We are happy to announce that Alameda Yacht Charters will be using the SupportSentry Web Support PRO customer service software on their new yacht charter website. WebSupport’s easy setup, web based configuration and robust ticketing and email system was perfect for Alameda’s website customer service needs.

Many people are making some extra cash online these days by participating in online surveys for money. It is pretty amazing how the internet has allowed people to make money on the the internet, conveniently. People can now work when they have time and build their schedule around other events in life rather than building their schedules around work. So, how does one get started making money from online surveys? It is actually very simple. There are a number of companies that aggregate survey offers from top PR, survey and other marketing companies that are looking for people in all different segments of the population. From pregnant women to people who love hamburgers…and everything in between. There are thousands of survey offers out there and you can get to them on your time, not someone else’s.

We have been receiving more and more people looking for answers on how to get help from AOL recently. I wish I had something to tell them. Unfortunately, my experience with AOL customer service was not exactly “top shelf.” If you have a technical question you may be able to find some answers in our AOL customer service and complaint forum that is linked to from the above page. All in all, AOL’s customer service is pretty bad in my opinion. It is probably why they have been losing customers year-over-year for the past 5 years.

I was just reading an article that discussed international compliance codes…the little logos and acronyms you see on the tags or back of your electronic devices. Here is a list of codes and what they mean:

• UL - Underwriters Laboratories - This means the product has passed US safety guidelines and is also approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If you find a “C” in from of the UL mark, the product has passed Canadian safety regulations as well.
• TUV Rheinland of North America - Technischer Uberwachungs-Verdein - TUV was born out of the German Product Safety Standards and provides testing and certification services for product quality and safety.
• NYCE - Normalizacion Y Certificacion Electronia - Mexico’s mark that is used to certify safety standards. This is underwritten by Underwriters Laboratories as well.
• CE - Conformite Europeene - The CE symbol indicateds that the device or product meets EU Directives used to facilitate trade between member EU countries.
• FCC - Federal Communications Commission - If the device emits any kind of radio frequencies, then the FCC will have to approve the device meets the FCC guidelines.
• C-Tick - Australian Communications Authority - C-Tick is the Australian and New Zealand version of the FCC. This stamp indicates that the electronic device complies with both New Zealand and Australian standards for radio interference.
• BSMI - The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection - This is Taiwan’s stamp of compatability with electromagnetic standards and regulatory compliance.

Now you know what all of these silly compliance labels mean on your electronics devices.

We will be attending a wedding in Sun Valley, ID in a month or so and I purchased tickets the other night on line. After looking around, it appeared that Delta was the only “real” carrier that flies somewhat directly into Sun Valley. I have only flown Delta one other time and that was to Maui for another wedding. It was actually a great flight and I still remembering thinking to myself that it was a great flight. Actually, I flew to Salt Lake City one other time on Delta. Anyway, I found the flights and the Delta system actually used the best flights for the times I entered. It seems that no matter what you enter on most airlines’ systems, you end up having to select different flights than the first ones that come up. Delta chose the right ones first, good job. There are two legs to the trip going and coming back. The seat selector allows you to do all flights for all passengers on one screen. The screen was laid out very well and was super easy to understand. I was really excited to see this…yes, I am a dork.

Delta gets an A+ from me for their online reservations system. It is the best I have used and I am on a plane at least once every month or two. Good job Delta.

If you have some extra time and a computer with an internet connection, there is a booming industry online that may help you to earn some money in between your childrens’ naps or when you have a free hour or two. Online surveys are fast becoming America’s favorite “2nd job” and is a great way for stay-at-home mothers, college students or anyone else who wants to make a few extra bucks can do so from the comfort of their own home. It is really the perfect work-at-home idea. Basically, online surveys are aggregated by companies so that people who are looking to make a few extra dollars by answering companies’ questions (provided they fit their requirements). It is really that easy. Of course, you should not believe that you are going to get rich this way or that there are going to be as many surveys as you will want to take out there. But, if you are looking for an hour or two of extra work a day, surveys may be the perfect fit for you.