Posts

Why, oh why dear Microsoft didn't you produce a guide for XP users on how to use Windows 7? It's the obvious thing to do, given so many of us have happily used XP for so long we've forgotten what it's like to tackle anything new.

Why didn't you produce an in-computer Help function worthy of its name?

Why didn't you sit down and think what ordinary business mortals might need to do to set up their email signatures, standard documents etc and organise the layout of your "ribbons" (?) accordingly? You've given me loads of new facilities that I don't understand and may never need ... and made me work harder than I like doing to locate the tools I require on a daily basis.

I think I like Windows 7 ... but am having to call on a kindly neighbour with better IT skills than me to show me how to use it! Grrr, Linda

If the weather's nice, you can always go for a walk - oops, forgot you've a baby in tow, Steve!

You went silent on us for a bit (understandably), it's nice you're in touch again . Glad you were able to sort out the website problem.

Unemployment's climbing back to 3 million (depending on which set of figures you accept, it could already be up to 7 million). One in four young people unemployed (graduates have just as much chance of being unemployed now as someone with only one or two GCSEs). I understand the unemployment rates for the over 50s are nearly as bad - or as bad - as those for young people. Unemployment rates for those living in unemployment blackspots (eg the North East) are as high as 12%, elsewhere "only" 8% - 10%.

Surprise, surprise - the economy's flatlining (the 2010 figures before George took over even look good by comparison ) and the national debt's rising.

What's crystal clear from this budget is that the government hasn't a clue how to get us out of the mess we're in and seems quite happy to stick with the unsuccessful policies they've already tried.

I've read you shouldn't approve pingbacks because doing so removes some of the SEO "juice" the link gives your site. Am wondering whether I've properly understood the advice (for starters) .. and what others do and why.

Typically I approve, then unapprove the pingback a little later - an approach which highlights the fact I don't really know what I'm doing!

The other thing I'd say is that your experience is yet another illustration of why everyone needs to put so much time and effort into choosing the right partners.

I speak as the only remaining active member of a group of what were originally 5 Directors (some of whom pulled out because they wanted to retire). The relationships between us all as individuals have stayed good but there was a difference in position between those of us who wanted to be merely a group of collaborating professionals and those who wanted to be a unified company. We couldn't reach agreement on this point and it was central to our ability to work together.

Hello personalisedsigns

I think my business is probably like yours - I see clients on a one to one basis for careers guidance, outplacement support etc.

My fees are already set competitively. I've never agreed to discount my fee levels because if I drop them, I can't do the work to the quality I'd like. Best wishes, Linda

You've been treated dreadfully, Barney, I'm so sorry.

Suggestions which may help you avoid this situation ever happening again:-

Do you check references (including customer references) on the sub-contractor? For info, when I want work done on my house I ask to be put in touch with 3 recent customers and cross-question them briefly on all the points that matter to me.

Do you already take sub contractors' landline number ("it's free if I ring the landline, otherwise it costs") and address ("so I can send you anything I need to") before you reach any agreement with them?

You can then check their entry in the phone directory (shows whether they've lived there long enough to appear in it - fly by nights may not have much to lose) and ring them up without prior notice (gives you a feel for their situation and establishes they really do live full-time where they say they do).

Is the sub-contractor a member of any trade association and so subject to any of its penalties for misbehavior?

Good luck, hope you're able to make good the losses this sub-contractor has caused. Linda

...But the UK is so small in comparison with the US (the whole of Britain would fit into North Carolina, apparently) so presumably we can get to wherever we want while travelling only a fraction of the amount of mileage we'd have to in the States. Also our cars are a lot smaller and more economical.

Hi Steve and James

I appreciate the friendly advice.

Sadly, not much further forward (I've done what was suggested but computer still says no).

I emailed GoArticles and EzineArticles from another computer - they're wondering whether the trouble's caused by my broadband provider. They'll get back to me later .....

It's all the silly little problems that get to me, the ones where there shouldn't be a difficulty but somehow there is.

Am now going off on a massive, temper-relieving SULK! Best wishes, Linda