Sometimes I think the reason some companies have switched to electronic telephone operators instead of real humans is because of people like me who have been rude to real humans in the past. I am ashamed of the times I called somebody up, trying to find out about my insurance policy or why I couldn't get my digital recorder to work. Sometimes the person at the other end of the phone seemed unable to comprehend the question - of course, I'm not always as articulate as I could be when I'm yelling hysterically. And, worse, the more I yelled the more disinterested the operator became. Really, what the heck does some guy in Bangalore care about whether or not I can program the clock on my coffee maker? I can scream all I want but he can check out mentally and nobody gets anywhere/Kathy Hedberg, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: When did you last deal with an electronic telephone operator? What help did you need?