Welcome family, friends, associates and cyber-travelers, to a
A whenever-I-can rumination of what is truly important or not-so-important in writing, editing, publishing, PR, marketing, and oh, the world in general.
Rochelle Writes ~ Blog
Posted July 6, 2011, Vol. 5, No. 3, noon PDT
Have you asked yourself lately ...
How much time am I spending spinning my wheels? Technology is for the rich and geeky.
I'm SO frustrated. I'm a writer and an editor--not a techie. Let me rephrase that ... I'm a "starving artist" writer and an editor on a strict budget during this no-recession-anymore-climate--not a techie. That means anywhere I can save a few dollars or more than a few, I do; that includes this website.
Unfortunately, I am not in a position to pay someone else to build websites for me, so I'm forced into a DIY alternative. I'm not a complete idiot. I can follow directions and eventually navigate a template-based system enough to build a site, customize it, and occasionally update it. That is, when it's functioning properly and evil forces of greed, stupidity, and lack of what used to be termed "customer service" don't foist themselves upon the situation.
Especially freelance, independent contractors, we must always consider "time is money." So how much time are you spending unnecessarily that ultimately costs you money, rather than saving it? Although I am faced with that issue right now, I have to suffer with it, because even though I'm spending more time on my websites due to an issue with web host, I don't have the budget to pay someone else. So I am definitely losing money--and that does not make me happy.
I'm spending unplanned, lengthy time which = money lost, because my webhosting company has not, after approximately a year, found a "suitable" DIY template service to replace the ailing one they previously offered, and on which all of my sites are built. While the overlying issue is not of their doing, that they have taken so long and not found a replacement, is reprehensible, considering the circumstances.
Additionally, they recently upgraded to new servers--normally a commendable action; however, when doing so, not all of the ailing Site Studio elements transferred with it--the migration was done approximately 3 weeks ago, and I realized over the long weekend that the process, which was NOT supposed to interfere with my sites (or at worst, any issues would be immediately corrected), caused all of my images to stop displaying. And today, after having submitted a "trouble ticket" last Saturday and needing to follow up again today, I learn that there is a process I will have to complete with ALL of my images in order to make them reappear again.
Did IX Webhosting notify me of this issue 3 weeks ago? No. Are they offering me any compensation for taking MY time to work on this issue, when it is their migration process? No. Are they even apologetic about it? Ha. The attitude is I chose to work with Site Studio rather than "going to school" to learn HTML or spend hundreds to thousands of dollars to have someone else build my website(s). Yep. It's my fault.
- I'm just a customer PAYING GOOD MONEY to host and build my websites. - I chose Site Studio because that was the ONLY template service offered through IX Webhosting. - I expect any hosting company to stand by its services and remedy issues created by them or their service providers. - I also expect my hosting company to notify me when they KNOW there is an issue; and provide information about what is being done, and advise of my options.
It's my right to use DIY products, but I'm tired of shelling out my
hard-earned dollars for inferior service and faulty technology. I've been more than patient over the past year, dealing with the hobbling program that doesn't work well with any of the browsers (I've tried 'em all!), and barely allows updates, as is.
It's time for a customer service rebellion, folks! Who's with me?! Send me a note--anyone else using IX Webhosting and Site Studio? Let me know what your experience has been.
Ciao for now!
LR
Bonus summer leftovers from last post:
8 ebooks to jump-start your summer reading list
A mix of new and a few summers past in case you missed them, with something for everyone.
by LinDee Rochelle A Boomer book for summer fun that is entertaining for everyone! All ages will find something to enjoy and laugh at in Blast from Your Past! Along with a quick smash of Rock & Roll history, it tells the tales of 15 DJs beginning their careers in the burgeoning babyhood of Rock & Roll radio. And it’s all true! High profile and small market DJs too, it’s a beach bag bonus ebook.
2.) Witch Hunt by Devin O’Branagan Leigh has been married to a Hawthorne for a decade, but never knew the family secret: the Hawthornes are witches. When the dynamic Preacher Cody instigates a new worldwide witch hunt, Leigh must choose sides. Will she stand with her husband and children, or will she run? This isn't the first witch hunt the Hawthornes have faced, but it could be their last. Will anyone survive? A classic, intriguing novel, updated for the 21st Century!
3.) Fight Your Medical Insurance Nightmares by Linda Meckler Do you wake up at night worrying about your medical bills? Are you trying to make heads or tales out of a loved one’s health insurance and billing statements? Now you have a book that will help you cut through the red tape and get results. It clarifies medical insurance terminology, includes sample appeal letters and succinctly explains Medicare parts A, B C and D. Be informed. Stay healthy.
4.) BennyPlays the Blues by John D. Wolf Saxophone player Benny Hager's life turns upside down when he’s accused of murder in connection with an exotic robbery case connected to his father’s death. Benny returns to his native New York to settle his father’s estate and discovers the loot from the heist hidden in his sax case. Greeted by tenacious cops, nefarious thugs, and an angry daughter, Benny faces the music in a twisted chain of melodic adventures that may save his life.
5.) Giorgi’s Greek Tragedy by Pauline Hager The Ottoman Turkish Empire occupied Greece from 1453 to 1829. Agents of the sultan’s elite Janissary Corps murder young Giorgi’s parents; seeking revenge, he joins the outlaw Greek freedom fighters. This sweeping historical novel chronicles 1790-1829, in the rugged mountains of the Peloponnese region of Greece. With love in his heart, but revenge in mind, Giorgi trains for battle with the Turks to avenge his parents’ murder and three generations of his family’s persecution.
6.) Bastard Husband: A Love Story by Linda Lou A humorous account of the author's first year alone in Las Vegas after a midlife divorce from someone who was the perfect soulmate―until that one drink too many. The book is threaded with reflections of the relationship and follows her transformation from anger and sadness to the stage of stand-up comedy for the first time, at age 46. Funny and sad, demented and poignant... all at the same time.
7.) Blue Moon Over Miami (updated in ebookformat, Feb. 8, 2011) by John F. Harnish A magical looking-glass view into fantasyland where every vote actually counts. Picture the Vice President in a vicious recount fight with a former President’s son; one state’s vote will decide the election. The lame-duck President resigns citing stress from the sunshine state’s mess and boldly moons the nation during a show-and-tell-all farewell press conference. The VP imposes Martial Law, declares the election invalid, vows to hold a special election, and offers his unworthy opponent the VP slot.
And for your summer BBQ:
8.) CowboyFood by DD Little Simply scrumptious Southwestern fun food! Recipes straight from the Old West with yummy dishes made heart smarter for today’s healthy living. Cook up cowpoke culinary delights like Cowboy Caviar and Competition Chili, for parties, tailgate gatherings, camp outs, family reunions, chili contests and more. Commentary by the irreverently fictional Pappy Jack, a Salty Dog of the Old West with tall tales to chuckle over as you mix and serve your favorite heartwarming snacks.
Bonus ebook #9 for authors:
An Affordable Ebook About Writing And Publishing Ebooks And Digitally Printed Books (An Ebook About Ebooks) by John Franklin This ebook is an Advance Reading Copy (ARC) originally intended for limited circulation to several ebook author friends and selected associates, in the digital book publishing industry. However, experts I conferred with while writing this ebook urged me to release the ARC edition for sale on Amazon and B&N as soon as possible, to increase the potential for reader feedback—this course of action would have been impossible to do with a printed book.
