Why My Life Sucks

FedEx’s API as seen from a web master’s point of view.

For starters, it has a _very_ odd method of sending data back and forth, which makes for a _fun_ time getting data parsed.

Then their servers just dies at random.

Then, of course, the whole meter issue.

You will note this is NOT my first rant about FedEx or some aspect of them. I’m seeing a trend.

The sad part is they are best of the package shippers.

Something I’ve noticed, that Fedex proper, as well as Fedex/Kinko’s has started showing ads that basically say that their users are morons.

Fedex’s example is the “lemming” ad.

Kinko’s is the color copy of a black and white document ad.

I use Kinko’s a lot, but their current ads are just a bit off putting.

In this post, “jervis” makes a strong argument, a very good argument against self check out in stores.

Let me give the other side.

I don’t like to deal with people. Never really have, and it’s gotten MUCH worse over the last few years. If I plan a run to the store right, I can get the items I need, go to where they are in an efficent manner, gather them, go to the self check out, finish my transactions and never need to say any thing to any one. This is ideal. I get the stuff I need or want, and I get it today, not several days from now when FedEX drops the stuff I ordered over the web on my door step, and I didn’t have to deal with any one I don’t already know.

But, store owner, if you decide to put a self check out in, make God Damn Sure it works. A “Wait for attendant” message should not pop up after I scan my first item (I’m looking at you Reasor’s). If I scan something large, heavy and/or bulky I don’t want to have to do more than push one “skip bagging” button to put it in my cart. Clean your scanner lenses daily, at least. Have 3 bags available. Don’t freak out if I remove a full bag and put it in my cart. And for all that is Lawful Good, don’t try and register something weight if it weighs under an half ounce. Going into a loop about putting an item in the bag for a package of tic-tacks is just going to cause an slightly unstable customer to go off on the manager of the store. At 110 dbl, using both command voice and field herald training. Been there, done that, haven’t had Cafe Press make the tee shirt just yet.

Yes, I understand that this is not normal. I’m not a normal person. I’m working on that.