It's Nothing Personal, It's Just Business

R.a.n.t. of week 09/09/12

Nothing angers me more than fake sympathy and annoying platitudes. This is especially the case when it comes to business and the decisions they are forced to make. Don't get me wrong, I understand that business is business, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. On top of that, I don't think these said businesses need to release boo-hoo letters of reasoning. You made the decision, fine. Stop trying to sell it to me. No matter how you spin it, I'm NOT going to like it. Remember back in the day when we'd find doggie dumplings, place them in a paper bag and light it on fire on a neighbors porch? We'd wait in anticipation for the irate neighbor to emerge, stomp out the fire and find the hidden treasure within. Errrrrr...... I never did that. I've just heard about it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. So what does that have to do with anything? I feel like the fire stomping, poo squishing, vein popping neighbor after reading a letter similar to what I was discussing. You see earlier this week a local radio station suddenly switched format. No word in advance, not even a stunt of the station, just a sudden switch. I'm wondering if the DJ's or producers even knew about the switch till the 11th hour.

In their defense, the station posted a letter similar to the one below. (Portions identifying the station have been removed):
   "We regret that we are unable to provide you with the programming you enjoyed and appreciate your loyalty in the past. And we sincerely understand your disappointment.
    "We made the decision to change the format due to a limited interest from the marketplace, advertisers and the need to make a sound business decision for a solid future.
    "Our new station has been developed based on research and market demand, and though we understand you don’t prefer the change, we hope you will understand our business decision."

The funniest part about this letter is they immediately assume the change is not going to be welcome. Actually I've listened to the new station, yea, it rubbish. So they got something right.