DISQUS

Keith Patrick · 3 years ago

Now there's a headline I didn't need to see ;)

ha · 3 years ago

this is the best one by far

met · 3 years ago

The very fact that the phrase 'suck down' is used is itself wrong. :shrugs:
If you think you are sucking down, then probably you already have an attitude... an attitude thats bad.

Podesta · 3 years ago

Like met said, if you believe people are beneath you, you're just being patronizing.

Speaking of being patronizing, Scoble, you have not said a word about Bill Gates' disdainful remarks about the $100 laptop for poor children initiative. Considering that the topic has been discussed all over the place, you must have heard about it. So, why the silence?

To refresh your memory:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/3727...

http://www.sci-tech-today.com/news/Bill-Gates-S...

http://news.com.com/2061-11199_3-6050497.html

Zoli Erdos · 3 years ago

C'mon, the title really only makes sense in context: he had a previous post about "sucking up". That one was not exactly well received, rightfully so.... but this one is really common sense, if we all behaved like this , the world would be a better place.

Dmad · 3 years ago

Good post by Guy, but not all that insightful. Essentailly a rehash of How to win friends and influence people or any other basic how to sell book. But, I can image a lot of geeks not having all that many social interactions and in need of some basic advice.

Aaron Pratt · 3 years ago

1.

2.

3.

*yawn*

Dominik · 3 years ago

I feel it is kind of sad a post like this even had to be published. The way to behave he is describing there sounds like common-sense good behaviour, that should come naturally, not some sort of ancient wisdom to get a better seat at a restaurant. Well, for those, who need the advise: go there, read it, it's worth following. :)

Guzzard · 3 years ago

What I found dis-ingenuous (sp?) about Guy's post is that I have heard the bags to Paris thing in the past, from my wife who was a flight attendant (5 + years ago). I am not sure who his friend is, but I highly doubt this is true. It's a good way to set up a post about the topic, but why not tell it the way it is.

Aaron Pratt · 3 years ago

I am glad there are a few others who see things the same way.

I am not getting this Guy fellah, all I read when I go to his blog temple (house of worship?) is:

1.

2.

3.

But lets face it, geeks need help in the "social" areas so guy could actually be teaching someone something new. It's just extremely tedious to read for the rest of us.

Dmad · 3 years ago

yea, that "bags to Paris" is a story about as old as the airline industy. Very lame of Guy to use it a personal anecdote But then again, geeks don't get out much.

Robert Scoble · 3 years ago

Regarding why this post is necessary. I'm in airports every two weeks, and believe me, this post is definitely necessary. The way many people behave with customer service personel is disgusting.

Guy Pelletier · 3 years ago

There is a story of a govenor going to a dinner to raise mony for something. A young waitress was handing out pats of butter, 2 to a customer, when she gave the govener his 2 pats, he asked for more. She said that she was told to hand out 2 pats only, the govenor stood up and asked "Do you know who I am, I am the Govenor!" The waitress stood there and when the govenor finished, she said, I am the one handing out butter! and left.

Guzzard · 3 years ago

I agree that some people act out their insanity on airline personnel, however they are the front line of a giant faceless corporation. They are usually the only people who "HAVE" to listen to you. I read, I think in Tom Peters "Things I Believe" that you should always take prospective candidates for employment out to lunch, and observe there interactions with the staff. The way they treat the staff is probably how they will treat you or others in your organization.

william · 3 years ago

"One of the great misconceptions of selling, pitching, and partnering--basically, any time you want to get someone to do something for you--is that you should suck up to the people with the big titles and “A list” designation. Sometimes you do--as you've already read in this blog, but the ability to suck up to the folks who don't have big titles but make the world run is more useful. "

The above is quoted by Guy Kawaski
as the way to get what you want from the common working stiffs or average joe, the non big title people of the world.
What a WIMP!
Who says you should have to "suck down" or for that matter "suck up" to get anyone do do
what you desire, want or should be entitled to as a customer or a self respecting person?
The ticket agent who would send you to Paris and your luggage to Australia should be FIRED!
First, of all without having any idea why the customer was so upset, just dealing with anyone who has this agents mentality is dealing with a person who is "damaged goods" and that type of person should not be dealing with the public.
Guy you are a great tech guy, but to suck up, suck down, kiss-up or make up for what should be a professional and expected level of service is what makes life HARD for those of us who don't mind paying for good service and expect the best, without GUY"S like you sucking down to get it.
Wake up America, just like there are plenty of customers who are arrogant unpleasant and abusive and they should be dealt with openly by management or for that matter by you / Guy and not have their bad behavior reinforced by the "non-big titles" of the world who do things just as abusive if they don't feel someone isn't suckin down or suckin up.
Finally, sucking up / sucking down should not be the way of getting what you want from life. Who wants to be a sucker for anything or anybody!
To hell with bowing and scraping, bucking and jiving,
laughing when it ain't funny and scracthing when you don't itch! Demand what you are entitled to or let them kiss your grits!