Dirkmonster

Top 10 things to do while Gmail is down

Gmail, and possibly some other Google systems are going through a major outage today.

Here are some things to do in the meantime to keep from melting yourself from melting down as well:

1. Pause your Google AdWords campaigns until this blows over.  Who knows how far reaching the Google problems are.
2. Think about how much you depend on the cloud for your everyday life.  What analog back-ups do you have in place?
3. Consider this another stepping stone on Google's path back down to earth.  No web entity stays on top.
4. Commiserate with all the other victims on Twitter.
5. Get ready for your Fantasy Football draft!
6. Call an elder and ask them how they survived without Google all those years ago.  There are some tips for living to be had.
7. Know that you have to think faster next time: Gmailisdown.com was registered today by Nick McIntyre of San Bruno CA.
8. Actually get some work done.
9. Write a letter and mail it.  This is the best thing to happen to the USPS.
10. Buy an affordable tech stock that you think will be the next Google.

Other suggestions welcome.

American Express concierge can't come through

Yesterday I posted about testing American Express' concierge service in an attempt to secure concert tickets.  I wasn't optimistic so I wasn't surprised when I got these message today:

I hope you are having a nice day. I regret to inform you that unfortunately we were not successful in securing tickets for the concert your preferred sections sold very fast. If you would like us to look into broker options please call us at your earliest convenience at 800-345-2639 prompt 2.

So far I've discovered very few benefits to the Platinum card I hold over a regular Green one I used to have.  It's not looking good for a renewal.

Testing American Express Concierge Service

My American Express card gives me access to a concierge service that supposedly can help me with anything from dinner reservations to concert tickets.  This week I'm giving it a try, entrusting them with the purchase of Billy Joel/Elton John concert tickets.

I called the Concierge Services' 800 number Thursday, hoping that they could get me pre-sale tickets to the concert, scheduled for May 16 in Nashville.  After the requisite phone menu, Sarah was on the line promptly.  No dice on the pre-sale.  It is not an American Express event.  However, Sarah explained that with a ticket purchase agreement, they would have the team try to get tickets on my behalf when they go on sale Saturday morning.  We pulled up the seating chart and I relayed my 1st and 2nd choices with the benefit of Sarah's experience.

I want 4 tickets down front.  I'll let you know Saturday how American Express came through.