09/20/2003
A few weeks ago I tried to log-on to AOL and an error message appeared. It indicated that I had entered the wrong username or password. I retried several times from different computers for several days before I concluded that something was wrong. I attempted to phone the customer service number that was provided in the error message, but the phone system in my apartment wouldn't allow me to make international calls.
I mentioned to my principal in passing that I was having trouble calling the states so he invited me over to his house to use his phone. I accepted his gracious offer, but felt guilty when I used 14 minutes of valuable international calling time listening to Justin Timberlake while on hold.
Tim, my friendly neighborhood AOL account customer service representative, informed me in a grave voice that on September 1st, someone had logged on to my account and sent nearly one-hundred emails in less than five minutes. The spam prevention system automatically changed my password. He then informed me of AOL's bulk mail policy.
He was taken back a bit when I told him that I had been the one to send all of that mail and that it was not totally unsolicited spam. In fact, many of these people are personal friends and had actually requested to hear from me. I went on to describe my circumstances of living overseas and my need to communicate with friends and family around the world.
He paused, then said, "You have one hundred friends?"
I was almost insulted, but realized he must spend twelve hours a day in a cubicle somewhere outside Atlanta or Raleigh or San Jose, without ever having the need or opportunity to communicate face-to-face with anyone. I guess some lifestyles are more conducive to forging friendships and I am blessed with one of them.
We resolved the issue and Tim removed the bulk mail limits from my account which should allow me to send email to everyone. This message will be the first attempt. If you are an unwilling recipient of this message please respond so I can remove you from the mass email list. Additionally, if you have other friends that you think I should add to my list let me know. All of my stories are found at www.stu.cds.com. Feel free to forward that website to friends and family that you think might be interested.
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