I recently did this for a local computer store. I feel the need to reprint my reviews here. I think my friends need to know. I orginally posted about this back in March 2009, but it needs repeating. Here’s my original two-star Yelp review of Quality Computer Systems:

OK, they get two stars, but that’s more than my experience warrants.

First experience: A couple of years ago, I had a 12 PowerBook that I spilled a bit of water on. It immediately went dead and would not boot, even after several hours to let it dry. I thought I hosed the computer, so I took it to QCS for their diagnosis. After it sat there for about three days, they called me and said it was ready. Apparently, just letting it dry for a bit longer was all that was necessary; that’ll be $85. “For what,” I asked. “Well, it did boot, but we ran diagnostics to see if everything was OK.” Fine, I thought, paying the money, but feeling ripped off. I made a mental note at the time never to go back there again. They could have at least called me before they ran those diagnostics.

Second experience: Several weeks ago, my MacBook Pro’s monitor died. It just would not come on, even though the computer booted. I packed up my ailing MBP and headed to QCS. This was a Thursday. Nearly a week later (after they told me it would “tomorrow”), they called me to report my logic board needed to be replaced (the video card is shot, and that lives on the logic board). A new logic board would be about $1200. I told them I’d just come get the computer. “That’ll be $85.” I paid it without a word. While it did take them a week to get to it, it wasn’t their fault my computer seemed beyond repair.

A quick call to Apple, and I had had a new quote: $350. They had a box here the next day, and my computer back to me within a week — less time than it sat there at QCS.

As for QCS: couldn’t they have called Apple for me? The more I think about it, the more upset I get. This is what local customer service has turned in to. I guess, because of geography, they feel they have some sort of monopoly here in central Georgia (is that called an oligopoly?). I think they could have done more. I’m out $160+ from my two experiences with them, and what did I get either time? Really. I will not be going back, and I actually feel like writing to the owner. I would, if I felt it would do any good.

Be careful.

Subsequently (a year-and-a-half later!), their owner has taken a notice of my review and contacted me. At first, it seemed as if he was going to make amends. No such luck. His phone call this morning prompted a review update:

Update: As Brad mentioned, he contacted me about these issues. But, rather then helping me, he begins arguing with me about them. He claims that QCS “negotiated with Apple” for the price I ultimately received on my MBP!? Man, it’s great that they want to take the credit for that NOW!? He claims they informed me, but that is not true. They seem to be trying pretty hard to put a revisionist spin on poor business decisions.

After reading my initial review, I’m embarrassed that I didn’t mention my third experience with QCS. It was when Apple’s Snow Leopard operating system came out last year. I’m always an early adopter of Apple products, and this operating system was supposed to be a major update. I called QCS (I know, but Best Buy was not carrying it, and QCS was the only Apple retailer in town at that time), and the dude told me they have it. The upgrade was supposed to be $29, but when he rung me up, he said $42 (or something close to that). When I asked about the discrepancy, he said the owner added $10 to it to cover shipping. This was strike three. Here’s what Brad said about that:

“I did have to pay apple next day air.  Once I got my next shipment in 3 days later it was $29.  Apple does not “FIX” prices, vendors can charge what they need to to be able to cover costs.  FYI if you charge what apple does on the web site you make 5% if the customer pays with an AMEX there is 3%, whatever to cover it’s share of ground shipping and you are lucky to pay a salesperson to answer the phone.”

You know what: too bad. Was it really worth it, Brad? You already gouged me twice. You want to take advantage of the loyalist Apple customers? You can explain all you want, but it sure looks like you’re were taking advantage of your no-longer unique position of being the only Apple retailer in Macon.

Finally, here’s what he said about the MBP in our last email:

“I do not want you to have a bad feeling about my business.  If you can bring me a copy of the service order from apple with what they did and to fix the problem with pricing, and your full name so I can look you up on my system I would be happy to refund the $85 for the MacBook Pro.”

I have the documents he asked for, but no refund. Instead, he called to harass me — to tell me I was wrong. Great business sense. And I have an even WORSE feeling about your business now, Brad.

Now, I have just two words for QCS: Peach Mac! Let me say them again: PEACH MAC! PEACH MAC! PEACH MAC!

Unfortunately, I have to revise my last review: run run run — take your computer elsewhere — buy your computers elsewhere. Peach Mac just opened up the road. They are WAY better than this sorry excuse for a business. In fact, I’m going to make sure Apple gets a letter about QCS, too.

Way to go, Brad. Needless to say, my original two-stars is now just one.

Now, I’m going for a bike ride.

One of the first things I learned is that owning and shooting a gun is not inexpensive. His gun, an HK 9mm, would cost around $1200 new, he said. No, I’m not considering buying a gun, and, come to think of it, I never really considered handgun prices. Doesn’t $1200 seem a bit high? I was thinking, maybe, a couple of hundred bucks for a gun. Bullets, too, were pricey. I bought 50 rounds and a paper target for over $20. Yikes.

I made this purchase at Arvin’s, a pawn shop in downtown Macon. When I arrived, Nathan had already gotten what we needed. Arvin’s highlights their gun sales, as that’s the first thing anyone would notice upon entering. The first thing I saw was a dude in cammo holding — no, stroking — an assault rifle. This was not the last stereotype we were to encounter that day. I’ve always wondered why anyone would need an assault rifle, unless he plans to become a terminator, a disgruntled ex-employee, or a member of a religious fringe group. This guy was interested. Very interested. We got our bullets and left, so I never did see whether cammo man’s hard-on led to a sale. Just as well.

We drove east of town on I-16. It was a beautiful day: I would even go so far as to say it was our first Spring day of the year. The sun shone through the Mini’s open moonroof, and the cool air was punctuated by rifle fire as we approached the range. Since we were there mid-day on a Monday, the range was remarkably free of shooters, according to Nathan. I smiled at this fact, thinking that I wanted my first time to be as free of distractions as possible. As we got out of the car, I watched the three riflemen shoot in succession. The shots were too loud, making my insides start and my nerves tighten. I didn’t think I’d get used to that.

We signed in and headed to the range. A Macon Police car was parked just off to the side of the range; the cop — an older, tattooed guy with a handlebar mustache — greeted us: “We’ll make some room for you guys.” Rifles lined the carpeted tables. The guy to the left looked like he had a sniper’s setup: his rifle had a stand — a tripod of death at the ready. The guy in the right looked like he had a shotgun. Both rifles were loud. Maybe I mentioned that already? Nathan had brought ear protection for me; these big blue mouse ears became a permanent part of my head for the next hour.

These gun enthusiasts are a garrulous, gregarious sort. The rifleman on the left seemed to really want to talk. He left his wife and two children in the minivan to the side of the range while he practiced his killshot. His rifle waited patiently while we heard this guy’s life story. I’d repeat it here, but I don’t want to lose you, my one reader. Suffice it to say, Nathan’s handgun did nothing, until we lost our company. Finally.

Nathan explained the workings of the handgun to me. Treat the gun as if it’s always loaded. Aim it down and away, even from your feet. Here’s the safety: engaged and disengaged. Here’s your clip; you push and twist the bullets into it, up to ten. Once the clip is in place, you cock the gun by quickly pulling the top of the body back and letting go. Hold the gun in your right hand and brace it with your left. Stand with your left foot forward, so you give anyone shooting at you a smaller target. Arms should be rigid, but bent slightly. Release the safety, take aim, and pull the trigger.

"G" Marks the Spot

We took turns shooting at the same target, set up about 25 feet distant. In between, we’d take a Sharpie and mark our successes: his bullet holes were labeled “N,” and mine “G.”

“Always be wary of what’s around you,” he explained, “and consider what’s behind your target.” His advice was appropriate for both the range and at home. If an intruder comes into the house, and you shoot at him, what will you hit if you miss? A school, a house, a tree?

We finished our ammo in about an hour. I enjoyed the experience, and I would like to repeat it. While I can’t say that I’m any less nervous about handguns, at least I feel better educating myself on how to properly use one.

If I ever had to.

First, I snapped a couple of shots of St. Paul’s and St. Joseph’s. I tried to catch the beautiful clouds and had the best luck at the latter, though I do like this one of the former. These shots are posted in my Downtown Macon gallery, presently the first ten, or so. The featured shot above is in front of St. Joseph’s; it looked like some folks were getting ready for a wedding.

Next, I hit Magnolia and four houses on that block, including two on Orange. These photos are in my Tour of Gardens gallery. I hope to add a couple more today, but the weather looks uncooperative. We’ll see.

Giles also posted some photos of the gardens, including some great portraits from the Kentucky Derby Party.

5/3/09 Update: I managed to get quite a few more photos today, but Zenfolio is acting up. Hopefully, I’ll have more images to show tomorrow.

We were home a bit early, but I did manage to get some photos for the Downtown Macon gallery, and portraits of Connor, Jack, and Autumn.

I started by myself in the morning. I had to run some errands, so I took the camera along with me. First, on the corner of Rivoli and Northside, I hit one on my favorite farms. The cherry blossoms were starting to fade, but I still got a few excellent shots. I posted these to my Cherry Blossoms gallery; they are currently the first photos in the gallery.

Next, I went to Rose Hill. Yes, I know, don’t I always? Well, I’ve never been with the new lens, so I took it for a spin in a familiar environment and updated the Rose Hill gallery with sixteen images. I’m pretty pleased with how most of these images came out. In my usual rating process, I give one to five stars; most in this group were at least one or two. Cool.

Finally, topping off my morning stroll was the Hay House. I didn’t go inside, but snapped a few photos of the outside. One day I do have to take the tour. I posted these to my Downtown Macon gallery.

Giles joined me in the afternoon. Our first stop was Forsyth, GA, about twenty miles or so northeast of Macon. We walked around the center of town — somewhere we’ve been before — and took a few shots. I added nine photos to my Forsyth gallery.

Our next stop was Barnesville, another fifteen miles or so northeast of Forsyth. The town center was beautiful, and we spent a bit of time snapping away. Many of the locals were spending time in town, so Barnesville seemed welcoming and and friendly as we walked around. Some of my favorite shots of the day are in my new Barnesville gallery.

Next was Thomaston. The road there from Barnesville passed through The Rock, GA, and by several closed factories. The center of Thomaston had many vacant store fronts, and the town looked like it has been hit hard by the current recession. Thomaston is a new gallery.

And finally, as we headed back to Macon for some dinner, we paused briefly in Yatesville for a couple of shots — mostly of a couple of building façades that looked interesting.

All in all, a great day. Giles has also posted a blog entry and photos.

Yes, Spring, but also the annual Cherry Blossom Festival here in Macon, Georgia. Today marks the official opening of the week-long event. This is a great time to live in Macon, especially if you’re a photographer. Yes, there are the blossoms, but the festivities bring all sorts colorful characters — and dogs. Tomorrow is the bed race, the lawnmower (!) race, and the Tunes and Balloons show, and next week is the Mulberry Street Festival — with a bunch in-between. See Macon.com for a complete list of events.

Yes, I will be out with my camera, and I’ll post photos from events I attend in my Cherry Blossom Festival 2009 gallery.

Despite my better judgment, I took it to the local computer place: the so-called Quality Computer Systems on Riverside Drive in Macon, Georgia. I link to them, not to send them business, but to hopefully let my experience reflect on their business. What I mean by “better judgment” is based on my first experience with them. A couple of years ago, I had a 12″ PowerBook that I spilled a bit of water on. It immediately went dead and would not boot, even after several hours to let it dry. I thought I hosed the computer, so I took it to QCS for their diagnosis. After it sat there for about three days, they called me and said it was ready. Apparently, just letting dry for a bit longer was all that was necessary; that’ll be $85. “For what,” I asked. “Well, it did boot, but we ran diagnostics to see if everything was OK.” Fine, I thought, paying the money, but feeling ripped off. I made a mental note at the time never to go back there again. They could have at least called me before they ran those diagnostics.

Well, flash forward a couple of years to my current monitor problem. Apparently, I have forgotten about my experience with them or was just distracted by my current dilemma. I packed up my ailing MBP and headed to QCS. This was a Thursday. Nearly a week later, they called me to report my logic board needed to be replaced (the video card is shot, and that lives on the logic board). A new logic board would be about $1200. I told them I’d just come get the computer. “That’ll be $85.” I paid it without a word. While it did take them a week to get to it, it wasn’t their fault my computer seemed beyond repair.

I began looking for another computer thinking I could sell my MBP for parts. Autumn just got a new MacBook, and we decided we could share that as well as a new 24″ iMac for the house. Since the blogosphere was a-twitter with rumors of imminent new iMacs, I decided to wait. When they were finally announced a couple of days ago, I was underwhelmed with the offerings. Had the upgraded iMacs had LED monitors, this story might have ended differently.

“What the hell,” I thought, “I’ll give Apple a call about my MBP.” Giles reminded me of the number: 800-SOS-APPL. I called, and I was almost immediately connected with a guy named Anthony. I explained the problem, and he was sympathetic. He checked the price of a new logic board, and came up with the same number that QCS gave me. “Hold on,” he said, “let me check one other thing.” He was gone for a minute, and when he came back, he had a better price for me: $350. Apparently, since I had not abused my computer, this is the adjusted out-of-warranty price. I had a box the next day and received my fixed MBP yesterday from Apple. Sweet.

I gotta say: I was not expecting such a positive outcome. My experience with Apple and customer service lately has not been what it used to be when they were not on top. I am pleasantly surprised, and my faith in my favorite computer company has been renewed. Thanks, Apple.

As for QCS: couldn’t they have called Apple for me? The more I think about it, the more upset I get. This is what local customer service has turned in to. I guess, because of geography, they feel they have some sort of monopoly here in central Georgia (is that called an oligopoly?). I think they could have done more. I’m out $160+ from my two experiences with them, and what did I get either time? Really. I will not be going back, and I actually feel like writing to the owner. I would, if I felt it would do any good.

It started in the morning, but didn’t really pick up here until after noon. I’m glad it waited because I had to go to the store for dinner fixin’s. Just after I returned with my chips and avocado (continuing the weekend’s Mexican theme) the sky opened up the hail of cotton. Cold cotton. Autumn was almost giddy as she and her camera played in the accumulating snow. I poked my head out a couple of times, but having experienced my share of snow in the past, I was less enthusiastic.

Still, as a neighbor said this morning, snow is fun “occasionally.” I agree. In fact, the fun is carrying over to today: classes are cancelled. I better enjoy my once-in-a-decade snow day.

My buddy Mark Strozier did the video stuff, too. It’s worth a look for the performances. Thanks, Chris, for a fun time and a great Elvis impersonation.