- Statistics. Demographics and survey results regarding Internet habits is a huge industry. Web planners rely on information from these sources in planning web sites and justifying marketing and promotional expenediture.

- B2B (Business to Business). When I began in Computer Hardware sales some years ago, I spent a great deal of time and money on national and international phone calls to locate components. In 2001, if contacting a supplier meant having to pick up a telephone; I wouldn't bother doing business with them. The B2B world of today means that wholesalers and retailers have a means of fast and efficient communications and transactions; Internet.

Bill Gates is reported to have said something along lines of: "In a few years, there will only be 2 types of businesses, those that are online and those that are out of business." You may not buy anything online yourself, but I'll guarantee that most of companies that supply you with goods and services do - knowingly or not we all have our role in this brave new world......

Michael Bloch  michael@tamingthebeast.net  http://www.tamingthebeast.net Tutorials, web content and tools, software and community. Web Marketing, eCommerce & Development solutions. _____________________________________________ 

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SHE: "Ah...mmmmm...tha...hmmmm....well, yes...alright." Sherry gives her a final glare and we go to machine.

Sherry goes through same procedure that I used. And, I watch closely as she keys in PIN, hits WITHDRAW CASH, selects account, and punches in 140.00, and lo, money runneth over! And immediately, I know why machine ate card when I did it, and I know also that there probably is a program bug in software or firmware. A bug so simple, a novice programmer would be able to fix it...or maybe an ATM service techy.

"Ya gotta be kidding," says Sherry looking at machine, shaking her head, when I tell her. I nod my head, grinning like an idiot. "Well," says Sherry, "what are yer gonna do about it?"

_________________

What I Thought Of Doing: "Now, *I'm* gonna have some fun..." Leaving Sherry to count money, I go back to Service Desk.

'Colgate' is still there, smiling but obviously a bit uncomfortable to see me back. "Good news...it worked OK." The relief on her face was palpable. I paused. "And, guess what?" She leaned forward slightly, expectantly. "I know why machine failed first time I did it..." And smiled. She looked a bit confused, but then even more expectant.

With a wave, I said, "Have a day!" and walked out. __________________

What I Did Instead: "Now, *I'm* gonna have some fun..." Leaving Sherry to count money, I go back to Service Desk.

'Colgate' is still there, smiling but obviously a bit uncomfortable to see me back. "Good news...it worked OK." The relief on her face was palpable. I paused. "And, guess what?" She leaned forward slightly, expectantly. "I know why machine failed first time I did it..." And proceeded to give her a very detailed and complicated explanation, very quickly. I really wasn't too concerned about her comprehension; she looked a bit confused as I finished...which was understandable, given jargon I used.

With a wave, I said, "Well, there you are...better get it done quickly!" and walked out.

CRM? Cruddy Response Management, is what I say. ;-)

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P.S. OK, if you want to know why ATM ate Danny's card first time (in Part 1), click this link and fill in form: http://online-wealth.com/crm_solution.htm .

Roger Burke has been involved with computers since 1967, and has managed to break quite a few, over the years. He, and his wife Sherry, are now actively engaged in online self-publishing and promoting specific affiliate programs at http://online-wealth.com . If you have any comments or questions about this article, please send emails to mailto:webmaster@online-wealth.com . Copyright 2001, Online-Wealth. All rights reserved.