"Where's My Free Advice Already, Dammit?!"
As I've said before, most of the advice requests I get will never make my column, including a long, dull question I got from a college student who has a problem with an older co-worker on a summer job she's working.
Anyway, this jerk with the co-worker issue writes me on May 19, some long-winded tale -- long-winded but lacking in essential information -- and I write back, telling her I need more detail to be able to help her, and I asked her a number of questions. I'll omit the boring details, but the upshot, from the end of my response to her, also on May 19:
Please fill in the blanks and resend, with this entire e-mail copied into your reply, and I'll try to get back to you. Best,-A
In a message dated 5/23/08 8:33:52 AM, THE JERK writes:
Thanks for all your advice....to bad my story wasn't unrealistic and "flashy" enough for a real response.
My response:
I answer all my mail, or try to, but I have multiple deadlines right now because my assistant is going away and I have a book due in August. Your question will not make my column, but I will answer it -- as I do with all my mail (although I sometimes miss a piece). I would've answered your question when I got it but it lacked detail, so now, it's in the pile. Of course, instead of answering it, I'm responding to your rather rude complaint. Yeah, that free advice, it'd better come chop-chop, lickety-split!
Is there some special on entitled assholes this week that somebody forgot to tell me about?
I don't know about an 'entitlement special' for just THIS week. I run into these kind of folks on nearly a daily basis, 52 weeks a year.
Pete the Streak at May 23, 2008 11:13 AM
Pete's right, this weeks nothing special.
She's probably so pissed because, like Karen/Kerri, she was looking for affirmation and validation
Lindsey at May 23, 2008 11:15 AM
"A good deed never goes unpunished"
"Give some people an inch and they'll take a mile!"
Robert W. at May 23, 2008 12:38 PM
Haven't you heard? Assholes are 2 for 1 at Walmart, and Jerks are 45% off at Target.
Nicky at May 23, 2008 11:52 PM
Talk about "Self-serving" galore!
Another nice bloke living in a magical world. It's not because something is free that no-one is working to provide it. This also applies to food stamps and various government handouts.
Toubrouk at May 24, 2008 6:03 AM
Mommy & daddy would have told the little princess anything she wanted to hear, and right away too! What's wrong with you?
Chrissy at May 24, 2008 8:33 AM
They're everywhere Amy! o_O
Flynne at May 24, 2008 8:45 AM
Why or why do we get people who can not answer simple questions. Do they expect us to be mind readers! Get it all the time on a other board I am on. People complain about their job situation. People say okay sounds bad can you give us some more details. And no response or the usual you are all against me mentality.
This girl sounds like she justs wants a pat on the shoulder with the words "There, there. ---- there there. You have been wronged. You are a wonderful person and the other person is horrible just horrible! Hand her what she wants(from soother to offending persons head on a platter).
John Paulson at May 25, 2008 11:31 PM
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