(no subject)

Heard back from a customer service rep at the company which shall not be named.

...

I am so sorry to hear about the problems you have had with your order and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Upon reviewing your concern, I do apologize and understand about the text filter. As this will not cause a problem with your order, if you like for future orders we can place them over the phone. Again I do apologize for this inconvenience. If this does not resolve your concern or if you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us...

So, on the one hand... They're understanding and very apologetic. And the order went through fine.

OTOH, there is indeed a text filter blocking out my name as a naughty word, and they have no intention of removing it. If that's a problem, I can place future orders over the phone. Gee, thanks.

ETA: My response...

Thank you for your understanding and apologies. I'm glad to know that the order went through.

I do, however, find myself with something of an unresolved issue. As I understand it, you still have a text filter which is blocking out my name as a naughty word. It's not that uncommon a name. And it's not really that naughty. You can find it boldly printed on many packages in your local grocery store. Even advertised in a popular TV jingle.

Frankly, I don't see what reason you could possibly have for putting in a text filter in the names field of the billing information form. Or, for that matter, any field on that form. We can't help our family names, and you have no place judging them. Will you also block out everyone who happens to be named "Wang"? Or anyone who lives on a street with a name you don't approve of?

What good does that filter do? What are you trying to block? Pranksters? I doubt there are many who would bother going through the whole order process just to put in a juvenile fake name. Even if they do, the charges wouldn't go through.

I got through grade school and summer camp without being picked on because of my name. My father was in the army and never saw a sign of disrespect from anyone who had to address Major Wiener. Now I come to your store, where everyone is supposed to feel magically welcome, and there, of all places, I have to change my name because it's been blocked out for no good reason?

I realize that you're a customer service representative, and not personally responsible for the policy, but it's nonetheless a policy that has to change.

Sincerely,

Paul-Gabriel Wiener

Photoshopped Ralph Lauren Model Fired For Being Too Fat

Video story here (embedding won't work for me).

Follow-up clip: Former Baywatch actress strikes back

Colbert's take on the issue

So... now you know. If you weigh any more than this woman:



Don't bother shopping at Ralph Lauren. The clothes won't fit you.