Improving customer relations

Wow, it’s been over a week since I wrote here. Great was the rejoicing, but now I’m back. It’s been a busy week, not least because I’ve been without an internet connection since last Thursday thanks to those that shall forever be known as The Worst Internet Service Providers In The World.

The saga ongoeth, but when I’ve got a bit of time I’ll put down here the entire story so hopefully other unsuspecting punters won’t get caught out by these cowboys. In the meantime I’d like to draw your attention to this gem from Guy Kawasaki. My favourite bit is this:

Question: What’s the best way to improve customer relations?

Answer: This is almost too simple—actually take care of customers! I am sure we have all heard the recorded message, “you’re call is very important to us.” Well, if the call were important to the company who has recorded the message, maybe they would answer it in some reasonable time instead of either playing music or bombarding the caller with advertising messages. When you make a mistake, fix it and admit responsibility. Tell the truth. By the way, the airlines seem to be the worst at all of this, with a few exceptions.

An ode to the Web Three: HTML, CSS and JavaScript

I have to say I completely agree with David when he says he likes HTML, CSS and JavaScript. I do too.

The web has matured enough so that with the tools and technologies currently available, even with all the constraints, developers the world over are creating some fantastic solutions that just wouldn’t be possible any other way. It’s a pity we as web developers are generally looked down on as lesser beings than desktop developers, although I’m not sure why that would be. Maybe it’s jealousy. I have noticed that desktop application developers tend to focus on the technology and the intricacies of solutions, rather than just getting things done.

The constraints of HTML, CSS and JavaScript are not there to suppress innovation and hinder development, rather they foster an attitude of creativity to work with the constraints to product something great. After all, every great painting that has ever been painted has been built from the creative mix of a handful of primary colours. It seems that having three contrasting but complementary elements is a Good Thing.

Bridging the class divide

Following the creation of both MySpace and Facebook accounts for myself over the last week I was very interested to read this article from Danah Boyd: Viewing American class divisions through Facebook and MySpace which has also been picked up by the BBC. While I don’t know if there’s a similar distinction in the U.K., for myself I much prefer the Facebook interface. Obviously I’ve been conditioned because of my white, middle-class upbringing to prefer cleanliness and order. It’s a pity that that cleanliness and order doesn’t extend to keeping my paperwork tidy!