Messages

201

General Software Discussion / Re: Automated Response Detection Software

« on: March 03, 2009, 11:40 PM »

Also check around, there may be a forum where you could sound off, or at least ask some pointed questions

-Target (March 03, 2009, 10:56 PM)

DUH! That is so obvious & yet, it never occurred to me to do so.
Maybe I forgot about complaint forums on purpose though, because they do put a knot in my stomach.

If he's honest, I'd feel horrible having written that I felt ripped off. I mean, again 

202

General Software Discussion / Re: Automated Response Detection Software

« on: March 03, 2009, 10:19 PM »

Thank you Target, I read the thread. What Deozaan received was a classic automated reply, without a doubt.

I would love to start a blog as Carol suggested, but I'm not skilled enough to protect my PC, should I piss off the wrong person. In this case, the whole thing looked like a suspicious one-man show. Go ahead, laugh, I am such a sucker, sometimes!! He (?) actually sent me an email today.

Last week's email states that the reason why my product is late is "None of (my) business", (I never asked why) but it reads nicely, not sarcastic. So, I wondered if perhaps he was using automated response software & it couldn't discern between the phrases, "None of your business" & "Does not concern you/is our concern/is nothing you should concern yourself/be concerned with".

I have a particular interest in AI, & in automation software of all kinds, but no skills to create it, so I never mention it here.

I'm now convinced that what I received was not an automated letter at all, just a really, really poorly written form letter.

This company clearly needs an editor for their web site communications with the outside world.

BTW I found the name of software, Bulletmail, in the header of his email, & visited their web site. It seems much more geared toward campaign writers and people sending out subscription newsletters. So, unless auto response programs are not actually email clients, & they work with other email clients, I don't think it's auto response software that was used.

But I still wish I had a program to tell me so, for next time.

203

General Software Discussion / Re: Automated Response Detection Software

« on: March 03, 2009, 06:47 PM »

So...am I correct in assuming then that no one here with any coding skills has ever created, or even heard of, anything like what I'm describing?

204

General Software Discussion / Re: Automated Response Detection Software

« on: February 28, 2009, 10:32 PM »

Is it possible to send a reply so confusing to the program that it actually freezes up

-SKesselman (February 28, 2009, 08:02 PM)

There's certainly a precedent for this.
Just about any reply sent to me triggers symptoms that are similar to those you desire to create.

-cranioscopical (February 28, 2009, 10:21 PM)

Come on, you guys! I'm serious!! Let's see some coding!
 

I guess I'll have to Google it. 

205

General Software Discussion / Automated Response Detection Software

« on: February 28, 2009, 08:02 PM »

Hi,
I'm having difficulty with a company who has not sent me my product after I ordered it on line.
I got an email from this guy & I think it's an automated response. Actually, I think a lot of companies do this, & we, as consumers, don't even know when it's happening.  I have some questions about this:

1) I've seen on some other computing forums that some people can actually tell what you're using as an email client, just by posting! I saw someone post that the didn't use a particular client & someone wrote back & said something like, "but what do you mean, you're writing from it...". WOW. That just blows me away. But it's true, so it seems reasonable to me that they also have something that could detect if an email you receive is an automated response or not, based on the software used to create it. Is there such a program? If so, does anyone have any recommendations?

2) If not, how hard would it be to create it?

3) Is it possible to send a reply so confusing to the program that it actually freezes up , ("Cannot compute! Cannot compute!")?
I'm not talking about something as malicious as a virus or Trojan, just...a harmless attention-getter. Nothing destructive, just a freeze - perhaps bringing the owner into action, and while looking for the problem, he's sort of brought face to face with his email? Perhaps I've seen one too many episodes of Lost in Space, but there are programs out there that simply cannot accept certain kinds of user actions/entries, and they crash. I have one of them, I must watch how fast I go when using certain commands, etc. (& there have even been what I think were content-related crashes, too, if there is such a thing).

I have a pretty good understanding of time and money, so I don't mind receiving an auto-response 99% of the time. They can actually be really useful. But some things just need to be addressed by a human being, & nobody likes to be treated like they were born yesterday ("Hi Sarah, thanks so much for bringing this to my attention. I sincerely apologize for the delay...").

 

Please help, I feel like such an idiot writing back to this "person", but I must, in order to get my issue resolved.

Much thanks.

206

Living Room / Re: Meme time! Five Things People Don't Know About Me

« on: February 20, 2009, 11:59 AM »

I think it's science fiction & fantasy.

207

General Software Discussion / Re: Why Computers Can't Kill Post-Its - MIT research

« on: February 08, 2009, 08:46 PM »

OK, I understand a lot more clearly now why this article has ruffled your feathers...
But it's like this everywhere & I guess I'm so calloused to it now, that I forget it has an effect on others.

Paul, welcome to the party  .
I, and millions of others, cannot look at products anywhere, without being insulted...if not by salespeople themselves, then by the makers of the products they're pushing. Off the top of my head, I can swiftly name at least 15 companies making a lot of money off of people who believe that these products are innovative, when they're not. It's just capitalism at work. (BTW: Virtually any cleaning product will clean stainless steel to a shine, & any mascara will easily make my lashes at least 200% thicker. I could go on forever. Nothing new here.)

If I let it get to me, I'd be a wreck.

My unsolicited advice for the day is: Choose your battles, and smile. 

208

General Software Discussion / Re: Why Computers Can't Kill Post-Its - MIT research

« on: February 07, 2009, 07:21 PM »

Paul,

No wonder you thought the article "reeked of sensationalism"!
Most of those quotes are comments from readers of the article, not the article itself.
Who cares what they're saying? Pay no attention to readers' comments, you'll get all worked up over nothing.

The article is not the best, I agree...it's "light" reading, at best. Take it for what it's worth.
However, if you do go back to it, you may see that it does answer your questions to a, b & d.

As for c, Why no admittance of the flaws of post-it notes?
Because, the article was biased. The title says it all. 

209

General Software Discussion / Re: Ahh more timers! This one looks good and syncs with Google Calendar and Outlook

« on: February 07, 2009, 01:58 PM »

Sorry Paul, for being such a hag about it.

I have very little patience with idiosyncratic installations, probably less than anyone else on this forum.
I know better than to d/l anything from SF, I just got carried away with the idea of having a timer like that.
Ironically, it's probably best I don't have one that syncs w/ Outlook, as that only increases the margin of error (both on my part, as well as the developer's).

Forgetting Outlook for the moment, I have a handy little timer in InfoSelect, that is there if I need it.

Again, I'm really sorry if the previous post sounded in any way like it was directed at you, it wasn't. 

210

General Software Discussion / Re: Ahh more timers! This one looks good and syncs with Google Calendar and Outlook

« on: February 07, 2009, 10:51 AM »

No, the mirror download from San Jose is garbage.
It crashes FF (last night and today) & the rest of this twisted mess of a "download" is not worth the time to explain.

Even the direct download is confusing.
There is already a file with the same name as the folder you've specified' but I did not name that file and I did not name any folders. Timer has since been tossed 

Edit: proofed later (repeating myself)

211

General Software Discussion / Re: Ahh more timers! This one looks good and syncs with Google Calendar and Outlook

« on: February 07, 2009, 12:28 AM »

Paul,
Nice find!
Unfortunately, I followed the LH link & tried to d/l this twice from sourceforge.net and once from a mirror they posted, all for nothing.

The download links say Windows, but the files are for a Mac...grrrr.....but that's always been my experience with SF. Missing files, missing projects, wrong files, files that need other files to open them (but it's not mentioned, of course), jars, rars, blah blah blah...

Back to the topic though, I was really excited about the possibility of having a timer for Outlook.  I also wanted to see what you meant by not being able to unlock it for yourself, & see if there was anything I could do to help you out.

If you ever find another timer that works with Outlook, please post it again.

212

General Software Discussion / Re: Why Computers Can't Kill Post-Its - MIT research

« on: February 05, 2009, 11:06 PM »

App103, funny they took so many features away-makes no sense. Oh well, you're saving money  .

Slightly off topic: I won't upgrade my program either, because I bought it for $20 & although they charge $30 for the new version, they want $20 to upgrade. That would leave me paying $40 for a program they sell for $30 new. Sounds more like a lease than a purchase to me. No, thanks.

Chris, just curious...What kind of PDA do you use, and how do you input your tasks?
The last time I was productive using a PDA task list was when I used Agendus.
But, I cannot get their Windows Mobile version to work on (or rather, not CRASH) my device.

213

General Software Discussion / Re: Why Computers Can't Kill Post-Its - MIT research

« on: February 05, 2009, 01:22 PM »

WOW! That's a dizzying array of virtual post-its, app103!   

Hmm...never tried faxing a paper one either, (Edit: Oops, that's not what you were talking about)
but I'm sure with the appropriate faxing application on your PC, you could easily fax your virtual post-its!

I use Quick Notes, to stick to files, folders & certain windows in certain applications. Saves me a lot of trouble. I use the title as an instruction label such as, "Do not rename this file", then type the reason why in the post-it area (I won't even follow my own instructions without a good reason  ).

As for tasks/reminders/instructions for others I see in person, the paper post-it gets my vote.
This way, you can physically hand it to them ('Don't say I never told you'!) or post at the area needing attention, like home repairs, etc.

The recipient may not always like it too much, but it works for me  .

214

General Software Discussion / Re: Why Computers Can't Kill Post-Its - MIT research

« on: February 05, 2009, 11:26 AM »

Thanks! This is of particular interest to me.
This author of this article hit the nail on the head...these are some reasons I use post-its, but there are more.

I love where it tells about the guy with Post-its on his mobile phone-
Mobile Outlook can be a pain, and for all of these little problems they have software to make it easier...
but that software has problems, bugs, etc. and even attempting to solve those problems can bring on more problems (unresponsive customer service, being forced to search forums for help when you don't have time, etc.).

And that's just mobile devices. It gets even messier when I try to use a PC for to-do lists (for items not directly related to the computer itself, or major projects that require more thought than a regular to-do).

There's just no substitution for the Post-it.

215

Living Room / Re: David: a TRIP to the dentist

« on: February 04, 2009, 11:32 PM »

It's a funny story if you don't mind the "potty humor" that goes along with it. 

-Deozaan (February 04, 2009, 11:18 PM)

 

216

Coding Snacks / Re: IDEA: the block me (when you are your own worst enemy)

« on: February 04, 2009, 03:18 PM »

just like using a personal trainer in the 'real' world. you could even pay for the service. a 'remote monitor person' could be viewing several desktops at a time - thereby keeping the costs down for each individual paying for the service.

if the 'trainee' simply decided not to turn the remote desktop application on then they still have to pay for the service - again, just like in the 'real' world if you hire a personal trainer.

-nudone (February 04, 2009, 10:25 AM)

How about small monthly fee for the monitoring service, PLUS a pay-per-use fee whenever the service needs to stop any of your processes! 

217

Living Room / Re: David: a TRIP to the dentist

« on: February 04, 2009, 12:42 PM »

Like a colonoscopy? Had one of those done a few years ago (ulcerative colitis...  )

-Edvard (February 04, 2009, 10:06 AM)

Yikes! That does not sound fun at all. You have all my respect:
I flaked on 3 upper GI's before my doctor finally fired me, and that's a walk in the park compared to a colonoscopy.

Too bad Deozaan won't divulge anything about his procedure, but I understand.
He must feel very special, as he had a loved one to help him the whole time.

Isn't that sweet?     

218

Living Room / Re: David: a TRIP to the dentist

« on: February 03, 2009, 10:50 PM »

That stronger stuff will have you saying and doing things you probably won't remember.

-Deozaan (February 03, 2009, 08:28 PM)

Oh, the magic of hypnotics.

I've had 2 select nerve blocks in my back done over this past year.
The first time, I was without drugs. & I absolutely -hated it-.
I adore my doctor, but it really was uncomfortable, and to make it worse, I must have tensed up at least a dozen times in fear.
I could not stop swearing and muttering commands under my breath, like,
"Get that #! thing out of my *&^! back. Now. Now. NOW. Lets get ON with this!", etc., etc.

The second time I opted for the drug.
They tell you that you're able to communicate during the procedure (this is necessary), you just won't remember anything.
So I did it, but afterwards I started thinking hmmm..., "I wonder what came out my mouth during that procedure!?"
What if the hypnotic lowers your inhibitions, too?
What if I tried to climb off the surgery table or called my doctor a bunch of awful names? Aaaaggghhh!
At least the first time, I could control the volume of my swearing, but oh, no...did I have any self-control? 
  Oh, I cannot think about it anymore, I'm just cringing...but they work, I know this much - I remembered nothing.

219

Living Room / Re: 2008 Cybernet Awards Are Out.. DonationCoder.com Wins Most Useful Forum!!

« on: February 03, 2009, 08:49 PM »

I know there are many here who help make this place special.  See them in post count order:
Donation Coder Supporters

-Rover (January 01, 2009, 11:01 PM)

Oh so that's what order it's in...no wonder I could never find myself.   

You know, I was really careful to look at that page before making this post, so either I'm -whacked- or sorting features have been added in the last hour.
Let's just assume the latter: Thanks DC! Nice feature! 

220

Living Room / Re: Man, those British folks sure know how to live

« on: February 01, 2009, 01:02 AM »

OK, "Heated marble driveway".

What for?

-SKesselman (January 31, 2009, 10:37 PM)

So you don't need to shovel the driveway when it snows.

-Deozaan (February 01, 2009, 12:25 AM)

ohhhhh....I see. Interesting.

221

Living Room / Re: Man, those British folks sure know how to live

« on: February 01, 2009, 12:22 AM »

Yes, it looks...harsh, cold and not too inviting...
The link Zaine posted was fun, it showed the estate of Bill Gates. Nice.
And the smallest houses in the world, that was interesting.
Thanks, Zaine!

222

Living Room / Re: Meme time! Five Things People Don't Know About Me

« on: January 31, 2009, 11:24 PM »

...I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin...sort of stretched.

  40hz, don't go into outer space.
What if you get caught in a black hole?
Then you'll really know the meaning of 'feeling stretched'!

223

Living Room / Re: Man, those British folks sure know how to live

« on: January 31, 2009, 10:37 PM »

OK, "Heated marble driveway".

What for?

224

General Software Discussion / Re: Clusty introduces Remixing = Dubs idea Clustering 2.0

« on: January 31, 2009, 10:18 PM »

I used to love Vivisimo and never really adjusted to the Clusty change-over.
But I just tried the remix feature and it was cool! I really got the feeling I was getting all the information there was on a topic.
The results are so much more diverse, like turning a topic inside-out, and quickly.

Thanks for this, Paul!

225

General Software Discussion / Re: Macro needed

« on: January 31, 2009, 02:49 PM »

Description of the process:
The macro has to run at the end of the editing process (of a word document).

·                    I create my document,
·                    I enter all the information needed :

o   First name of the client,
o   Last name of the client,
o   Address of the client
o   Subject of the document,
o   Date of the document,
o   Recipient of the document,
o   Eventually (if the document is an answer to another document) the reference,
o   The text of the document

·                    Once all the above is done, I run the macro which will have to :

o   Create the reference number of the document,
o   Create the name of the document based on the model and save it in the appropriate folder.
 (The items above in bold are those which are used by the macro).

Description of the macro:

Begin
Check in my "Customers" folder if the customer already exists, then :

If yes :
Go to this folder
Check if the actual year folder (AAAA) is already created, then

If yes :
Go to this folder,

If no :
Create this folder (LASTNAME Firstname)
Go to this folder
Endif

If no :
Create this folder
Go to this folder
Create the actual year folder
Go to this folder.
Endif

Check in the actual folder if there are already some documents, then
If yes :
Increase the number (NN) of the last document by one (the last letter is the one who have the highest MMAANN number)

If No :
Set the number to one.
Endif

Create the reference number for the document and write it in the document,
Generate the name of the document, based on a standard model,
Save the document.
End.