After we discussed the content of the messages and the music, I asked to see the equipment they were using so I could deliver the completed message in the correct format. A simple request, but, while I did not remember the client's system, I did remember how difficult it is to access.
My contact had to summon the IT manager who had the key to "the telephone room." When the IT guru approached, he had a suspicious look on his face (OK, that sounds wrong...I mean he looked at me suspiciously.). His body language made it clear I was seeking admission to a spot to which I had no right. In fact, while he had a key in his hand, he made no move toward the lock...But simply stopped and stared at me. My host explained I wanted to look at the message-on-hold system...To which Mr. IT grunted, "Why?"
By this time I'm thinking, "Just open the damn door so I can get out of here. It's only a message-on-hold." But I smiled and explained it had been a few years since I had supplied them with any material, and I wanted to determine the correct format for delivery. Well, how could I be so stupid...IT rolled his eyes and sighed audibly.
In an effort to ease what was for him clearly a painful encounter with an idiot, I began trying to talk with him like a real person...There had to be one in there somewhere.
Nope.
Anyway, eventually he told me the system loads from an mp3 format, which brought a big smile to my face. "You mean I can just email the file to you and you can load the new message?", I asked. Another look of disgust washed over his face...yes, mortal, of course you can email it.
I left the happiest I've been in days...thanks to technology, I never have to deliver any physical product, never have to ask permission for entry into the inner sanctum sanctorum, and, best of all, I never have to see Mr. IT face to face again...hmmmm, never did get in that telephone room. Oh well, technology rocks!
Bill
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