My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on February 14, 2015

There was no love lost from customers of Intuit’s Turbo Tax software, and like many, I quickly looked to their competitors when I saw Intuit’s “money grab” in January 2015. Although the company responded with an apology and offered a $25 rebate to those who eventually figured out they needed to upgrade their Deluxe edition to the more expensive Premier or or even more expensive Home & Business … most were not happy with that particular apology or the $25 peace offering, only available after they e-filed their tax returns.

Now, to give credit where credit is due, Intuit CEO Brad Smith stepped up to the “mistake” with what could be the model of how CEOs should address customers after offending them (YouTube video above). Perhaps Intuit won’t able to correct the 2014 marketing decision, but they have recognized the massive backlash from customers … who at one time were most likely customers for life. I’m not sure what more could have said after the fact, but the January 29th apology and steps that announced to address customers anger and frustration is a good template for CEOs who find themselves in similar hot water. I’ve yet to see the reinstated forms in the Deluxe version, or where pricing will be set next year, but Mr. Smith’s response was good.

I still dislike the decision Intuit made in 2014 to gouge their customers … and am still puzzled why their website does not reflect what I think CEO Brad Smith said  …  but I’ll give credit to Brad Smith and his mea culpa so long as they follow through with the “reinstating all the previous forms” in the Deluxe version of TurboTax.

January 29, 2015 / TurboTaxBlogTeam — LINK

We recently communicated with customers about the changes we made to TurboTax desktop software products and apologized for mishandling this important decision.

Many of you told us that our apology and explanation were just not good enough. You said that our offer of money back was too complicated. And you wanted to know what would happen next year. All valid points. You also clearly told us what would make this right.

You want your TurboTax desktop product to do what it always has done – handle the same tax situations as it did in years past. We’ve heard you, and we’re going to fix it.

Next year, we’re changing back to the TurboTax desktop software you know and love, restoring the forms that you’ve counted on for years.

Beginning February 7th, returning Deluxe desktop customers who need to upgrade will be able to do so within the product for free, making it simple and seamless.

For returning customers who have already upgraded to Premier at the higher price, we are continuing to offer $25 cash back through April 20. Just go to www.TurboTax.com/25back to get your money.

We will be communicating to our desktop customers in the coming days. In addition, Brad Smith, Intuit president and CEO, posted this video on LinkedIn.

I realize this hasn’t been easy on you, and I’m sorry for that. I also recognize that it took us too long to make this right. We are committed to regaining your trust.

You matter to us. You always have.

Sasan Goodarzi, General Manager
Intuit TurboTax

Category: Business, Financial, Marketing, Software, Video | 2 Comments »
Tags: apology, Brad Smith, income, intuit, Software, taxes, youtube

Posted By RichC on February 13, 2015

The U.S. stock market rallied this week and closed Friday in nose bleed territory. The Dow finished the day at 18,019.35 up 47 points and S&P 500 setting a new record as well up .41 percent at 2096.99. The Nasdaq was up as well and closed at 4893.84, nearing its old high of 5,048.62 back on March 10, 2000 … that was 15 years ago!

The firming oil prices are partially credited for the new highs and the headline of a Ukraine and Russia peace didn’t hurt either. Some of the euphoria has some cautious investors’ nerves on edge, wondering if we are once again adding too much air to the balloon?

finviz.com

Category: Financial | No Comments »
Tags: indices, investing, markets, stocks, trading

Posted By RichC on February 13, 2015

Judging from the suggestions complaints to Google from users making an accidental “mouse swipe” through their online Calendar app, it looks like I’m not the only one frustrated. The problem of scrolling to the wrong month has existed for years and is most noticeable when using the Apple OS and their Magic Mouse. The sensitivity seems to be exaggerated when using Google Calendar in a browser and it is very easy to scroll back and forth to different months without even realizing it. People have begged for a fix, but so far haven’t found a way to disable to feature on just the Google online app.

Enter a work-a-round semi-fix by using the MagicPrefs app to adjust the one-finger mouse gestures used on Apple’s Magic Mouse. I’ve recently installed the app and basically adjusted “only” the diagonal and horizontal scrolling …  at least for now.

After loading the app (auto load at reboot) and bringing up the apps preferences, click “configure scrolling” and uncheck the One Finger Scrolling boxes as indicated in the image below. For my own use, I also resized the sensitivity “patch” on the mouse to reflect only the approximate area used by a scroll wheel. This can be adjusted to meet your personal needs, but since I used a bluetooth scroll wheel mouse on my laptop, de-sensitizing the Magic Mouse on my iMac is not a problem.

If you’ve been fighting the Google Calendar scrolling issue and have a Mac, give MagicPrefs a try.

Category: Apple, Cloud, Computer, How-To, Software | 2 Comments »
Tags: apple, calendar, google, magic, mouse, techfriday

Posted By RichC on February 12, 2015

The litigious society we live in gets plenty of criticism, most of it deservingly, but all to often the benefits are overlooked. Air travel for example is safer than it has ever been thanks to innovation and attention to design, maintenance, technology and training … and the improvements due to the costs forced on manufacturers and the airlines by aviation lawyers.

Although the follow up attention in the U.S. is minimal, several recent high profile disasters have involved Malaysian Airlines and mostly foreign passengers. In the case of MH17, a Boeing 777 shot down in eastern Ukraine on July 17th, my brother-in-law is in the thick of it as an aviation lawyer representing families who has suffered lost. Here’s a story from News Corp Australia.

American aviation lawyer Jerry Skinner is representing five Australian families
bereaved by MH17. Picture: Adam Smith. Source: News Corp Australia

Australian family of MH17 victims to seek better deal

ONE Australian family bereaved by the MH17 disaster will go it alone in legal action against Malaysia Airlines as a test case for other next of kin.

Thirty-eight Australian citizens and residents were among the 298 people killed when the Boeing 777 was apparently shot out of the sky over eastern Ukraine on July 17 last year.

American aviation lawyer Jerry Skinner who is representing five Australian families from New South Wales, Canberra, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, said he was preparing a case against the airline “on the issue of bad faith and not following the Montreal Convention”.

Under the convention, airlines involved in crashes are required to pay compensation of $180,000 for each person killed.

Mr Skinner said he had not decided which client would face court to fight for a better deal.

“All of our clients are different — some of them are willing to fight harder and are more angry, some of them are still just hurt,” said Mr Skinner, who helped secure a $2.7 billion payout from Libya for the 270 victims of the 1988 Lockerbie disaster.

“It has to be the right one (for the test case).”

He said time was a factor for any litigants with the law allowing just two years from the crash date for legal action to be filed.

“We still have some time to wait and observe and do our own investigation and get all the information and data we can before we make allegations,” Mr Skinner said.

“You want to come as close to making allegations that are true and supportable by evidence as you can, and right now you’d have to guess on an awful lot.”

Malaysia Airlines has insisted it is acting in good faith in relation to compensation for next of kin, and following the Montreal Convention to the letter.

Families of passengers from MH370 were also expected to seek legal representation, in the wake of the declaration of accident by Malaysia in the baffling case.

The Malaysia Airlines’ jet disappeared almost a year ago, on the way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board.

Mr Skinner said despite not knowing what happened to their loved ones, next of kin were not really able to sue for “emotional anguish”.

“Unfortunately, in matters like this, when no-one is left who knows what happens and there’s an absence of proof, the court in that circumstance will not allow evidence of anguish and suffering,” he said.

“So all you get are economic losses. The non-economic losses are frequently capped to very low amounts because the rationale is no-one can measure the value of human suffering.”

LINK

Category: Aviation, News, Personal | No Comments »
Tags: airline, disaster, jerry skinner, legal, malaysia, mh17, ukraine

Posted By RichC on February 11, 2015

This content is restricted.

Category: Audio, Music | No Comments »
Tags: mp3, Music, songwriting, van morrison

Posted By RichC on February 10, 2015

A journalist I really respect, Sharyl Attkisson, delivered a Tedx talk a couple days ago and discussed “Astroturf and manipulation of media messages” as it relates to the perversion of grassroots reporting and marketing. The concept of astroturfing is to deceptively use all forms of media and social networks in order to manipulate thoughts and opinions. This is done primarily by masking those who are sponsoring or promoting their product or agenda … an is increasingly effective on the Internet.

Attkisson’s short talk is worth listening to and considering the next time you “think” the evidence regarding a product or issue is solid. (as a fan of Wikipedia, I need to remember, as she says, it is “an astroturfer’s dream come true”). 

Category: Marketing, Social Media, Video | 3 Comments »
Tags: astroturf, attkisson, journalism, media, sheryl, tedx

Posted By RichC on February 9, 2015

When I was down working on our sailboat Encore last week (helped my friend Mark on Zola), I must admit it felt good to be in shorts and flip-flops for a couple days. The weather was sunny but not necessarily hot … but perfect for boat work.

Primarily the goal was to meet up with Tim LaValley, a diesel repair guy (and his daughter Bridget) since something wasn’t quite right with our Volvo 2003 diesel. By the time he was done assessing the problem, it was clear to me that the problem was more than just questionable fuel in the tank, the Racor filter or the questionable home made anti-siphon valve (I’m replacing the corroded metal one below). Parts came off, a leaking injector pulled, the alternator sent out to be serviced and new seals/gaskets ordered. Ugh, but so glad I consulted him since I know just enough about working on diesel engines to be dangerous!

Another project was for Mark and I to work a top our masts (hoisted Mark up on Zola in the bosun’s chair). I put my new Mast Mate climbing ladder to work with Mark on the safety line, and all went well … but my legs were sure sore the next day. The offset bayonet LED anchor light is now working (night photo at the dock below) as are the navigation lights that I replaced last trip (solar Nicro vent repaired too). All in all, the improvements will save a few amp hours as LEDs are a miniscule draw on Encore’s battery bank compared to incandescent bulbs.

Category: Sailing | No Comments »
Tags: anti-siphon, diesel, encore, mastmate, projects, sailboat, volvo

Posted By RichC on February 8, 2015

It was a beautiful mid-February weekend here in southwest Ohio and perfect for driving the old Mercedes and washing the salt off our Honda Pilot. On Saturday I drove up to my brother and sister-in-law’s house to see my dad for the afternoon and take him out to lunch. He is currently staying with them and is doing a little better … although unless something changes will need assistance to live on his own again.

Brenda’s mom seems to be stable and happy as she was with us last weekend and they drove up to see “my dad” bringing him lunch. We are trying to do our part in caring for our parents, but SO thankful to have Brenda’s sister and my brother stepping up taking the primary care role. Thank you Chris and Ron. It is difficult to watch parents getting older and trying to decided on how to appropriately care for them?

Category: Personal, Photos | 1 Comment »
Tags: dadc, momh, photo, sunset, winter

Posted By RichC on February 7, 2015

Those spending much time around me know that I’m a pocket knife (and tool) kind of guy. I’ve carried a knife ever since I was 5 years old … yes FIVE. I actually still have that “little tiny” inch and a quarter bladed souvenir pocket knife that was given to me by my grandfather. He would later give me a couple of his abused pocket knives … usually from his fishing tackle box.

Years after my grandfather past away, when I was a Boy Scout I started buying my own knives beginning with a B.S.A. multi-function knife.  I upgraded to the Victorinox and Wenger branded knives when I was in high school and have continued adding to my collection ever since. Over the years I’ve own many knives, but had a very special one given to me by my son Taylor when he was a Student Ambassador and purchased it for me when he was in Switzerland. It was a unique model called the Swiss Flame; it was only sold between 2002 and 2005 overseas and was engraved with my name. Unfortunately it never worked correctly (the flame part) and sat in my drawer. Last month I decided to send it in to SwissArmy.com to have it fixed… lifetime warranty and all. Unfortunately the news of this discontinued product was not good – it could not be repaired.

In keeping with the Karl and Carl Eisener reputation, Victorinox AG offered to send me a new knife of equal value … and after deliberation, I decide on the SwissTool™ Spirit X which is the Victorinox version of the Leatherman tool. I do have a couple different Leatherman tools, but never a Swiss branded one … so I’m looking forward to it. Supposedly the Spirit X is a little small than the big brother tool call the SwissTool … and I’m hoping it might be easier to carry in a pocket (I will update).

SwissTool™ Spirit X — Item Number:  53814

Quickly utilize any number of tools within the SwissTool Spirit X while its individual springs securely hold all other implements in place so that you’re able to access whatever tool you need, one tool at a time.

LINK

Category: Misc, Tools | 4 Comments »
Tags: knife, leatherman, pocket, tools, victorinox, wenger

Posted By RichC on February 6, 2015

While watching my Twitter feed and tuning into Squawkbox on CBNC (my usual morning routine), the excitement was notable particularly since partisans on both sides of the political spectrum spar to take credit for improving numbers. We do seem to be on a trajectory of adding jobs consistently which should eventually put pressure on employers to increase wages … if the government doesn’t beat them to it in “legislating” new minimum wage laws (let the market dictate IMHO).

One of the positive stories that brought together both jobs and the US consumer economy was Buffalo Wild Wings $BWLD reflecting on a good quarter and the 11 million wing they sold during Superbowl XLIX Sunday. CEO Sally Smith (pictured) in her exchange with Squawkbox regulars and guest indicated that 1.2 Billion wings were sold which lead to a semi-comical discussion about numbers of chickens … and one pretty funny comment from Barney Frank toward host Joe Kernen.

CNBC – Squawkbox (MP3) Barney Frank to Joe Kernen – Feb 6, 2015