Jennifer Convertibles is the WORST Manufacturer I've ever dealt with

I'm usually not one of those complainers that yells at customer service just to collect every nickel or dime I can. But when I, as a paying customer, am taken advantage of by a manufacturer for doing nothing wrong, then I'm going to use every avenue of social media I can so that other consumers are aware of how horrible Jennifer Convertibles treats us and that their company loses as much business as it deserves. So it starts here...

If I could give JC -20 stars, I would in a heartbeat without a question. When I ordered the furniture in Los Angeles and shipped it to San Francisco, I was under the assumption that this recommendation would be great. It was cheap and looked nice in the showroom. But when it was delivered, there was a hole in my armchair when I purchased it BRAND NEW. I called 3 different customer service phone numbers and when I finally got a technician scheduled to check out the chair, they forgot about my appointment and didn't even call to warn me. That was after 2 months of my initial shipment.

I complained twice on their website, which they deem as their "primary resource" to improve their customer service, and I received no response. That is probably the joke of the century. I even put my name down to talk to a supervisor and though I was assured that I would receive a response within 48-72 hours, it wasn't a surprise that no one called back.

Seven months later, I finally got a technician to come out to the apartment. Because they shipped material to cover the arm with the hole, it didn't fit properly and now the silver metal is sticking out at the bottom of the chair. The technician, a third party vendor, suggested that I don't approve the fix, so I complied and was told I would be contacted by JC.

Of course they didn't call, so I took the liberty to do so myself. Upon Jennifer Convertibles' direction, I submitted pictures for review and they said it passed quality control after several conversations with their "supervisor" named Meryl. What I don't understand is: "HOW IS THAT ACCEPTABLE?!?!" I didn't do anything wrong and just wanted compensation for this 7 month fiasco. When I asked to talk to Meryl's supervisor, she said it was the VP of Jennifer Convertibles who doesn't talk to consumers. I find it EXTREMELY difficult to fathom that the customer service's supervisor's boss is the VP and couldn't direct me to someone else.

Since I believe I was taken advantage of, I hope other customers don't resort to Jennifer Convertibles. You're much better off going to another local store, getting the customer service and quality furniture you deserve. Might I suggest IKEA or Living Spaces? They receive no complaints from me...

In Front of 37,500 People

With all dramatic intents and purposes aside, I can completely and honestly say that my life has recently changed. Technically, the start of the good news came a couple days prior, but President Obama’s Rally at USC on October 22nd, 2010 meant more to me than I ever thought a political commemoration would.

Although staying up until 1:44 am is not abnormal in my daily regimen, it’s not common for me to wake up before daylight at 5:15 am to volunteer and then present an opening speech for our seated President of the United States. So it all makes sense to feel a sudden compulsion to start writing about my once-in-a-life time experience while the adrenalin is still pumping through my mind and body.

I’m not sure exactly who will read this, aside from the people I send this to whom I think might be interested, but I figured I should write it all down so I won’t forget every facet that happened. Though I doubt that will happen any time soon, it’s always a challenge to try to document something so momentous into words.

So now it’s time for me to do a little reflection, something I wasn’t mentally able to do while on stage. And as I’m curled up on my bed listening to some calming Yiruma, I can’t help but feel slightly emotional, overwhelmed, and curiously anxious even as I look back on the whole experience in hindsight.

I might as well start off with how it all happened so as to keep my mind from running wild. Last Thursday, October 14th, I met with three members from the Organizing for America campaign team to discuss how I could easily disseminate the news to students across the university. Our Helenes advisor, Heather Larabee, selected me as one of the approximately 10 student leaders to meet with them and, due to some luck, I was able to meet with them first. In appropriate Helenes fashion, I welcomed them to the university. With my suggestions and explanation of our organization as the official hostesses of Helenes, I guess I made some impact…

Since then, I had been communicating with Lars Thorn, one of the OFA organizers, all throughout the next week outlining the Helenes responsibilities, coordinating training sessions, and establishing what role we played during the big day. On Wednesday, October 20th, I carried through with my typical Helenes responsibilities of printing out the agendas and directing the standard hour-long meeting. Keep in mind that Wednesdays are always my comforting times, that go-to day of the week when I know I’ll get to see my Helenes and Rosebuds who not only make up a huge part of my friends, but also my family. That, in itself, makes Wednesdays priceless.

After the meeting, I prepared and expected for 2 classes from 3:30 pm – 9:30 pm straight. And although I still would have never anticipated the news that I was about to hear later that night, having 1 class entirely canceled and the other ending 1 ½ hours early (with the quiz postponed as well) helped make that day even more unusually uplifting.

So I used that extra time to work on homework, watch Glee with the roommates, and eat dinner. Then I took a break and drove with my friend, Alex, through the McDonald’s drive through, when Lars called me with news that, even now, keeps me mesmerized.

He said, “Hey Ashlie! I have some exciting news for you.” He sounded quite calm.

“Me?” I asked, confused and simultaneously intrigued.

“Yeah! Are you nervous?”

“Nope. Just excited!” I think I recall a slight chuckle escaping in between those words.

“I was told that we need a student to present the opening speech for President Obama’s Rally on Friday and I said I knew the perfect person.”

I’m positive that Lars said much more than that with some other explanations as to the content of the speech, what to expect, and other parameters of the event, but everything started to blur. All I could manage to repeat was, “Me?” needing affirmation that what he said did in fact come from the same person on the other end of the line. At this time, I was pacing around the McDonald’s parking lot since I abruptly left the car…probably looking foolish.

Fast forward through the speech writing, microphone checks, and volunteer site walkthroughs to Friday morning at 5:15 am when it was pitch black outside and drizzling. Hoping that it wouldn’t stay misty all day, I volunteered with my fellow Helenes from 6-9:30 am and waited for further instructions until about 12:15 pm when it was show time.

After Mayor Villaraigosa kicked off the rally, he introduced his cousin, California Assembly Speaker, John Perez. This was it. After Speaker Perez’s speech, I was honored that he addressed me with an introduction that, according to my roommates, was amazing and extremely thoughtful (something about exemplifying leadership at USC…). But my senses were shut-off for a brief moment before walking up to the podium. Everything seemed to glaze over me to the point where the words just echoed those of Charlie Brown’s iconic teacher and the thousands of faces in the crowd just appeared to be dots. When I heard my name, that was the cue. And I went.

From what I heard from later feedback, I think the speech went as according to plan, with the appropriate pauses and emphases, tone of voice, rate of pace, and enunciation that I practiced. Before public speeches, my hands usually feel slightly clammier and I can detect a sudden, irregular jolt in my heartbeat. But this time, I felt nothing, which turned out to be absolutely perfect and exactly what I needed. I felt no doubt, no apprehension.

But the most incredible part of my experience was the intangible emotions I felt even for those few, short minutes. I know that I’ll never get the chance to speak again for 37,500+ people, on the steps of Doheny Library on my university’s campus, as the one representative of over 33,000+ undergraduate and graduate students, with more press and secret service than I could have ever imagined, standing alongside Senator Barbara Boxer, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Brown, Grammy-award winning band Ozomatli, Kal Penn, and opening for our current President of the United States. I knew I had to drink in every single moment.

Though the coordinators kept mentioning that this was a party of history, it didn’t really sink in until after I walked back to the bleachers behind President Obama. I undoubtedly had the time of my life, but this was a moment I seriously needed to internalize before I could jump up and down like I normally do. I guess this is the result. The verdict: this was one of the best, most memorable and inspiring moments of my life.

Hearing President Obama speak in person, being in such proximity, and shaking his hand was absolutely surreal. It’s difficult for any individual to command respect without asking for or demanding it. But now I know, first hand and in person, that as soon as he opens his mouth to speak, it’s hard not to respect him as our leader.

There are a few people who I want to give a special thanks to, regardless of whether this is read or not, but their impact meant more to me than I could have possibly fathomed.

To the USC Helenes – You girls are my rock. I can’t describe into comprehensible words how much you all mean to me. Your continuous optimism, heartfelt words, and undying support complement how gracious, poised, and beautiful you are. Everyone on the OFA campaign team appreciated your generous time and energy and I can only hope that your experience was nothing less than amazing. You all totally deserve it and they recognized it. I hope you know that you make a big difference to the university and, now even more so than ever, the entire country and planet. You exemplify what it means to be the future of change and I’m inspired by each and every one of you.

To my parents – I love you both so incredibly much and I appreciate you not only being there for me at the rally, but also showing your support and dealing with all the craziness that ensued over these last few, short days. Getting up so early, playing phone tag all morning, waiting for hours, and dealing with claustrophobia was no easy feat, I’m sure. I’ve known for a long time now that parents know best, but this is another one of those first-hand experiences that make that true…I’m pretty sure you know what I’m referring to. Oh yeah, and I’m sorry for keeping you in suspense for so long.

To my sister, Stacie – I wish you could’ve been there, especially since I know how politically savvy you are. I think you would’ve appreciated all of the speeches, seeing how the media functioned, and just all of the details that are required to make an event such as this run without a hitch. Thanks for taking the time to provide input with the speech, even though you were in the middle of moving heavy boxes!

To my friends and family – You guys are the best! I can’t thank you enough for your messages, texts, chats, e-mails, calls, and thoughts all throughout the day. You are so considerate and there aren’t sufficient words to capture the magnitude of how much I appreciate everything you’ve done. The cheers did not go unnoticed and it’s people like you who make our country what it is. I wasn’t lying when I said that my peers keep me going. Special thanks to all the people who listened to me practice the speech to the point of monotony: Alex Hoang, Kelly Coble, Richie Pizano, Dayna Walker, Kimberly Newberry, Lauren Rowe, Bridget Ward, and more.

And last but not least: to Lars Thorn – When you told me that political events and rallies cause emotional roller coasters from all the tiny details to last-minute preparations, I knew you weren’t kidding. Johanna explained to me later that when you were about to tell me the news, she said, “Aren’t you excited? You’re going to change this girl’s life!” Then you told me that my enthusiasm and excitement inspired you again. But in reality, you were the one who changed my life with the most remarkable experience that I will never forget. I can’t thank you or express my gratitude enough, because I can’t iterate it in words. Your optimistic and genuinely joyful personality is enough motivation to keep every member of the rally just as upbeat. Thanks for all the accommodations, returned phone calls, and overall sincerity. Good luck with everything you do! I know I’m going to hear, see, or read about you in the news soon.

I’ve learned so much within the past week. More than I could have ever even anticipated. I hope I made my friends, family, peers, teachers, advisors, and USC, as a whole, proud.

I know that I am certainly proud to be an American. So I hope to continue to spread the message that summed up my purpose in the rally: vote. No matter your age, nationality, or socioeconomic status, just vote. Don’t let others speak for you. And don’t ever underestimate how much power you have to change and make an impact on the world. I definitely did, but this experience played a huge part in convincing me otherwise.

Speech: 10/22/10

Good afternoon fellow Trojans and neighbors of the Los Angeles community.

There are few opportunities in one’s lifetime where we can turn our heads and see thousands of individuals around us united in support of one cause. A cause that is tied to our civic duty and a cause that is for the betterment of our country.

As the President of the USC Helenes, the official hostesses of the university, and on behalf of the students, I’d like to welcome you all to the University of Southern California. It is truly an honor to be speaking at this celebration commemorating our right to elect our leaders and to share a stage with President Barack Obama, the leader we chose in 2008. There is no doubt in my mind that USC offers the best education to be found in our nation. And the encouragement I get from teachers, administrators, and peers to participate in our nation’s democracy enriches me now and keeps me striving for a better country and a better future.

No matter where we come from, we’re all here together with priceless opportunities that should never be taken for granted. At America’s core is the right to vote, and it’s so important for us to remember that not everyone on this planet has that same right. Indeed, we need to remember that not only is voting a right, but it is also a privilege.

Our nation is a model for democracy. And our nation will remain a model of democracy only if you keep it that way. Only you have control over your beliefs, your voice, your vote.

This November 2nd marks a responsibility. You and I will be making crucial choices at the ballot box and we must support our leaders to continue to make progress for Los Angeles residents. To ensure our nation’s prosperity at home and abroad. And to continually strive for more. Because anything less than that would be an injustice to America and to its people.

So, if we continue to turn our heads to our neighbors with the unspoken agreement that “Yes, we can make a difference. We can make a difference together,” we can vote to turn this abstract idea of change into a tangible reality.

My fellow students, the future is truly up to you. And knowing the USC community, I have no doubt that WE will be the ones who keep this country moving forward.

Thank you and Fight On!


Live Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q99gExSJs0s

The End of a Chapter

It's funny how one minute, you feel like you're walking into an entirely new environment sitting across some students you've never seen before and some you feel like you've known forever.

In a nutshell, commencement has returned once again to some people's relief, but to my dismay. This means another year has flown by, but more importantly, some of the most inspiration people in the Class of 2010 are embarking on a new chapter in their lives. Both exhilarating and frightening, I wish them all the luck in the real world even though I know USC has prepared them for the best and the worst.

This summer's plans land me back in summer school as well as tackling two different internships: one as a personal marketing assistant at MetLife Financial Services, and the other as a social media marketer with IFC Advisory. My jobs allow me to apply the knowledge I learned in class about social media public relations and tactics and bring them to fruition in the real world. It's extremely gratifying and, of course, interesting to put this information to the test!

While I have my own chapter to close and start, it feels so surreal -- I'm eager to postpone this process as much as possible and slow down time.

The New “Tweetie” Bird

It’s a beautiful morning. No cloud in the sky, and the birds are definitely chirping. But what’s causing this celebration for these birds in particular?

In its adventure towards ever-expanding, Twitter has just announced that it polished and launched its popular new application for the iPhone called “Tweetie”. Now called “Twitter for iPhone,” the price is dropping from the reasonable $2.99 to the even better free! Loren Brichter, the developer who also created Atebits, just joined the mobile team for Twitter, and they could not be more relieved. With his help, Twitter is also planning to launch another application with the iPad coming soon.

Jason Kincaid, writer for TechCrunch, deems this as both a surprising and unsurprising move. Twitter investor, Fred Wilson, just wrote that the developers must stop “filling holes” with Twitter’s services in order to continue its success. In doing so, this requires building entirely distinguished businesses versus same-name products. Last Friday, Twitter just launched the officially BlackBerry application so that theory just seemed to fall flat on its face.

Twitter has an extremely strong and popular presence with the iPhone platform and other Mac products, so this did not seem like an entirely earth-shattering decision. There is even a Tweetie desktop application still in the works, but strategically kept hush hush. Tweetie has been perfected to arguably be the best, but other applications still need some tweaking.

But why the change in name? Twitter CEO, Evan Williams, claims that people actually seeking the Twitter application on iTunes are not finding the name. Naturally in this fast-paced, yet lazy world, searchers give up when they find no search results for Twitter instead of pursuing “Tweetie”.

Perhaps this will expand Tweetie’s database even more!

Another ZyngaVille

As if Zynga needed another “ville” game...another one is back and projected to make millions!

Farmville, believe it or not, has over 80 million monthly users! In addition to that, Zynga has launched FishVille, YoVille, PetVille, and practically any other “ville” you can think of. As ridiculous as they may seem, there is no gimmick. These games are exactly what they portray: brainless (arguably), addicting, and definitely revenue generating.

In a nutshell, the game description is as follows: “Howdy Pardner! Let’s explore a new life on the frontier. You gotta chop trees to construct buildings, clear land to raise livestock, plant crops, and raise a family. The untamed wilderness is hazardous, but your fellow pioneers are there to help.”

Now, I’m no FarmVille expert in the slightest, but it seems as if FrontierVille is just another one of those “survive in the wilderness with your friends” games. The funny part is that it’s more than likely to be another hit.

Maybe we should all take notes and think simplistically. In this case, simple = $$ = better. The equation makes sense for Zynga!

iPhone Features Strike Again!

It seems as if almost all of the new articles coming out regarding the iPhone make me want it more and more.

The iChat feature has finally found its way into the iPhone software…sort of. Though it’s still in the developing and secretive stages, there are promising things to come for this application. The iChat feature ranges from inviting fellow friends to terminating calls. Different sources can verify that Apple is testing video chat on four different servers, three of which are hosted on Apple’s intranet and the other one open to the world.

About 30 various sources did provide more insider information to 9to5mac.com, but everyone else is keeping everything under wraps. However, Apple is strategically dropping hints in this semi-private public sphere even though the company loves to keep even the smallest bits of information in secrecy. In this World Wide Web, people are sure to find out; perhaps Apple is embracing the marketing world through the beauty of rumors and word-of-mouth to draw attention to the product.

Greg Kumparak thinks that iChat on the iPhone will not be able to compete or surface with leading third-party applications out there. But Apple may still be using parts of the iChat foundation to power the video chat service.

I’m sure we’ll hear more news in the future. Apple will make sure of that.

IPG Lab: An Overview of their Tests

Location-based advertisements? Cell phones as the major web source? Netflix powered through our phones?

Technology has come a mighty long way! Josh Levison coming to our class gave us a direct and insightful perspective on what to expect for mobile and gaming aspects in the near future.

When we first discussed cell phones as the primary engaging online tool in the next three years, my circumstance directly applied. It makes sense that more and more people are converting to the 3G networks, whether that be via the Blackberry, Android, or iPhone due to the 2-year contract upgrades (or should I say gimmicks). I guess I’m one of the suckers (60% to be exact) who has an electronic 3G device that is less than 12 months old. However, I am an exception in that do not use my wifi on my phone as much as I do with my computer.

I also learned that over the next few years, Josh predicts that our smart phones are going to come equipped with wireless keyboards, a docking station, and be set up to substitute our computers. That is completely mind-blowing, since I am a dedicated computer-user who will only typically use my smart phone for emergencies or when I have (rare) downtime.

At 80 megabits per second, the speeds are becoming faster with more space available for content. Josh stated that calling our smart phones as just “phones” is almost a disservice to the product itself, when in fact, we rely on the electronic device for so much more than that. What’s more is that it’s purposely built and capable of doing that and more.

Josh also mentioned that “appointment TV” is useless. These shows rely on people who are dedicated enough to watch a specific show at an exact time for a certain time range. TimeWarner and the other cable companies are looking to face near obstacles, especially since online television programming has a fraction of the commercials and requires less dedication or focus. As soon as subscriptions for live television become more widespread on the internet, we can all follow Clint’s actions and strategically split the cost with our friends and family!

But a great message that I noted that Karen and Josh shared was the theory that human nature does not change. Even over the past 150 years, our behavior still has similarities with the past. As we start our own businesses or start-up companies, it does not matter if we’re completely original or not. Chances are almost guaranteed that someone has thought of that same idea before or it’s already been in the works.

Just get there faster or beat ‘em to the punch!