Mission: Earth

As this is already the third entry on this baby-blog, I feel I've been remiss about making some sort of "mission statement" about its purpose or content or direction. When writing papers, though, I usually write my best introductions last, which leaves me in a bit of a bind... So for now, I'll say that I'm using this blog for the very obvious task of practicing the art of telling stories - an activity in which I'll be engaged in my professional life for the next year.

...Speaking of mission statements and story-telling and telling stories about mission statements, I just wrote my complaining email to Amazon.ca, who have decided to revoke my *Super Saver Free Shipping* after they gibbled-up my order of two books, being unable to find one of them:

"Although we'd expected to be able to send this item to you, we've since found it's not available from any of our sources at this time. We realize this is disappointing news to receive, and we apologize for any inconvenience we've caused you."

That's nice 'n' all. But after viewing my revised order online, I discovered that they've reinstated the $5.90 shipping charge from which I'd been exempted for having ordered more than $39 worth of books. I know it's only $6 and there a lot bigger things to get excited about. But for today, this was it. It's the principle, people. That represents $6 worth of a new book I am supposed to have. Not shipping. Book. They screwed-up, not me - and so I decided to unleash my Furious Anger about the shipping charge to the customer service department. And while writing my venomous e-plaint, I found a little gem on the Amazon.ca website, which I quoted back at them. If you can believe it, their stated mission is to be "Earth's most customer-centric company".

EARTH'S.

Wow.

I'm suddenly struck by just how big I'll need to think when scripting my own mandate...

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Update: Today I received an apology-laden email from my customer service representative at Amazon.ca. I get my free shipping! yay!