Surveys:
Why does everyone want a survey completed these days?
Banks
I was in the bank for two minutes today and I was told that because I had used the counter services, it would trigger an automated phone call were I could then complete a customer satisfaction survey. I was to press one for very satisfied etc.
Really! wow I was actually served by a real person and for that I am expected to give a glowing report on how the staff member was kind, attentive seemed happy in their job, the enviroment was pleasant blah blah blah. For goodness sake what a load of rubbish! people will either put the phone down or just press number 1 repeatedly. Useful things then surveys we can now add surveys at the end of ``there are lies, damned lies, stats and surveys.``
When I left school and worked in a large department store a manager patrolled the shop floor making sure we gave great customer service, otherwise you were sacked. Maybe the banks wouldn`t lose millions if they had that approach today.
Council Office
Go into a council office and a machine shows you a traffic light system of faces to give customer feedback. Red for we need to improve, amber for we could do better and green for we got it right. Well what if I kick the damn machine and leave a note saying I`d don`t like the idea that they bought you in the first place! it is our money that paid for it after all.
Eating out
Along with the cutlery comes the survey flyer, yes I might win £200 in voucher or a free meal but then I probably won`t.
Night Out
Bought a ticket for a concert, theatre, cinema, bungee jump off the Shard ? Notice the survey that comes in 24 hours after your event. How was your night, did we do well?
Actually no you didn`t do well! you provided a service I paid for, end of it please.
I am a comper I expect email surveys but that is part of the comping world. Fill this in and you might win some vouchers. I accept that sort of survey and usually just delete them.
In every aspect of any kind of `service` now though you are being asked to complete a survey, it is passive bullying if you ask me. We are getting so used to this `feedback` expectation that I doubt we even notice anymore we are our giving email address, dob, gender, income to name but a few details that are requested.
GP
Visited your GP in the last year? fill in this survey please it is detailed and will help us provide a better service. Really? how can a survey help provide better service when what is needed is better opening times, more doctors, less waiting and a doctor who has the time of day for you. Everyone already knows this it has probably been written on thousands of surveys. Not changed a thing though.
I will stop ranting now so could you please just fill in a short survey at the bottom of this post to say how well I did. Please leave all your details and your phone number so I can get our automated machines to phone you when you are having you dinner or are in the bath.
Tags survey, dining out, events, tickets, humour.
Books I love them, review them, collect them and read them. My short stories and all sorts of rambling end up here.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Monday, 1 July 2013
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Monday, 17 June 2013
The Marble Church Ghost
My 200 word short Story
The Marble Church stood dramatically against the early grey of the morning sky. The confetti still fluttered around the pathways from the weekend weddings when beautiful brides had stood smiling with their new husbands. The faint reminder of babies cries from the Sunday Christenings, and the smell of flowers on the well loved graves, made this a family place, a monument to lives lived and those lost.
The three teenage boys had spent a cold frightening night in the Lawson family crypt. This long forgotten, overgrown crypt in the corner of the graveyard had been their own private den. The place they drank cider and read girlie mags, smoked dope and fantasised about their futures. Filling them with models and fast cars, bank accounts stuffed with cash, and travel to the beaches of free love.
Cathy Lawson had listened to their young tales with interest and fascination she liked the way their eyes twinkled with excitement and their laughter.
Cathy`s coffin sat unnoticed on the shelf in the musty tomb, the boys had wondered at her fathers coffin when they first entered the crypt but not hers. She sat lonely on the shelf much like she had in life.
As the boys drank and talked, listened to their music and shared their last cigarette's. Cathy moved the stones in the graveyard. Cathy would keep these boys just for herself, she would listen to their stories, hopes and dreams, until they joined her on the shelf.
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| Arches |
The three teenage boys had spent a cold frightening night in the Lawson family crypt. This long forgotten, overgrown crypt in the corner of the graveyard had been their own private den. The place they drank cider and read girlie mags, smoked dope and fantasised about their futures. Filling them with models and fast cars, bank accounts stuffed with cash, and travel to the beaches of free love.
Cathy Lawson had listened to their young tales with interest and fascination she liked the way their eyes twinkled with excitement and their laughter.
Cathy`s coffin sat unnoticed on the shelf in the musty tomb, the boys had wondered at her fathers coffin when they first entered the crypt but not hers. She sat lonely on the shelf much like she had in life.
As the boys drank and talked, listened to their music and shared their last cigarette's. Cathy moved the stones in the graveyard. Cathy would keep these boys just for herself, she would listen to their stories, hopes and dreams, until they joined her on the shelf.
Saturday, 15 June 2013
Magical Snowdonia (short story)
200 word short story
Magical Snowdonia
Brian cried as he walked over the heather washed hills towards Mount Snowdon. The world could be a cruel and lonely place but the mountains had always offered refuge to his heavy heart. Today was different the streams seems simply cold and the sky oppressive as it hid the tip of Snowdon in its curtain of grey.
The rabbits scurrying from the buzzards circling overhead and hill ponies gossiped under the low trees ignoring Brian. The rocks slippy with moss made the walk difficult and Brian`s calf's began to burn with effort. He was surprised to feel anything at all today even the cold biting through his flimsy jacket.
The whiskey bottle was waiting for him, it would warm his soul when he reached the top, it would make the day seem warm and alive.
Brian sat at the summit and looked down into the clouds he felt his heart beat faster, the swirling mists lapping at his boots. Lying back to look at the sky he wanted to stay there forever, no more heartbreak, no more fear, a quick dive off the edge and it all ends.
Brian drank a tot of whiskey, breathed the frosty air, and tighten his boot laces. He began the slow decent back towards home. The mountains had once again worked their magic on Brian. He knew without doubt he could never willingly give them up.
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| Mount Snowdonia |
Magical Snowdonia
Brian cried as he walked over the heather washed hills towards Mount Snowdon. The world could be a cruel and lonely place but the mountains had always offered refuge to his heavy heart. Today was different the streams seems simply cold and the sky oppressive as it hid the tip of Snowdon in its curtain of grey.
The rabbits scurrying from the buzzards circling overhead and hill ponies gossiped under the low trees ignoring Brian. The rocks slippy with moss made the walk difficult and Brian`s calf's began to burn with effort. He was surprised to feel anything at all today even the cold biting through his flimsy jacket.
The whiskey bottle was waiting for him, it would warm his soul when he reached the top, it would make the day seem warm and alive.
Brian sat at the summit and looked down into the clouds he felt his heart beat faster, the swirling mists lapping at his boots. Lying back to look at the sky he wanted to stay there forever, no more heartbreak, no more fear, a quick dive off the edge and it all ends.
Brian drank a tot of whiskey, breathed the frosty air, and tighten his boot laces. He began the slow decent back towards home. The mountains had once again worked their magic on Brian. He knew without doubt he could never willingly give them up.
Thursday, 13 June 2013
Charlies Ghost
Thought is was time I revived my blog so I am setting myself a challenge to write 200 word short stories.
I will be posting a photo and then attempting to write something imaginative around the photo theme.
I have just written this one here http://www.alondontourist.com/
Charlies Ghost
The flags blew gently in the breeze as the fairground prepared to open once more on the village green. The chains of the swings have been checked for any weakness and the big wheels safety bars screwed tighter. No-one was going to be hurt this time the rides spun, no ghost train roof would collapse or children disappear.
The noise of laughter grew louder and pink candy floss stuck to little fingers. The waltzers blasted out music and teenagers hid their illicit cigarettes in cupped hands. Fathers won teddybears by throwing darts and little girls giggled in the hall of mirrors. The sun shone warmly while clowns threw cartwheels beside a stripped tent full of sawdust and ponies.
Then the fog rose slowly over the wet grass wrapping ankles then knees in its misty thickness. Minutes later and it is hard to see at all, rides stopped and stumbling crowds followed the colourful lights towards the exit gates.
No-one notices that Helen was gone. The stairway to the Helter Skelter had been filled with people and Helen had just taken her turn on the spiral slide. Only the old fairground hands knew the Charlies ghost had stuck again.
I will be posting a photo and then attempting to write something imaginative around the photo theme.
I have just written this one here http://www.alondontourist.com/
 |
| Steam Fair |
The flags blew gently in the breeze as the fairground prepared to open once more on the village green. The chains of the swings have been checked for any weakness and the big wheels safety bars screwed tighter. No-one was going to be hurt this time the rides spun, no ghost train roof would collapse or children disappear.
The noise of laughter grew louder and pink candy floss stuck to little fingers. The waltzers blasted out music and teenagers hid their illicit cigarettes in cupped hands. Fathers won teddybears by throwing darts and little girls giggled in the hall of mirrors. The sun shone warmly while clowns threw cartwheels beside a stripped tent full of sawdust and ponies.
Then the fog rose slowly over the wet grass wrapping ankles then knees in its misty thickness. Minutes later and it is hard to see at all, rides stopped and stumbling crowds followed the colourful lights towards the exit gates.
No-one notices that Helen was gone. The stairway to the Helter Skelter had been filled with people and Helen had just taken her turn on the spiral slide. Only the old fairground hands knew the Charlies ghost had stuck again.
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Return of the Ragman?
Unbelievable article in the guardian today
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/poli...us-enough.html
MPs complaining at £15 a day meal allowance
I and many people like me who work part-time and claim a little housing benefit are living on £15 a week for food once bills are paid. That is if we haven`t had to use extra heating in this freezing weather. Often it is a case of living on £10 for food and putting another £5 towards the heating bill.
Work full-time then I hear you shout, not that simple with caring responsibilities and no they do not live with me. No I don`t receive extra benefits for caring but it does restrict my ability to work longer hours. No I don`t smoke or drink. I have freeview tv and pay £6 a month for internet access.
I was born in the 50`s so I know how to live on porridge and home made soup, go to the market at the end of the day etc. Many people do not.
I do strongly resent paying for Mps meals at all why can`t they take a packed lunch like the rest of us.
Return of the Ragman (now called a clothing distribution centre)
When I was growing up in the 50`s my father worked as a window cleaner in the mornings and a ragman in the afternoons. I and my brothers and sisters often went to the rag yard where he weighed in what he had collected. The woman in charge sat with a large stick near the scales and used the stick to check for bricks and stones amongst the rags. Just in case the ragman was trying to make the weight seem heavier. I was always terrified of her she seemed so daunting to a child.
Today I took my few unwanted clothes to a ragyard and received £7 for them. I spent this in the £1 shop on household bits. A year ago I would have given them to a charity shop. Life in Britian today for many people is much harder than many realise.
Maybe I will follow my fathers example, get some cheap toys to give the kids in return for rags and trawl the streets shouting `Any old rags!`
I have lived through hard times, three day working week, repossession in the 80`s when interest rates were sky high, job loses and divorce. I have never taken my worn out clothes to a ragyard since I was a child.
How scary is that.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/poli...us-enough.html
MPs complaining at £15 a day meal allowance
I and many people like me who work part-time and claim a little housing benefit are living on £15 a week for food once bills are paid. That is if we haven`t had to use extra heating in this freezing weather. Often it is a case of living on £10 for food and putting another £5 towards the heating bill.
Work full-time then I hear you shout, not that simple with caring responsibilities and no they do not live with me. No I don`t receive extra benefits for caring but it does restrict my ability to work longer hours. No I don`t smoke or drink. I have freeview tv and pay £6 a month for internet access.
I was born in the 50`s so I know how to live on porridge and home made soup, go to the market at the end of the day etc. Many people do not.
I do strongly resent paying for Mps meals at all why can`t they take a packed lunch like the rest of us.
Return of the Ragman (now called a clothing distribution centre)
When I was growing up in the 50`s my father worked as a window cleaner in the mornings and a ragman in the afternoons. I and my brothers and sisters often went to the rag yard where he weighed in what he had collected. The woman in charge sat with a large stick near the scales and used the stick to check for bricks and stones amongst the rags. Just in case the ragman was trying to make the weight seem heavier. I was always terrified of her she seemed so daunting to a child.
Today I took my few unwanted clothes to a ragyard and received £7 for them. I spent this in the £1 shop on household bits. A year ago I would have given them to a charity shop. Life in Britian today for many people is much harder than many realise.
Maybe I will follow my fathers example, get some cheap toys to give the kids in return for rags and trawl the streets shouting `Any old rags!`
I have lived through hard times, three day working week, repossession in the 80`s when interest rates were sky high, job loses and divorce. I have never taken my worn out clothes to a ragyard since I was a child.
How scary is that.
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Silent Night Dream Bedroom #Springmakeover
This is a pinterest board I made which shows some ideas for my dream bedroom. I have used white for the bedroom furniture to keep the room feeling spacious and I like mixing old style with new.
http://pinterest.com/chrismse1/silent-night-dream-bedroom/
I like lilac colours and purple so I have used some coloured cushions and a rug to keep my room cosy. The huge white mirror will reflect light and looks amazing along one wall. Lilac bedding is my favourite so I would have lots this and some fabulous throws. The striking picture on the wall is a nod to my love of theatre and complements the colours of the bedding and rug.
For my bed I have chosen the 6ft Amsterdam Divan with deep firm mattress
further details here:
http://shop.silentnight.co.uk/divan-beds/amsterdam-divan-bed-6.html
I liked the simple divan style and the comfortable deep mattress has a memory foam topping for extra comfy sleep.
or this fabulous bed that the winner will receive would be wonderful in my bedroom.
‘This blog post is part of the Silentnight Spring Bedroom Makeover Challenge’
My current bedroom is dark and has bedroom furniture that I bought over thirty years ago so its desperate for an update. I think like most mums our space is always last in the queue after new football boots and school uniforms.
I am sure Allyson Houghton the ideas and design consultant at Silentnight would have lots of stunning ideas for my room.
This photo shows part of my current bedroom which is in desperate need of an update.
My other blog http://alondontourist.com
twitter @chrismse1
http://pinterest.com/chrismse1/silent-night-dream-bedroom/
I like lilac colours and purple so I have used some coloured cushions and a rug to keep my room cosy. The huge white mirror will reflect light and looks amazing along one wall. Lilac bedding is my favourite so I would have lots this and some fabulous throws. The striking picture on the wall is a nod to my love of theatre and complements the colours of the bedding and rug.
For my bed I have chosen the 6ft Amsterdam Divan with deep firm mattress
further details here:
http://shop.silentnight.co.uk/divan-beds/amsterdam-divan-bed-6.html
I liked the simple divan style and the comfortable deep mattress has a memory foam topping for extra comfy sleep.
or this fabulous bed that the winner will receive would be wonderful in my bedroom.
‘This blog post is part of the Silentnight Spring Bedroom Makeover Challenge’
My current bedroom is dark and has bedroom furniture that I bought over thirty years ago so its desperate for an update. I think like most mums our space is always last in the queue after new football boots and school uniforms.
I am sure Allyson Houghton the ideas and design consultant at Silentnight would have lots of stunning ideas for my room.
 |
| Part of my bedroom |
This photo shows part of my current bedroom which is in desperate need of an update.
My other blog http://alondontourist.com
twitter @chrismse1
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