24 Jun 2016
For those who are in the process of buying a house, receiving your region’s multiple listing service (RMLS) via email is a common way of getting real time updates on houses that match your criteria. This post examines some of the issues I’ve experienced first hand using this information, and some solutions that might make the experience a little more enjoyable.
2 Jun 2016
This article was a painful reminder at how broken the health care system is today. It proved statements we’ve made in the past at how inefficiency can make processes more frustrating and challenging. If we are fortunate with good health, then some of these issues are minor hassles in our life – though still unnecessary. But there are millions who are not as fortunate. Those with the more challenging of issues, most likely have to deal with these obstacles and frustrations more than they ever should. How much more stress can we add to people who are just trying to get better; who are just trying to live? How many experiences do we have to suffer through, until we start to talk about real solutions? With every problem, a solution is out there ready to be tested – this one is long overdue.
22 Apr 2011
We recently received notification that our google apps account was transitioning to be more like a regular google email address. It contained this wonderful line:
“The Help Center also has answers to many common questions (note that you won’t be able to view the full Help Center until you’ve been transitioned).”
24 Aug 2010
I recently received a welcome packet in the mail from our overpriced health insurance provider, which encouraged me to head to their web site to setup my account. They assure me that it is going to change how I manage my health!
3 Mar 2010
My nephew just turned 5 years old, which means that I was recently seeking a birthday gift. Last year, I had taken him to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) where he appeared to have a great time playing and learning. Money well spent.
In the back of my mind, I had been planning to purchase him an annual membership so that he could go more often. As his birthday neared, I began to look into this and was quickly discouraged by their membership packages.
At first glance, this may seem straight forward and reasonably priced. Yet, none of these plans were targetting my situation. You see, my goal was to purchase a membership for my nephew. One that might allow myself, his parents, grandparents, or babysitters to take him. Currently, this isn’t possible because their plans require named adult(s) and a number of kids they can take. I’m sure this works for many people, but I believe that a better option would be one geared towards the individual kids.
When I went to review their plans, I was expectig to purchase something like this:
..but all I could do is purchase a membership for some adult(s). Feeling disatisfied with my options, I decided to get in touch with OMSI. I sent in an email over a month ago to explain my scenario and see if they had a way to setup a special membership. Unfortunately, they never bothered to respond. Perhaps I’ll need to call someone in their offices to inquire, but regardless… I really find their strategy flawed.
Story time…
When I was younger, I had several membership cards to various attractions. One was GoKart license, another for an aquarium, and one for an amusement park. I was proud of my GoKart license and kept it in my wallet as kid. I remember getting newsletters in the mail from the aquarium letting me know about upcoming events. This would motivate me to ask my parents to take me (or find someone else to do it for them). I could imagine that this sort of membership model would be a great way to engage kids and invite them back on a more frequent basis. Kids are great at getting adults to take them to do stuff…
In the end, Micah (my nephew) didn’t get a membership pass and OMSI didn’t convert a ready-to-buy birthday shopper.
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