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tude dog
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Post by tude dog »

It started way back in the 70's with self-serve gasoline pumps.

A few days ago went to pick up my wife at the airport. I left way early and on the way stopped at a Walmart to pick up some fried chicken pieces to take and eat at the airport.

I had to scan bag and enter my money into a machine. I dunno, I was used to a checker to do that for me.

Walmart to raise its starting wage to $11, give some employees bonuses following tax bill passage

Not to pick in Walmart but such nonservice apparently is the norm.

I know I don't get out much but the last time I was at a major supermarket food store they had the same, no customer service.

There was a time I could go to a travel agent and get my ticket, go to the airport and get on a plane.

Now it is not the TSA which I despise, but the no service airlines I do my best to passively annoy.
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LarsMac
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Post by LarsMac »

tude dog;1520868 wrote: It started way back in the 70's with self-serve gasoline pumps.

A few days ago went to pick up my wife at the airport. I left way early and on the way stopped at a Walmart to pick up some fried chicken pieces to take and eat at the airport.

I had to scan bag and enter my money into a machine. I dunno, I was used to a checker to do that for me.

Walmart to raise its starting wage to $11, give some employees bonuses following tax bill passage

Not to pick in Walmart but such nonservice apparently is the norm.

I know I don't get out much but the last time I was at a major supermarket food store they had the same, no customer service.

There was a time I could go to a travel agent and get my ticket, go to the airport and get on a plane.

Now it is not the TSA which I despise, but the no service airlines I do my best to passively annoy.


I know what you mean. Though, I LIKE being able to hit the self-checkout at the grocer or Walmart and such when I only have a few things.

Most of the checkers don't add much to the experience. Unless it the little town grocer in Niwot. They always have time to chat a bit, and know what is going on around town and seem to enjoy chatting with the customers.

As for Airlines, traveling for work, I still go to the travel agent online and let them arrange everything so it is all in line with Corporate Policy.

For personal travel, I try to avoid Airlines. When I have to use them, I get what I need from their website. Air travel is best these days if it doesn't get too personal.
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spot
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Post by spot »

tude dog;1520868 wrote: I had to scan bag and enter my money into a machine. I dunno, I was used to a checker to do that for me.It's the only way I know to get rid of all my small change. I take a pocketful now and then and the self-checkout eats it all. The cashier on a till never put up with that.
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Wandrin
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Post by Wandrin »

I prefer the self checkout kiosks at the grocery store. The lines are shorter and it generally seems to be less hassle.

I like the self checkout stations at the library. It is fast and easy.

I look forward to the improvements to the systems they make next.

on edit:

I must say though, that during a recent wander through Oregon, that being so used to self-service gas stations, it felt so luxurious when I pulled into a gas station and 3 people ran out, one pumped the diesel fuel, one had the requisite long handled scrubber for the windshield, and one did the rear windows and mirrors.
Clodhopper
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Post by Clodhopper »

Fewer and fewer jobs. The trend seems set to continue into white collar jobs with the increasing sophistication of AI. I think big social change inevitable - it's very possible Trump and Brexit are Luddite reactions against this trend. (I had more sympathy for the Luddites: they at least aimed at the right targets)
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Saint_
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Post by Saint_ »

Clodhopper;1520933 wrote: Fewer and fewer jobs. The trend seems set to continue into white collar jobs with the increasing sophistication of AI. I think big social change inevitable - it's very possible Trump and Brexit are Luddite reactions against this trend. (I had more sympathy for the Luddites: they at least aimed at the right targets)


Nailed it. I teach Night School to pick up extra money. I used to actually teach a class at Night School. I actually had a lesson plan, worked one-on-one with students, and graded papers.

Now I just check their progress on a computer. Rarely, they ask question about a computer question, then we look at it from across the room on different screens. don't even know all the student's names...

Welcome to the blasted, bloody future.
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