This has got to be one of the funniest I've heard of in a long time. I
think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story
from the WordPerfect Help line which was transcribed from a recording
monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say, the Help Desk
employee was fired however, he is currently suing the WordPerfect
organization for Termination without Cause .
This is the actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support
employee (now I know why they record these conversations)
Rich Hall computer assistance; may I help you ?
Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect ...
What sort of trouble?
Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away
Went away?
They disappeared ...
Hmmm. So what does your screen look like now?
Nothing. Nothing ? It's a blank; it won' t accept anything when I
type
Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?
How do I tell?
Can you see the C: prompt on the screen?
What's a sea-prompt?
Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?
There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type
Does your monitor have a power indicator?
What's a monitor?
It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have
a little light that tells you when it's on?
I don't know
Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord
goes into it. Can you see that?
Yes, I think so
Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the
wall
Yes, it is
When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two
cables plugged into the back of it, not just one?
No
Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other
cable
Okay, here it is
Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of
your computer
I can't reach
Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is?
No
Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?
Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle it's because it's dark
Dark?
Yes, the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in
from the window
Well, turn on the office light then
I can't
No? .. Why not?
Because there's a power failure ...
A power!
a power failure!? ... Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now ..
Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your
computer came in?
Well, yes, I keep them in the closet
Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it
was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from ...
Really? Is it that bad?
Yes, I'm afraid it is
Well, all right then, I suppose .. What do I tell them?
Tell them you're too stupid to own a computer
OK!
Self control is essential
Would you lose it someday?