Just how hard is the question... really?

[Khana]

I got another one of the state-confused people.

Person's calling to activate her card.

For note: this is not a local program. We're in Phoenix, AZ, she's in Newport News, Virginia. We cover the ENTIRE country.

Me: "What state are you calling from, Ma'am?"
Her: "Newport News."
Me: "That's the city name, right? I actually don't need that. I just need to know the state." (for those who've read the "Louisiana-how hard could it be?" post, I've learned my lesson)
Her: "It's Newport News" (she said it slower and more clearly)
Me: "Yes, Ma'am, and what state is that in?"
Her: "It's Newport News. Do you need me to spell that for you?"
Me: "No, Ma'am. I just need the state. Not the city, the state."
Her: "It's N-E-W-P-O-R-T then N-E-W-S."
Me: *sighs* "Thank you for that information. May I also have the state? It's Newport News, in what state?"
Her: *sighs and groans, sounding frustrated* "It's just Newport News, Virginia."

It's really not that hard. Most of the time, it goes, Me: "What state are you calling from?" Them: "North Carolina" (for example). It's not a hard question. It really isn't.

Why do they torment me so...? **cries**

[Kilamon]

Next time, just go in to a list of options.

You: Newport news? Is that in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, (etc).

See how far you can get until you're interrupted OR your caller says, "That one, I think it's that one you just said." Bonus points if you get all the way to Wyoming. Oh, and if there's no answer by the time you've droned out all fifty states, ask if it's a US territory like Guam (and list those too). I think the best part of this plan is that you're being a helper!

[Cia]

"What state ma'am?"

"Newport News damnit." (always thought that was a name of a newspaper)

"Newport News is in what state ma'am?"

"Do I have to spell it out for you?"

"Fine, Newport News is in Kansas. I will get your crap out to you in 10 business days. Goodbye."

"No, I'm in Virginia."

"To late. You're in Kansas now. Goodbye."

[FenigDurak]

My boyfriend goes to school in Newport News. He and I both agree that city breeds morons.

[Knightmare]

Cia... OMG, your response made me bust my gut laughing.

Dammit. Now I have guts all over the place.

[myswtghst]

Cia--Good answer.

My techs love to do things like this to me. They'll not know a case number or site ID (which are two pieces of info they know damn well they need to have when they call in!) and expect me to know a Site ID off the top of my head. There are about 4 system ID's that I do know, only because I deal with them VERY frequently, yet techs will treat me like an idiot if I don't immediately know which site they're talking about--FYI, we handle several hundred systems, comprised of at least several thousand sites, in all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, and even some outside of that. The techs, at most, deal with a few systems in their area. So who's the idiot for not knowing? I'm going with you, stupid tech.

[Cia]

Thanks guys!

Khana, has anybody called up saying they were from the state of Springfield yet?

PS: Knightmare I'm not cleaning up the mess but I will happily supervise =^..^=

[Khana]

MA: Much better

Heh, I wouldn't arbitrarily choose the state of Kansas... I'd choose Massachusetts.

See, that particular state has rather moronic state laws that prohibit this type of card. If I'd have done that, it'd have gone like this.

Me: "Newport News? Well, since you haven't provided the state, I shall simply assume it is Newport News, MA. Being that you're from the state of Massachusetts, Ma'am, I regret to inform you that you will not be eligible for the program. Have a nice day." *click*

**sighs** If only...

[Cia]

Well the phrase 'I don't think we're in Kansas anymore' sorta popped into my head. Plus it's fun to make fun of Kansas - harassing Iowa and Nebraska gets boring after awhile and North Dakota ignores me when I bug them so they aren't any fun anymore.