Want to be a source to give a better perspective on retail situations for articles?

[Saydrah]

I'm signed up for a service that sends me queries from journalists who need sources. Sometimes, their articles are things like "how to get the best deal on travel" that could easily turn into another nasty, "Make a scene! Demand discounts!" article. Others are more specifically geared to managers, like, "Employee orientations," and the writer might benefit from the perspective of someone here who's been there and done that.

If you'd like to hear about it when I receive a query that's just begging for a CSer to comment, post in this thread, and I'll PM you any queries that relate to your expertise.

Writing complaint letters about bad articles is fun, but so much more fun to be part of good articles!

[RetailWorkhorse]

Sounds like fun. Hit me (<-- too much blackjack).

[ArcticChicken]

Sounds cool.

[FuzzyKitten99]

:jumps up and down like a 5yo:
I do! I do!

[Ljt09863]

me! me! ME!!!!!

(can you tell im ready to give some 'feedback'?)

[BookstoreEscapee]

Sounds quite interesting...

[Aethian]

Sure, I'll bite.

[FuzzyKitten99]

Sure, I'll bite.

Just don't leave marks.

[Saydrah]

Ok guys, here is one. I'm not going to use the PMs for this one since it's innocuous enough that I don't think it would do any harm to post it publicly (unlike a query that might be SC-ish enough I'd be worried about a lurker with a grudge seeing it and sending hate mail). The reporter is just looking for some unique resignation stories and why burning a bridge with a sudden resignation might be a bad idea. For those who are inclined to reply, I might suggest emphasizing that a way a manager can prevent entry-level employees from resigning suddenly or in unusual ways would be to stand up for employees when customers make unreasonable demands. Managers with spines seem to have fewer problems with turnover ;)

2) Summary: dANGERS OF BURNING BRIDGES

Name: Gus Pearcy

Email: pearcy.gus@sbcglobal.net

Title: Executive Editor

Media Outlet/Publication: Times-Leader Publications

Anonymous? No

Specific Geographic Region? No

Region:

Deadline: 5:00 PM EASTERN - August 1

Query:

"Collecting stories of unusual resignations. People who walked out
to get something and never returned. Maybe a story about an unusual
resignation letter or shouted expletives while shutting the door.
The more bizarre the better. For column.

[Saydrah]

Ok troops! I'm going to go ahead and PM this query, but here's a great opportunity to show our side! A nationally circulated women's magazine is seeking a female Customer Service Representative age 20-45 to talk about her job. You must be willing to share a photo and your full name, as well as your salary and answering some questions.

If anyone who hasn't posted already wants this info, too, post and I'll send it.

[AnqeiicDemise]

ooo. .. I don't know how I missed this thread, but sounds like fun.

:D Its not too late to join in now is it, Saydrah?

[Saydrah]

Nope! Come on in, the water's fine! Sending you the PM.

[Ljt09863]

saydrah, im willing to do the womens article. im a female 21 year old retail employee!

[Saydrah]

Ok, guys, here's another, and it could be a great chance for one of us to nip telephone SCism in the bud.

A reporter for AARP the Magazine is looking for someone who works for a credit card issuer to answer these questions:

(from the reporter's query)

"I need to talk to someone at a credit card issuer only, (I don't
need financial experts on the impact of credit cards, etc.) about
the process of closing a credit card. How many calls should a
consumer have to make? What is the marketing process to try and
keep them as a customer? What should a customer say to close an
account?"

The part about closing an account especially is a great place to stop SCs before they start.

If anyone here qualifies for this, post here or send me a PM, and I'll pass on the contact info given by the reporter.

[erasily_ani]

I would love to be a part of this!

I have experience in restaurants and fashion retail. Hit me up when you have anything I might be able to help on!