Online Shenanigans
These calls came in back-to-back this evening at the library.
Patron (on the phone): I have a business card here, and I want you to type what’s on it into your computer and see what comes up.
Me: Okay. . . .
Patron: H-T-T-P, double slash . . . [sic]
Me (typing and correcting): “http://”
Patron: W-W-W, period, E-B-A-Y, period, C-O-M.
Me (typing): “www.ebay.com” (aloud) All right. I’m on eBay.
Patron: And what does it show?
Me: . . . It shows the eBay.com website.
Patron: . . . .
Me: It’s a popular place where you can buy and sell items online?
Patron 2: I’m going to give you a web address and I need you to give me some information from it.
Me (cringing): Okay.
Patron 2: Go to [website address].
Me: All right, it redirected me to a different site, but I’m there.
Patron 2 (sharply): No, it should’ve taken you right there! [recites slightly different web address]
Me: Well, that’s not quite the same address, but as I said it redirected me. So I’m there.
Patron 2: Okay, click on “Forum” at the upper left corner.
Me: Done.
Patron 2: Now go to the bottom where it says “Users Online.” Do you see anyone logged on whose username starts with a ‘J’? I need to see if my phone line is in use.
Me: (head explodes)
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October 31st, 2009 at 8:05 am
Those are mind-blowing. I’m trying to come up with scenarios which would lead to either call.
The first one I was going to go with an elderly person who just needed someone to verify what the site was before they looked at it, but then I realized that you said they claimed to be reading it from a business card. Weird.
On the second one, I’m guessing they had a tiff with said “J” user and want to avoid having their IP address logged. Yet, somehow it seems fitting that in Utah a person might think it’s a more acceptable excuse to claim spying on one’s own household. :)
November 6th, 2009 at 8:27 am
You’re funny!
JP´s last blog ..Tarzan Zoo Prank