About 1 this afternoon, I decided it would be good to turn in ‘change of address’ for my magazines. They number about 12, depending on what good offers come into my line of vision….usually anything under $10 is good for me….. Most magazines should be covered by advertisements, especially those who advertise their products in order to decorate more, eat more, live better, or have a fancy ride.

Anyhow, today was a good afternoon to find those 800 numbers and/or the website to make the change….Little did I know how stupid that was! I commend magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, and Time who actually had some live person talk to me….It is okay to scream if you have been down this road before.

The nice recordings were just that, nice…they talked nice, promised the world in the ability to help you quickly and efficiently, but when the rubber met the road, it was a disaster.  I speak pretty well,  but not to them.  My street address was always interpreted wrong, no matter how I spoke, spelled, or punched in numbers.  Must say she still contained  her composure however, even as I hung up.

I did try to prepare….picking a copy of each magazine and looking for the account number above my name…that doesn’t work at all because the sales/shipping department never told the customer service department they send the account info on plastic wrap that is discarded as soon as the magazine is received.  That would be something perhaps the owners of the magazine could look in to….I’m afraid it would surprise many a CEO,CFO, or CPO if he is interested.  Print important information on the magazine…..any woman will tell you that!

While we are on that subject, do not keep sending me bills to renew, if my magazine is paid in full thru 2025.  You are wasting your paper and my time.  That’s what all those inserts are for that keep falling out of the magazines, remember. But I digress…..

I even used websites for my change of address….or tried…some websites never came up….even when I typed it in identically from the magazine page….what the!!!! My favorites, however, were the websites that gave all the information anyone would ever need about the publication and its articles….except customer service, change of address, or an 800 number.  It was no where to be found….and nothing, I repeat, nothing aggravated me as much as reading 4 pages of upcoming article previews, when I had 11 more magazines to go thru….

Whoever does websites..take a good like at how they will be used….I realize there are many, but an easy way to change an address, subscribe, cancel, or gift would be very welcomed….Included in that info should  be the length of time for the change of address, if that wonderful option is offered….all periodicals should do that, at least til the USPS decides that mail is mail and forward when needed, not just 1st class.  I did inquire regarding forwarding…answer was (are you ready) they will forward all mail including periodicals for 60 days……after that IT IS OPTIONAL! What the hell does that mean?

And while we’re talking about USPS, try finding a number for the local post office, anywhere, including old phone books, and web listings that number in the 100s, discussing the post office….my word, why such a secret.  The frustration level of millions would immediately decrease by just including a phone number…even using a 7 year old to answer…anyone who can communicate…..just give it a thought!

Maybe I shouldn’t pick on men for designing websites…I should pick on them for making stoves with more nooks and crannies to hold boiled over chili, than any woman could ever think of….Make them smooth, people smooth.    sorry…..I’ll be better tomorrow, or tonight after a glass of wine.