If Loving Dell is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right

I can never say it enough that in life that if you want something, you have to ask for it. So many people just figure the time and effort to get things taken care of isn’t worth it. I’m here to tell you that it is.

A couple of months ago, I wrote a post about Dell and my dissatisfaction with the company’s customer service when I had an issue with my laptop palm rest. It had cracked in multiple places. I went through a couple of weeks dealing with CSRs in India, with whom I found difficulty communicating in an effective way to get the problem resolved. I had pretty much given up hope of finding a resolution to a problem that I saw as unacceptable.

Enter Bob Pearson, Senior Vice President of Conversations and Communities. He had come onto my radar back in the fall during a Webinar about marketing, the power of word of mouth and the blogosphere. I sent my blog link directly to Mr. Pearson. It took a while to get a response ( a spam blocker problem), but when we finally connected on the phone, he put me in touch with another executive in Texas who was able to help me. He carefully diagnosed the problem over the phone and then had me send the unit overnight to him at no cost to me to confirm his suspicions. He kindly replaced the entire palm rest and cleaned out the unit itself, which appeared to have about three pounds of dust inside (at least that’s how it seemed from the photo he emailed me documenting the process!). About four days later, I received the laptop back in better working order than before. Dell could have said I should buy a new laptop, but luckily they had the integrity to stand by their product and restore the casing of a perfectly good one.

This was a great customer service story. Considering all the Starbucks rants I have made in the last year and never heard a thing from anyone in Seattle, I’m glad to know that Dell is interested in making things right. Thanks Richard!

Vancouver-Based Vantage Art Projects Call for Submissions in U.S., Canada and Abroad, Uncle Paulie

Vantage Art Projects has announced an open call for submissions for VANTAGE POINT, a EXHIBITION-IN-PRINT curated by PAUL BUTLER. Artists of any age and discipline, from any country in the world, are invited to submit in response to their curatorial theme.

Paul Butler is a Winnipeg-based artist, curator and dealer with an interest in multidisciplinary, social and alternative pedagogical practices (www.theotherpaulbutler.com). Paul's oeuvre includes The Collage Party, The Other Gallery and the Upper Trading Post. He has exhibited at locations including: MOCA, LA; White Columns, NYC and Sparwasser HQ, Berlin. Curatorial projects have included artists Matthew Higgs, Mitzi Pederson, DearRaindrop and Guy Maddin.

30 selected artists will be published along with a selection of Paul's work and collaborations with other artists. To be launched in June 2009, this project is unique in the scope of its inclusiveness, and in the overall aim to create open dialogue in visual arts through art publications.

The curatorial theme developed by Paul is in keeping with his own collaborative multi-disciplinary and social intervention-based art practice. Artists may submit up to 3 works in response to the concept: “Community and Collaboration as a Form of Pedagogy”. For submission and further definition to:

www.VantageArtProjects.com/current_submissions.html.

Submission deadline is Saturday, March 21, 2009. All submissions will be blind-juried and a submission fee is required.

Vantage Art Projects supports the contemporary arts through a commitment to providing parallel opportunities for artists, and connecting art enthusiasts and collectors with exciting new talent. The scope of projects includes: Vantage Exhibitions, Vantage Art Press and Vantage Editions.

For further information email info@vantageartprojects.com.

Resolving 2008 Into 2009

There is no doubt that in 2009, people will have to begin thinking in a more innovative way. That means being scrappy and hustling when it comes to career as well achieving their life goals. Things could never be more different and uncertain than they seem to be now. While we're all feeling like fish out of water, why not use it as an opportunity to change thinking and "resolve to absolve," so to speak, in a new way?

What of 2008 would you like to forget? When contemplating your New Year's resolutions for 2009, it's best to sit down with pad and pen in hand to make note of those things you'd like to change. It's been said that people tend to believe things more if they are put in writing. Goals are also more likely to be achieved if you make a list of them. Having a blueprints is always a good thing. I have found these proverbs to be very true. On average, I see about eighty percent of my goals realized each year--not bad odds, huh?

As you embark on a healthier and happier 2009, here are some smart ways to think about New Year's resolutions:

1) Don't make too many resolutions. Make an initial list of things you wish you could change. Narrow it down and commit to your top three. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day! Once you know what you have to do, put your list away in a safe place for next year so that you can reflect on what you have achieved.

2) Keep your resolutions realistic and attainable. For example, I love to shop, so I pick goals like spending less cash on items I don't need, all the while keeping more important things in mind. That means remembering that those two new pairs of shoes equals the price of an airplane ticket home to the West Coast to see my family.

3) Give it the "old college try!" Understand that it's likely you will break at least one of your resolutions. If you do, don't beat yourself up. You're in good company, and for many, making life change starts with forgiveness--especially of yourself--and the old patterns, which are hard for most people to overcome.

4) If you break a resolution, have a sense of humor about falling short of your goal. Host a party with friends to sip cocktails and confess why it all went wrong. Be supportive of one another as you venture out into the New Year, attempting to make other resolutions. Always pat yourself on the back for making any little life change, whether it's a small attitude adjustment or just losing a pound or two.

5)Finally, and most importantly, start a skincare regimen, and splurge for the good products! Trust me, and I think all gay men would have to agree with this--it's worth it. Knowing your skin looks great will give you the confidence to get through anything the day can dish out!

Happy New Year!






Copyright Uncle Paulie's World 2009