[38293] in APO-L
Re: [APO-L] Fraternity Membership Directory
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Charles Brace)
Wed Jan 27 12:05:25 2010
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:05:11 -0500
Reply-To: Charles Brace <brace347@GMAIL.COM>
From: Charles Brace <brace347@GMAIL.COM>
To: APO-L@listserv.iupui.edu
In-Reply-To: <20100127162514.SLZPN.52347.root@cdptpa-web14-z01>
I know when I first got the e-mail asking to contact this company, I thought
it was spam, and a phishing scheme. But when I read the T&T article, I
realized that it was legitimate.
I am less concerned with APO contracting with other companies to perform
services for our fraternity. What I was concerned with was the sales pitch
that I received. While I can appreciate the company needing to have numbers
so that they don't print too many directories, I was offended by the urgant
tone of the pitch and the utter uncooperative nature of the representative.
It was clear that the represented wanted to get a sale. Quite frankly, i
wasn't given the "softcover" option until I had stated numerous times that I
did not want to purchase the directory at that time. I felt like i was
dealing with a car salesman or a cell phone representative ("you want to
cancel your cell phone service? can i offer you a reduced rate to keep your
business?").
Someone please correct me if i'm in error, but I don't even think the
Fraternity sees any of the profits from the sales of these directories.
lfs
--chuck
On Wed, Jan 27, 2010 at 11:25 AM, Ed Pollack <epollack@nycap.rr.com> wrote:
> My experiences were similar to what others have posted here. I spent a few
> minutes on the phone updating personal information, and then 5 minutes of
> the seller trying to get my credit card information. While I have no doubts
> as to the quality of Harris' book, I am greatly concerned that our personal
> information was given out in this manner and that I spent any amount of time
> during my work day fending off a salesman.
>
> I recall there being debate at previous national conventions over the use
> of our personal information by the National Office, and the deal between
> Geico and APO (which has been a great money saving deal for me personally)
> caused a great deal of debate amongst actives and alums.
>
> On a similar note, I got a "donate to the annual fund" APO calendar in the
> mail around the same time.
>
> While I've seen all of this before and am not terribly fazed by it, I've
> heard concerns from other alums that think they are being pushed too much
> for donations or who want their contact information to remain private.
>
> -Ed
>
>
> ---- Charlie Zimmerman <charliez@AOL.COM> wrote:
> > I have to say I have similar concerns, and while this is no doubt
> legitimate, their approach does become annoying.
> >
> > This is compounded by the fact that I have now been contacted by Harris
> for directory information regarding three organizations in the past 12
> months: the National Eagle Scout Association, APO and my hometown school
> district. Clearly Harris has had some successful marketing efforts in the
> last year or so!
> >
> > Charlie Zimmerman
> > APO-L Moderator
>
--
________________________________________________
Charles Brace, Esq.
Admitted in Pennsylvania
brace347@gmail.com
Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity
Pi Chi Chapter (Duquesne University) - SPC '97
Phi Chapter (Syracuse University) - S '02
APO LEADS: Achieve Director
APO LEADS: Launch Director
