And ten thousand service workers rose up and demanded "What is this FUCKERY?!"
So, long time no post, mostly because I've got another lj account and I keep forgetting to log onto this one. But this demanded that I spread my rage.
I don't know how many people read Good Housekeeping; I certainly don't. But I recommend people look into the June issue, because they are actively encouraging fucktards. They ran an article called "Don't Get Hooked By Hidden Fees". They actually suggest that people "cause a scene" to get what they want.
Yes, you read that correctly.
A respectable periodical is actually suggesting that their readership should act like irate children. Thus making service industry people's jobs much, much harder.
A direct quote from the article in question:
Another effective in-person tactic is to hold your ground and hold up the line. This approach can be effective when a business (say, a hotel) is trying to move customers through a queue and maintain a cordial atmosphere. Hotels are imposing plenty of fees these days; their revenue from such charges tripled from 2003 to 2006, according to consulting firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers. That's why you may find youself billed a $10-to $15-per-night "resort fee" even if you never use a pool towel; as a result, travelers who scored a great $69-per-night rate online may discover fees are raising their rate to $85 or $100.
Priceline.com fan Bruce Wagner of New York City has repeatedly acted out public displays of emotion to beat back such charges. In the past year, he stood at three hotel check-in desks and argued his way out of resort fees. A reasonable argument repeated frequently is often persuasive, particularly if there's a crowd, says Wagner. "Just gradually raise your voice until you get what you want," he says.
There have already been angry emails sent. The service industry is not pleased with this fuckery. But you know, more angry emails means we might actually make our point. So please feel free to join in the flaming.
Original links-
The post I stole the quote from.
The post that brought the matter to my attention.
Scans of the original article.
I don't know how many people read Good Housekeeping; I certainly don't. But I recommend people look into the June issue, because they are actively encouraging fucktards. They ran an article called "Don't Get Hooked By Hidden Fees". They actually suggest that people "cause a scene" to get what they want.
Yes, you read that correctly.
A respectable periodical is actually suggesting that their readership should act like irate children. Thus making service industry people's jobs much, much harder.
A direct quote from the article in question:
Another effective in-person tactic is to hold your ground and hold up the line. This approach can be effective when a business (say, a hotel) is trying to move customers through a queue and maintain a cordial atmosphere. Hotels are imposing plenty of fees these days; their revenue from such charges tripled from 2003 to 2006, according to consulting firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers. That's why you may find youself billed a $10-to $15-per-night "resort fee" even if you never use a pool towel; as a result, travelers who scored a great $69-per-night rate online may discover fees are raising their rate to $85 or $100.
Priceline.com fan Bruce Wagner of New York City has repeatedly acted out public displays of emotion to beat back such charges. In the past year, he stood at three hotel check-in desks and argued his way out of resort fees. A reasonable argument repeated frequently is often persuasive, particularly if there's a crowd, says Wagner. "Just gradually raise your voice until you get what you want," he says.
There have already been angry emails sent. The service industry is not pleased with this fuckery. But you know, more angry emails means we might actually make our point. So please feel free to join in the flaming.
Original links-
The post I stole the quote from.
The post that brought the matter to my attention.
Scans of the original article.