So, after 20 years- I’m leaving MSN. I once was proud to be among those promoting Microsoft and its products- but over the past few years, the systems employed by the firm have become onerous, ponderous, and intrusive.

Before Windows 95 got the code name Chicago, I had the opportunity to work with Microsoft. To be honest, I was leery of the whole concept. I was perfectly happy with CP/M- especially WordStar and SuperCalc. I am a typist, who rarely likes using a mouse. So, those command structures were perfect for me (and my memory), since I could arrange my paragraphs any way I wanted, in bold, italic, underlined- and could get the entire US Zipcode structure into a spreadsheet to determine the freight costs for our product to reach that destination. What more could I want? (Well, it would require the Osborne Computer Company to have survived the onslaught of IBM and it’s PC Junior.)

I still didn’t switch- until AT&T came out with its better computer. And, then I switched everyone in the office to the AT&T MS/DOS system. (Most of them were already using external monitors, since they thought I was nuts to use that Osborne display.)

Ten years later, we were still using MS/DOS. And, still happy. But, I was approached to examine a new system, one that would make the health care efforts with which we were involved easier to handle. I did. Soon after that first step, I was informed that a new online network would be available, which is what we now know is (or, maybe, was) MSN. I used it and loved it. It was so much better than the “other” systems (CompuServe, AOL, etc.) and I liked the eMail program a lot. So, as I had to pay for the system, i still remained a member.

Even though by 2000, I had high speed networks available, I still paid for a dial up account (and could use MSN as a vehicle on the high speed networks). Mostly because my travels took me to places where there was no internet service. So, I had to hack into the phone systems (sorry Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton) to keep apprised of the world- and, more importantly, what was going on in my company and our clients’ companies.

I haven’t used the dial up service for about 5 years now. But, I still let MSN charge my credit card (no longer $ 35 a year, but now $ 70) every year for service. Until this year. Because the credit card number on file had expired.

Thus, I began receiving eMails (a lot!) letting me know my service was expiring and MSN needed a new credit card. Made sense. Except, when you clicked on the link they provided, changed all the information for the new credit card, you couldn’t save it. Because they MUST have a cell phone number. (OK, they called it a mobile, but I still call them cell phones.)

WTF? Am I opening myself up to text messages from these folks? Why do they NEED a cell phone number.  (And, does not Microsoft advertise profusely on TV as to how they value my privacy?)  So, I wrote a note to customer service.   (Actually, you can’t do that- I had to send it to a contact at Microsoft who forwarded it to a responsible party on my behalf).  The MSN response was to send four times as many eMails telling me my service was in jeopardy.

Well, after this barrage of junk mail, I decided to call them. You would think a number for customer service would be easy to find. But, then, you’ve never dealt with MSN (or Microsoft, for that matter). But, I finally found a number- and after a very persistent computer voice, finally convinced it (ok, I wore it down 🙂 ) that I must reach a human- with a brain. Unfortunately for me, I only got half my request.

The customer “service” representative also demanded a cell phone number. (Note: they would NOT accept my land-line. I have been specific with you about Microsoft’s demand for cell numbers.) I told him I would quit the service before I would provide them that information. (It does not help that I have multiple cell phone numbers and refuse to give them out to anyone- since I won’t be responsible if someone elects to leave a message on my cell phone. It must be on my regular number- which follows me everywhere, and, therefore, means I only have to check one place for my messages.)

So, he offered to send to me (finally- it was 38 minutes into the call) a code to my eMail address, upon which  I could click and read back a code to him. Which I did. Now, 42 minutes into the call, he STILL asked for a cell phone number. I told him he has my information, he has proof I am me (like it really matters if someone wants to PAY a bill for an eMail and web service for someone else- like an employee), and he should process it. I have a business to run.

I thought I was done. Except 5 days later, I began getting multiple notices that my account was in jeopardy again. So, I called the number, got yet a different person, who still wanted my number. I told him they have my credit card- up to date- and I’ve given the code, so just process it and leave me alone. Nope. He wanted the information that fit his screen.

So, I told him to remove me from their system and never bother me again. And, that I would do just what I did here- explain how ‘blanked’ up Microsoft has become. Obviously, the MSN butterfly should be changed to a bat- because they have tons of them in their customer “service” belfry.

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