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For some reason I'm encountering a number of passive-aggressive people recently. Here's a couple examples.
SC: Hey, I'm looking for a book in the library. Can I go get it?
Me: Sorry, we're closed right now, due to the renovation our new opening hours are 2:30 to 10:00 on weekdays.
SC: Look, I need this book and I know it's here somewhere.
Me: And you can go get it at 2:30.
SC: It doesn't say that on your website.
Me: That's odd, I looked recently and the information was there.
*note* our website has had the new hours since before we started renovating. Know what has the old hours? Google and Yelp, and I think Google recently updated their information. It goes to show that people will believe whatever they see first that fits what they want rather than making sure whatever they're seeing is actually right.
SC: Well it's not. Look you can just go back there and grab the book.
Me: Sorry, I need to stay here and man the desk.
SC: Well is there anyone in the back who can get it for me.
Me: No.
SC: There's no one else here at all?
Me: There are other people, but they all have work to do. Come back when we're open and you can get your book.
Cue SC to go off to a corner and sulk for five minutes alternating between staring at me check in books and trying to see if they can locate someone else to talk to.
Look, I'm sorry you can't get your book right now, but the concept of operating hours can't be too difficult to grasp. Come in when we're open and you can get your book; come in when we're closed and you get stonewalled. That's what they pay me to do. Like it or not, there it is.
Next:
New SC: Hey man, can I use your fax?
Me: Sorry, we don't have one.
SC: What?
Me: We don't have a fax machine.
SC, suddenly very snotty: What, you don't have a fax machine in the entire building?
*Ok, we have not now, nor have we during the period I have worked here offered faxes to the public. We use email, since the only purpose I can think of for a fax would be if something needed a signature and that doesn't come up around here. However, now that I think about it there is a small copier in the back that does have a button on it saying fax, though I'm not sure if it's hooked up to a phone line or not. Still this is beside the point since even if it does work, there's no way we're gonna let you use it and thanks to the glare you're shooting me I'm now willing to tell you there's no such thing as a fax machine in the entire state of California.
Me: No.
Seriously, going in circles and huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf isn't going to get you what you want. This is a public library, we only offer so many services and most of them involve books. Also, yes the new hours may be inconvenient for you, but if you are willing to either come in person or call during the hours we are actually open, there are things we can do to make it more accommodating for you. But trying to annoy your way to getting what you want just pisses me off and it definitely doesn't do you any favors.
SC: Hey, I'm looking for a book in the library. Can I go get it?
Me: Sorry, we're closed right now, due to the renovation our new opening hours are 2:30 to 10:00 on weekdays.
SC: Look, I need this book and I know it's here somewhere.
Me: And you can go get it at 2:30.
SC: It doesn't say that on your website.
Me: That's odd, I looked recently and the information was there.
*note* our website has had the new hours since before we started renovating. Know what has the old hours? Google and Yelp, and I think Google recently updated their information. It goes to show that people will believe whatever they see first that fits what they want rather than making sure whatever they're seeing is actually right.
SC: Well it's not. Look you can just go back there and grab the book.
Me: Sorry, I need to stay here and man the desk.
SC: Well is there anyone in the back who can get it for me.
Me: No.
SC: There's no one else here at all?
Me: There are other people, but they all have work to do. Come back when we're open and you can get your book.
Cue SC to go off to a corner and sulk for five minutes alternating between staring at me check in books and trying to see if they can locate someone else to talk to.
Look, I'm sorry you can't get your book right now, but the concept of operating hours can't be too difficult to grasp. Come in when we're open and you can get your book; come in when we're closed and you get stonewalled. That's what they pay me to do. Like it or not, there it is.
Next:
New SC: Hey man, can I use your fax?
Me: Sorry, we don't have one.
SC: What?
Me: We don't have a fax machine.
SC, suddenly very snotty: What, you don't have a fax machine in the entire building?
*Ok, we have not now, nor have we during the period I have worked here offered faxes to the public. We use email, since the only purpose I can think of for a fax would be if something needed a signature and that doesn't come up around here. However, now that I think about it there is a small copier in the back that does have a button on it saying fax, though I'm not sure if it's hooked up to a phone line or not. Still this is beside the point since even if it does work, there's no way we're gonna let you use it and thanks to the glare you're shooting me I'm now willing to tell you there's no such thing as a fax machine in the entire state of California.
Me: No.
Seriously, going in circles and huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf isn't going to get you what you want. This is a public library, we only offer so many services and most of them involve books. Also, yes the new hours may be inconvenient for you, but if you are willing to either come in person or call during the hours we are actually open, there are things we can do to make it more accommodating for you. But trying to annoy your way to getting what you want just pisses me off and it definitely doesn't do you any favors.
Would YOU like to stay behind after your quitting time and work for free, passive aggressive arsehole?
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