Phoning AI

I had another tech problem today.

Logging in on the website I was asked for the phone number.  

The number listed was the old phone number, so this must change.  

To change number I must call in.

I hate phone calls.

I called in on the free number.

A voice answered.

An AI voice.

The pleasant but firm and authorative AI voice asked the question.

I gave the answer.

"You could go to the website and log in and we can send you a pin number..."

"I want to amend my phone number."

Again AI murmured, waffling away from what I was saying.

"I want to talk to a human being!" I remarked.

"I will pass you on to one of my colleagues."

Bring.

"If you wish this answer, press one, if you wish another answer, press two."

Grrrrrr

How can I press two when my phone is already engaged talking to you, thought I.  

Suddenly a human being answered.

Phew.

I explained the situation to the gentle voiced, possibly African of some sort, gentleman.

He slowly and efficiently took me through the procedure required, informing me he was in the Glasgow office.  He was very good, soon we were at the stage of being shunted onto another. 

I feared another AI.

A voice answered, similar but different accent.  He asked one question, I answered.

He asked the new phone number, he responded with, "All done, you can now log on."

He was right!

How easy when talking to a human, even one on low wages. 

How useless are AI when they can only respond to certain questions and cannot think!

You could employ a Reform voter if you wanted unthinking responses, and for cheaper at that.

However, the men made it work.  

All is now well, though I do wonder about my bad temper these days.