Yesterday, I was at a local hospital, programming the CT scanner with a software update (I am licensed to do that through the manufacturer, with a custom program). One of my friends is the head of Nuclear Medicine at this hospital (I will call him "Bob," as he would not want his name used).
At any rate, I am sitting at the console, puttng in DVD disks of the updates, and running install protocols. This new young doctor (about 30 or so, wet behind the ears, and probably straight out of his residency) starts cross-examining me--e.g. "What are your credentials for this job, where did you go to school, what happens if you crap out our system?, etc, etc." Obviously, I am somewhat peeved at the gent, but keep working away.
He becomes more insistent, saying that "you don't know what you're doing, you could mess up my crucial work." My friend, Bob, is watching the entire thing, and is waiting for the coup de grace, as he knows me.
Finally, I look at him right in the eye, put down my disks, and very quietly say to him "well, if you are not particularly satisfied, you may kiss my anus, and do not miss the continental divide." (didn't say anus, but we keep it clean here)
My friend, Bob, starts to shake, and is turning red, trying not to hurt himself laughing.
Junior (the young doctor) doesn't grasp the subtlety of the entire situation, and insists on pushing it. He starts talking about his wonderful education, his great practice, and his new Mercedes S series ( I drive a humble Volvo, so could care less). I finally cannot resist any longer, and turn to Bob, saying "isnt it true that individuals who buy new big Mercedes S series cars for $125,000 are usually not well endowed in the manhood department (Not the way I actually said it, but expurgated for storm2k readability).
Later that evening, I get a call, and it is the young doctor calling to apologize for being rude. I guess Bob had a fatherly talk with the doctor on the appropriate way to deal with the computer types who make their life easier.
Customer loyalty is like this more and more lately. People really have attitudes of superiority, and I am in a position that I can do what I want to and don't deal with idiots like him too often. Being an independent contractor, I can pick and choose who I work with, and "Bob" is a very close friend and a great person to work with. His new hire is a jerk.
