So, I'm trying to figure out what's going on with our DSL. Yesterday, I was unable to look up my account details. Today, I can call up my bill, but when I try to write to customer service, I'm presented with this ridiculous thing:

AT&T's inability to size a text box does not fill me with confidence.

Then there's this:

In order to send my question, I have to tell them my customer code ... which is an UNLABELED MYSTERY HIDE-AND-SEEK NUMBER on my bill, that I am somehow supposed to be able to psychically identify as the "customer code."

Anyway, here's what I wrote:

Hello, Can you tell me whether the price of my current DSL plan is about to change? I received an automated message on my answering machine from AT&T this week that I think was about a change to my DSL account, but the message was cut off before it had a chance to explain the reason for the call. Are there changes about to happen to my account? Thanks for your help, Matt

I typed in my details, and then clicked "send" and then ... I was sent to a completely blank white page. AAAARGH. I clicked back a few times, re-entered everything, and then got this message:

Contact Us Thank you Your message has been sent. You should receive a response to your email soon. We appreciate your questions and comments.

Oh, I should receive a response? Should I really? Well, THANK you. I can't wait to find out whether I actually do or not. Soon.

Estimated time spent so far dealing with this: one hour.

Update! I got this autoresponse:

Greetings,

Thank you for your email and for choosing the AT&T family of companies. We value your business and continued loyalty. We will make every attempt to respond to your inquiry within 48 hours. Your patience is appreciated.

While you are waiting for our email response, you may want to visit our online self-help tool, where many customers have found fast answers to their questions. Please visit: http://ask.sbc.com

Regards,

AT&T Customer Service

Safety Tip: Learn more about ensuring a safe Internet experience at:
http://sbc.com/safety

Did you catch those domains? Jeeeeesus, AT&T.

It continues, emphasis mine:

NOTICE: Based on the information you provided, our understanding of your request, and currently available data, we will address your inquiry to the best of our ability.

Okay. Thanks for the "NOTICE." It has certainly prepared me for a truly awesome customer service experience.