I normally won’t vent online about work-related issues.  I know my bosses and coworkers see this.  However, after talking with my boss this morning, we thought it might not be a bad idea to throw this out somewhere.

It’s no mystery I work for Auburn University.  I’m a multimedia specialist and Web content manager.  I’m one of three people that run the main part of the AU website.  I run all of Auburn’s main social media accounts.  That means vendors come calling from time-to-time.

Vendors are not my favorite people because we get hammered by so many sales calls.  Yes, it’s their job, but I do NOT control the purse strings to buy your products and services.  I have work to do.  I do not want to answer your calls.  Our budget is very limited in this economy, too.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about SCVNGR.  It’s a location-based “game.”  Jeff, the guy responsible for contacting universities about their service, has been relentless in calling me.  I’m usually not at my desk when he does, but I always see his voicemails in which he now hangs up. It used to be every week, but he’s backed off to maybe once or twice a month.

Let me be very upfront again: I am completely against services like this, especially Foursquare, Facebook Places, etc.  It’s called, “Hey, I’m not home.  Please rob me!”  I refuse to use them.

Now SCVNGR has given me a new reason to never use them or consider them for Auburn.  Jeff has assumed that I’m watching my caller ID religiously (which I do, but I usually answer if I’m not caught up in a meeting or something important).  As I’m expecting a call from UPS this morning regarding a poorly-handled package for the Alabama Ghostbusters’ upcoming Tornado Relief Auction, I get a call with a local number on my caller ID.

Caller: “Hi, Brock.  My name is ‘so-and-so,’ and I’m an Auburn student.  How are you?”

Me: “I’m fine. How are you?” (Thinking this is UPS)

Caller: “I’m good. I’m interning this summer here in Boston. My boss, Jeff at SCVNGR, asked me to call you and see if had a few minutes to talk.”

This is when my blood pressure medicine loses control and skyrockets.

Me: “I’m heading to a meeting, but have him try me again later. If he doesn’t get me today, then try later in the week.”

Caller: “This will only take five minutes.”

Me: “You just caught me walking out the door. Have him try me later.”

Caller: “OK. How are things in Auburn?”

Me: “They’re good. Just extremely hot right now.  Heat index is 108 today.  I appreciate you calling.  Have Jeff call me later.  Need to run.”

Caller: “It’s hot and humid here, too.  Not like back home, though.  Thanks for your time!  Bye!”

Jeff has been at this for MONTHS.  I completely understand that you’re a business, you have a service and you need clients.  My minor in college was marketing.  I get it.

BUT … to have your AU intern call me from his CELL PHONE so your (617)XXX-XXXX office number doesn’t show up on my caller ID … Kudos.  You tricked me while I was honestly trying to get out the door.

But the joke’s on you.  We now refuse to use your service because of that underhanded tactic.  Boss and I have already discussed it, and I will be talking to you, Jeff.  You won’t like what I have to say because you are not getting our already-stretched funds.

This was completely low to use your intern in this manner and to try and fool me.  You can stop calling now.