Monkeyman

You paint a pretty bleak picture, Melvin. Employees at ATX are probably not chained to a desk with flickering florescent lights overhead, dark circles around their bloodshot eyes and constantly looking over their shoulder to see if the boss is coming to catch them posting on this site. I still do not understand why my presence here caused such an issue. Obviously it's not that big of a deal given the poll results. I know I am "on your turf" but I am really am only here to help. What the heck did I do?

Hi Tom, How's Patty? Is she still cracking the whip over your head as you slave away at your keyboard? :P

Hi Lion, Things will be pretty much be the same. If anything, the ATX program will get better because of the new muscle that CCH is putting behind it. The interface will not be fiddled with as they don't want to lose customers, and it works just fine how it is. All of the forms will still be there. ATX took out all of the lesser-used forms for the 2006 year. These were just a handful of forms that, in some cases, only 2 people were using. Literally, two. Remember, CCH purchased ATX and TaxWise to get a piece of the middle market they were unable to penetrate with ProFX. They don't want to do anything that would jeopardize their new share in this market, namely making you guys angry TaxWise, CCH, and ATX all serve distinct markets so they will remain separate programs....but as we all know things can change very quickly. However, I am optimistic about the future. Monkeyman P.S. - I am sorry if this sounded like marketing speak, it really is an honest opinion.

JohnH - Thank you. I like that quote, reality and facts are threatening to some OldJack - You are right. I should not "flame". I will just politely point it out if folks are not being completely honest about their support calls. As far as helping, I have a lot of experience with the ATX program. As far as money, I am guessing you make WAY more than me. Monkeyman

Hello Everyone, I had a nice email conversation with erc tonight (we know each other) and felt compelled to post. I am VERY sorry if anyone felt attacked, threatened or uncomfortable because of my posts. I really am. I do not want to poop in erc's attempt to create a playground for all of you. I was not defending the company as much as defending the poor folks on the phone who get the screaming and swearing. Rational complaints are acceptable in anyone's book, and make everyone's experience in this commercial world better. I am in the customer service business and still submit my fair share of rants, and am willing to admit when I am wrong. My only objectives in posting on this site are to help those in need, and occasionally (lightly) chastise those who are not completly forthright in their commentary. I encourage you to call upon me for help. You can reach me on this board, or directly through KC or erc. Sincerely, The Guy Who You Have Probably Spoken To Before (aka Monkeyman)

As usual, you are assuming correctly, KC. That, and making everything work with the "transition".

Melvin, Any price increase, slowly introduced or not, would be viewed as unfavorable. Darned if you do, darned if you don't. I will not comment any further on inner workings. I didn't suggest removing the shielding, just the outer shell which allows you to access the motor. I did it with mine and only experienced a third eye in the middle of my forehead However, you probably have much more technical experience than me (so I have heard), and different models have different components, so maybe Tom should spring for a new unit.

You folks may already have this, but here is the link to the ProSeries message board. http://www.intuitaccountants.com/webx/forums/ Some comments look kinda familiar...I guess nobody's perfect, right?

Thank you for your post, Deb. I hope my post did not feel like an attack. I can understand your frustration with the e-file price increases, everyone. Let me give it to you straight: E-file is EXPENSIVE to develop, program, maintain, and license. Imagine someone paying $375 for a program that allows them to do 1200 returns. That's about 31 cents a return; a pretty fair profit margin, huh? I have some friends who own a small company in a rural-suburban small town. Their 1120S cost them $700. 2 returns and this guy has paid for his MAX software. I can only imagine what it would have cost them in Columbus, or even New York. Mr.Malody, you are correct. Polite and meaningful feedback goes up the ladder. The $200 e-file fee was not out of desperation but a popular (and fair) customer request. Sadly in some cases the rep is abused. Tom, for your microwave, try undoing the screws on the back (or bottom) and removing the outer shell. Underneath, there should be a small motor that turns the plate inside. Check to make sure no wires are undone; that's what happened to mine. Make sure it's unplugged first :)

George was running for selectman in a small town. He was sure he could win easily, as he looked exactly like Conway Twitty. He set out on a door to door campaign. He arrived at the first house and knocked. A Woman answered and exclaimed "Oh my goodness, Conway Twitty". "No Ma'am" George replied, "My name is George and I am running for selectman of this fine town". He reached the next house, and an attractive woman dressed only in a bathrobe answered the door. She looked him up and down and said "Conway Twitty?", with a smile. "No Ma'am" He replied again, "My name is George and I am running for selectman of this fine town". At the third house, he was greeted by a lovely young lady clad in a skimpy bikini. "Oh, Conway Twitty!" she purred with a sultry smile....... "Hello Darlin" George replied.

Guess again, Bob :ph34r:

Maybe so, Maybe not, Eli Let's just say I am someone with enough experience and background to NOT be rude or overly demanding to people with no authority. I have been in the customer service field for a long time. Let's also say I am someone with enough self control to NOT post horror stories about the complaint phone calls with outrageous demands made by people on this forum (and on TaxPro Exchange), or to point out the inaccuracies of certain posts. Some claims made here and elsewhere about "stupid tech support" leave out important details that I would LOVE to elaborate on. A few folks on this board (very few, 99.9% of you folks are great) have bad memories and are not as smart as they think. Too bad this 0.1% are also the most vocal. Posted with all due respect, of course.

Taxbilly and Deb, Of course there was silence at the other end. What was the rep to do? How are they supposed to reply to this? These decisions are made WAY over their heads and they have no control. Please take this into consideration. Granted, the elimination of the Community Board so abruptly may not have been a good move on ATX(CCH)'s part. Welcome to corporate America, everyone! We are but a small pool of people in a large sea of faceless consumers. Don't take out your frustration on the folks trying to make a living answering the phone.