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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    Dallas, TX
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    "That is not a valid option!"

    I was just on the telephone with Bank of America's automated telephone system.

    It was asking me for some information that I could not provide. So I said "operator" in an effort to reach a live person.

    "It sounds like you wish to speak to an associate?" the computer system politely asked.

    "Yes," I told the computer.

    "That is not a valid option! [Exact words] Please provide the requested information now," it starkly replied.

    I was like "woah" and hung up on the computer.

    This is like HAL 9000!

    -mike
    Mike G. - Limestone Networks - Account Specialist
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  2. #2
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    Jan 2004
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    South East U.K.
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    1,303
    I can't let you do that Mike!!!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    California, USA, Earth
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    1,098
    I wish we were important enough to actually be able to talk to real people. I reluctantly talk to the computer on the other end of the line, and it makes me feel a little crazy.
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  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    SF Bay Area
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    879
    Quote Originally Posted by Mike - Limestone View Post
    "Yes," I told the computer.
    I can't be the only one who thinks it's really freaking weird to dialogue with a computer.

    These AVR systems are truly bizarre and honestly I'd rather hit numbers to get where they want me to go instead of talking to the voicemail system.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    CA
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    9,350
    Quote Originally Posted by Mike - Limestone View Post
    I was just on the telephone with Bank of America's automated telephone system.

    It was asking me for some information that I could not provide. So I said "operator" in an effort to reach a live person.

    "It sounds like you wish to speak to an associate?" the computer system politely asked.

    "Yes," I told the computer.

    "That is not a valid option! [Exact words] Please provide the requested information now," it starkly replied.

    I was like "woah" and hung up on the computer.

    This is like HAL 9000!

    -mike
    Did you try hitting 0 numberous amount's of time? :-D

    P.s When im in need to talk to an operator with the bank i simply act like i want to apply for a loan it seem's they answer alot quicker. Works out for me maybe try that also :-)
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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    Quote Originally Posted by serverminds View Post
    I can't be the only one who thinks it's really freaking weird to dialogue with a computer.

    These AVR systems are truly bizarre and honestly I'd rather hit numbers to get where they want me to go instead of talking to the voicemail system.
    What is AWKWARD is when you're in public and others are around, and you need to reply to an automated system.

    "Yes," you quietly say. (And the computer responds that it can't hear you.)

    "Yes," you repeat a bit louder. (And the computer still responds that it can't hear you.)

    "YES!" you scream into the phone, as onlookers give you a weird look

    -mike
    Mike G. - Limestone Networks - Account Specialist
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  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    519
    I just sit there through the 4 or 5, sorry we could did understand your response...until it finally says, "please hold while we connect you to a representative".

    My favorite is if you are dialing from a rotary phone, please wait, otherwise press 1 or some number.... I usually wait as they seem to answer quickly.... cause they don't know what the "f" you are going to ask them.... potential business or potential loss... they can't tell. if are you pressing buttons you are enlightening them.
    Mike

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    2,745
    I can't let you do that Mike!!!
    Haha that would be funny.
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Scotland, UK
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    I'm sure the consumerist blog have featured something similar (if not this exact thing) with AVR systems before. It does seem to sum up the relationship between banks and account holders though

    Thankfully, the UK banks don't seem to use them to the same extent as in the USA (at least, none of the 3 banks I use here force you to use them - always a nice "to talk to someone press 2" kind of thing!)
    Alasdair
    Long time ex-host, ex-billing software owner/developer/support staff. Recent lurker.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
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    Thankfully, the UK banks don't seem to use them to the same extent as in the USA (at least, none of the 3 banks I use here force you to use them - always a nice "to talk to someone press 2" kind of thing!)
    Most banks in AUS, generally have just press nothing to be forwarded to an Operator.
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  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Chicago, IL
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    554
    Some of them will disconnect you if you do not respond.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    New Jersey
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    598
    In this economy, I'm sure there are many people calling to ask for a few extra days on their bills, etc. If they make it more difficult for everyone to speak with operators then imagine all the late fees and interest rake hike money that the banks will earn. I wouldn't be surprised if banks became more difficult to deal with specifically for this reason.
    ...john2k...

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
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    Top Secret
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    Time to switch banks!
    I would never do business with a company whom I couldn't speak to SOMEONE with, eventually.
    Tom Whiting, WHMCS Guru extraordinaire
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