I leave in a week for my
Montahoming trip, so I went shopping. I found the needed materials and
headed to check out only to find that there was ONE register manned by a
human ( with a huge line ) and the rest contained talking machines ... "Self
check out"

Now I admit being, may even be a bit proud of being, a grumpy old man fed up
with many of the trappings of our 'culture' like everyone looking like they
are in the Borg collective Bluetooth stuck in ear, or 'reality' TV.
But, honestly, I find having a machine talking to me ( to take my money, for
god's sake ) effectively telling me to "bend over now, and insert your card"
is just too dehumanising.


Seeing a large sign hanging from the ceiling with the word "service" ( the
place you take returns ) on it I went over to find 5, yes FIVE, pimply 20
somethings laughing at each other's jokes, and not a customer in sight.
I piled my stuff on the counter and said, "I don't want any of this badly
enough to check myself out." And I left to go to the mom and pop
hardware store for my purchase.

So, if you're still listening out there .... when I suggested real humans at
"customer Service" I did NOT mean just under the sign that says "service"
.... if you want real, breathing human beings to part with their money and
want to come back ... treat them like real, breathing human beings, not just
bar codes