I agree!!!
I'm currently working for the National Art Center, doing surveys with their subscribers. Unlike my former job doing surveys for the government, people are actually interested in our surveys so I can get a lot more of them done in a day, and since we're calling people from the NAC data base, the horrors of cold calling random Joe Public can be avoided.
And that's just about where the advantages end. All said and done, we're still doing phone surveys after all.
Which means there are days when you want to yank out your hair (if the headset doesn't snag it and rip it out first) as you try to make people understand relatively simple instructions.
Case in point, here's a rather common scenario in my day's work:
Me: "I'm going to read you a series of statements that other people have made about their 2005/6 orchestra experience. For each one please tell me whether you strongly agree, moderately agree, moderately disagree, or strongly disagree"
Client affirms that he has understood said instructions. I read the statement.
Client: "Oh I agree with that!"
...Pause as I grit my remaining teeth and take a deep breath...
Me, in as pleasant a tone as I can muster u,p given the fact that I've been through this dozens of times today already: "Is that strongly agree or moderately?"
Client gives answer and I read next statement.
Client: "Disagree!"
Me: "moderately or strongly?"
Now we repeat this process another 12 times. We move on to a few other simple questions, then move to the next series of comment-response questions.
Me: "I'm now going to read you some statements other people have made about their renewal decision. Please tell me whether you strongly agree...
Client: "mmm hmmm"
Me: "Moderately agree"...
Client: "ok"
Me: "Moderately disagree"
Client: "Ok"
Me: "Or strongly disagree."
Client: "Got it"
I read the statement.
Client: "No! I disagree with that!"
Pause as I proceed to knock out my remaining teeth as I bang my head against the side of the cubicle.
Yes, this is what I do all day... wanna trade?
Finally, just when you think it can't get any better...
Me, reading comment to be agreed/disagreed: "The NAC is not as commited to providing a first rate orchestra program as it used to be"
Client: Bullsh$@#!
Me: Stunned silence.
... Suppressed chuckle.
Then:...
"Will that strongly disagree, sir?"
--
I'd best buy a helmet before my next shift. Something tells me it's going to be a loooong week. :P
And that's just about where the advantages end. All said and done, we're still doing phone surveys after all.
Which means there are days when you want to yank out your hair (if the headset doesn't snag it and rip it out first) as you try to make people understand relatively simple instructions.
Case in point, here's a rather common scenario in my day's work:
Me: "I'm going to read you a series of statements that other people have made about their 2005/6 orchestra experience. For each one please tell me whether you strongly agree, moderately agree, moderately disagree, or strongly disagree"
Client affirms that he has understood said instructions. I read the statement.
Client: "Oh I agree with that!"
...Pause as I grit my remaining teeth and take a deep breath...
Me, in as pleasant a tone as I can muster u,p given the fact that I've been through this dozens of times today already: "Is that strongly agree or moderately?"
Client gives answer and I read next statement.
Client: "Disagree!"
Me: "moderately or strongly?"
Now we repeat this process another 12 times. We move on to a few other simple questions, then move to the next series of comment-response questions.
Me: "I'm now going to read you some statements other people have made about their renewal decision. Please tell me whether you strongly agree...
Client: "mmm hmmm"
Me: "Moderately agree"...
Client: "ok"
Me: "Moderately disagree"
Client: "Ok"
Me: "Or strongly disagree."
Client: "Got it"
I read the statement.
Client: "No! I disagree with that!"
Pause as I proceed to knock out my remaining teeth as I bang my head against the side of the cubicle.
Yes, this is what I do all day... wanna trade?
Finally, just when you think it can't get any better...
Me, reading comment to be agreed/disagreed: "The NAC is not as commited to providing a first rate orchestra program as it used to be"
Client: Bullsh$@#!
Me: Stunned silence.
... Suppressed chuckle.
Then:...
"Will that strongly disagree, sir?"
--
I'd best buy a helmet before my next shift. Something tells me it's going to be a loooong week. :P