Spent some time working with the team at JSL Computers for their new website http://ictforschools.co.uk or http://www.ictforschools.co.uk It's a dedicated site aimed specifically at ICT for Schools and their schools and education customers. I love the very colourful design and easy layout, if you are a school or education establishment it's well worth a visit.
Todays blog is about the joys of trying to get a parcel delivered by Yodel. I should say at this point I have no ties with Yodel or any other delivery company and this is just a review how my delivery (or lack of) went.
I have never had great luck with Yodel and back in January 2014 they were voted the worst delivery company for the second time 2 years running, see details HERE. Christmas 2014 they had learned nothing after gaining being the worst accolade, and I was one of the many to suffer this and the BBC picked up on this HERE.
Early on Monday the 12th January this year I placed an order on ebay, nothing critical so I found a supplier that offered free delivery. Tuesday I got an email from Yodel to advise of delivery, my heart sank, but I thought they must have improved, mustn't they?
I heard nothing all week so I contacted the supplier and was advised:
The courier is advising that the order was out for delivery on Saturday but at 6pm the business was closed.
I have asked them to reissue the delivery urgently and deliver within business hours.
Something not right here as Yodels tracker said they tried to deliver Friday night, staff were in the office until 6.30 pm and certainly nobody tried to call (my number was on the order).
Monday 19th, Yodel driver arrives! sadly nothing for me or the company but wanted directions, no please or thank you but there you go.
Tuesday 20th, Yodel driver arrives! Same one but no parcel for me or the company but once again wants directions (this causes amusement in the office), again no please or thank you.
Wednesday 21st, nothing, I call the supplier and request cancellation of the order, I will go else where. They offer to deliver next day (22nd), they were very apologetic so I agree to give them a go.
Thursday 22nd, Yodel driver arrives, sadly to pick up an RMA going back to another supplier, I ask the driver where my parcel is as this was the second attempt at getting it and it was on a 24 hour delivery, feel free to have a guess at his reply from the options below, was it:
A) Im really sorry but we ran out of time for deliveries today.
B) I have no idea but I can find out for you.
C) Yeah it's back at the depot do you still want it?
Would you be surprised if it was C? Sadly I wasn't. And the other members of the team who heard this were quite shocked at his attitude and lack of interest or apology.
I said nothing and opened the door and off he went.
Called the supplier and requested my money back, which they agreed and were sincerely sorry and are looking in to their options for deliveries. I explained I wouldn't ever use them while they used Yodel which they fully understood.
From now on I will not buy anything from companies that use Yodel, I call or mail in advance and ask who they use, if they say Yodel I ask for an alternative and if they have no alternative I go elsewhere and explain why, the more people that do this the quicker Yodel will have to change their business model.
Yodel have a twitter presence which certainly responds quicker than their drivers, they are a cuddly friendly lot who like to end tweets with a lovely friendly smiley face :) which is nice.
Enough is enough.
A footnote to this is the parcel is at the depot awaiting my collection, I guess Yodel use this a lot to save them the bother, perhaps they would like to send someone to do my job while I do theirs?
My Gallery of the Kop Hill Climb can be found HERE. A total of 506 pictures!
One of my favourite events of the year is the Kop Hill Climb, based just outside Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire, a great day for classic car and bike enthusiasts young and old. A history of the event can be found on the official site here.
The weather Saturday morning was not great, with heavy rain in the early hours causing localised flooding but thankfully even this wasn't enough to put off the owners and spectators from turning out in great numbers.
The cars and bikes go up the hill one at a time and one or two not quite making it to the top of the 1 in 4 challenge. The marshals do a fantastic job keeping the entrants moving smoothly and getting the vehicles that didn't make the climb back down again safely.
I take my shots at two different marshal stations during the event and I really think those guys do a great job and are an incredibly friendly and knowledgeable group of people, so a big thank you to them.
Its an amazing spread of cars from pre 1st world war to the new BMW i8 and the new Mclaren and yet, of all these fantastic cars I still have a personal favourite in the MK1 Lotus Cortina, whats yours?
It was great to see a stand featuring some great Lambrettas from the double diamonds scooter club and I look forward to seeing them on the hill, maybe next year?
My complete gallery of Saturday can be found HERE and I give a donation to the Kop Hill Climb for every image sold.
Very heavy rain threatened to put a dampener on the day but almost on queue the Sun came out for a fantastic wedding at St Dunstans Church at Monks Risborough. Linda looked stunning in a very elegant dress and Graham was looking the part fully suited and booted. A wonderful day followed, a great reception was held at Thame Barns . Thank you Graham and Linda for choosing Satori Photo for your very special day.
It's not something I do very often but once in a while I am asked to teach people how best to use their camera.
I am based in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire but I am always happy to travel to visit someone who is just starting out on the fantastic journey that photography is.
This time I was fortunate enough that my pupil was fairly local and as the sun was shining what better way than to have a one to one photography lesson in the lovely early year sunshine at Higginsons Park in Marlow.
I have to say there is something very gratifying about teaching someone who is keen to learn about a subject I am so passionate about. I'm not one for too much time in the classroom talking about taking pictures I prefer to get out there and learn as we go along. With that I kept the theory to a short as possible 20-30 minutes explaining all the things you need to know to get you up and running and the implications of changing a setting.
Back in to the park and I was fortunate enough that they had bought their little one along as the perfect model.
And this is the part that I truly love, seeing the short theory lesson has worked and they get stuck in. The fear of moving from one of the scene modes and they take control of the camera and the first look at what they have got.
In a very short time they have gone from struggling with a user manual (let's be honest they are dull at best) to a whole new world of opportunity where only their imagination is the limit.
For anyone just starting out with a DSLR who is keen to get the best out of their equipment I can't recommend one to one camera tuition.
If you would like to hire me for one to one (or a very small group) please email me HERE.
Finally my Kop Hill photos from Sunday are up! Sorry for the delay but sometimes good things are worth waiting for.
The images are all HERE
Tried something a bit different for these with a remote flash tucked away to the side.
My Kop Hill pictures from Saturday 2013 can be found HERE
Everyone seemed to have a great time.
Last weekend saw another amazing turn out for the 2 day event at Kop Hill. Once again I was fortunate enough to get track side and get some great shots of the cars, bikes and a tricycle giving their best to reach the top and take the chequered flag.
Saturdays runs can be seen and purchased HERE I would love to hear your thoughts.
My Kop Hill pictures from Sunday 2013 are HERE
Kop Hill 2012 galleries start HERE
I spent a fantastic day wondering around Whipsnade Zoo on Friday. I enjoyed chatting to the staff and helpers who were truly passionate and their enthusiasm was infectious, many thanks to them for such a great day. A small gallery can be found HERE
A special day spent in Holmer Green, for Abigail and Amilies birthday party, so many children so little time to try and capture them all!
Need a photographer for that special event? Please dont hesitate in contacting me.
And what a perfect backdrop for some shots of children, Cowleaze wood in Stokenchurch is a perfect spot and a fantastic walk thrown in.
Please dont hesitate in contacting me for your family portraits, weddings or any other photographic needs you have.
The complete gallery is HERE
A fantastic day spent with Frank and his new wife Shirley. Not only a wedding but a trike and a boat trip thrown in for good Measure.
The sun broke through at just the right time and I think a good time was had by all, though I think there will be a few sore heads today!
Wallingford Bridge made for a back drop for some of the pictures.
On to The Leatherne Bottel at Goring-On-Thames for the wedding breakfast with superb food and drink on offer and then back to Wallingford for the evening reception.
Many thanks to Frank and Shirley for choosing Satori Photo for their special day.
The gallery can be found HERE.
I was supposed to have a go at the 10k cross country run "The Ridge Off-Roader" http://www.ridgeoffroader.co.uk The weekend before I damaged my ankle enough to be out of the event.
I thought I would go along and cheer the runners along and photograph a few friends running. Superb running weather and great scenery. Well done to all that ran.
My small gallery can be seen HERE
Ive been thinking for quite some time about a new 85mm 1.4 lens to replace my old Nikon 85mm 1.8.
Looking around a very good copy of a 85 1.4 D was almost as much as a new offering from Sigma.
Nikons lovely new G lens was quite a price hike so after a LOT of research the choice seemed to be the Sigma, the G at over twice the price from what I read was certainly not twice the lens.
I have never had a problem with where to buy my kit, it has been for a very long time Park Cameras in Burgess Hill ( http://www.parkcameras.co.uk ).
Normally I love an excuse to make the 50 minute journey down there but I thought I would try their mail order service and as with all things Park, they dont let you down. I ordered at 4.15 on Tuesday and 10.25 the next morning it is on my camera.
My initial reaction is I have made the right choice, fast focusing and my initial tests show its bang on focus with my D700 and my D300.
Images to follow.
Its always good to find a cat for a test picture:
Finally got all the pictures up from a lovely Sunday spent with the Palumbo family. Sometimes some just dont want a picture taken but we managed to sneak a few in with little Emily.
Pictures can be seen HERE.
I thought I would create this blog to document the return of my laptop I have been discussing on the forums and on twitter, more updates as they happen:
I have owned one of Novatechs I7 laptops since April and it has worked fine and in fact purchased another on this basis. I have recommended them to many people which I now truly regret doing.
Just after Christmas the unit started running hot and the fans cutting in on full power on a regular basis trying to cool it down from 87 degrees.
This was with very low cpu activity at around 26-30% and the top of it getting very hot.
This was the first time I needed to use Novatechs support.
Dropped it in to the Novatch store in Reading, as ever great service from the guys there, always keen and happy to serve.
I was advised I would get a call the next Wednesday on progress.
The Tuesday I had an echat (keen to make sure the laptop was being worked on), I was advised I would get a call back that afternoon - nothing
Wednesday I was expecting the call the guys at the shop said I should be getting - nothing.
Thursday, another echat (with Jo) sorry about the problems someone will call you today - nothing
Friday (by now getting fed up) spoke again this time to Charlotte who advised the e-chat on Thursday was never logged so was never going to get a call. I would get a call that afternoon.
( I have now started copying all echats).
I get a call in the afternoon to say new fans had been put in and new thermal paste and is running as hot as others they have on the test bench at around 58 degrees idling.
At the time I thought this was high but put my trust in the engineer and was happy it had been resolved.
Go over to Reading and pick up, try to do a batch of photos now not only is it running HOT but after 45 minutes now smelling bad. The fans very rarely even cut in previously unless I did a huge batch process and even then it was just for a few moments.
(with hindsight I should have just kept working until the damn thing went bang).
The next day I fire up the two I7’s from cold we have from Novatech at the same time on the same surface and let them settle (both machines have identical builds).
The one i’m having problems with settles at 56 -58 degrees fluctuating and the second unit a lot lower 38 degrees, 0 cpu activity.
I create screen shots and add them to the notes to return it to Novatech.
Another RMA and back to Reading on the next Saturday.
I wait for info as I think I want it done properly this time.
On Friday I decided it would have been nice by now to have had some sort of feedback.
another echat and again advised I would get a call.
I get a call!
We have just started looking at it (so its been on the shelf for a week) I will give you a call Tuesday and let you know how things are.
Tuesday - Nothing
Wednesday - Nothing
Thursday I have to echat again and tweet and I then get a call.
Now going to be sent back to the manufacturers to try and resolve which will be up to 2 weeks, should go out today.
I point out to Richard I am not happy with this and pretty fed up with the service, I believe I should either get a refund or a replacement. He said he would speak to customer service, nothing back.
So I am now stuck without a laptop for another 2 weeks.
In total this will be 6 weeks without a laptop I need for work.
If in the first instance I was given the expectation of 6 weeks turn around then I would have accepted that. But the time I have spent chasing for promised calls that never materialize I think is a pretty shocking reflection on Novatechs customer services.
Its also a worry that their technical team do not have the tools they need to correctly diagnose an issue so why not send laptops back to the manufacturer in the first place.
The staff at the Reading store are great and who ever runs the twitter feed is also very helpful but as far as customer service goes I can honestly say it is up there with the worst of them.
More updates as the weeks progress.
Friday 1-2-2013
I get a call from Elaine the customer service manager. We had a chat and I expressed my disappointment in Novatech, she listened and promised me a call back on Monday. This is the first positive in the whole sorry saga.
Monday 04-02-2013
As promised Elaine contacted me and advised if I was happy would I accept a complete replacement. Needless to say I was and if they could get it to me as soon as possible that would be appreciated
Tuesday 05-02-2013
8.10 am, courier banging on the door with a shiny new laptop. Well done Elaine, the person who looks after the Twitter account and Novatech after all.
Things go wrong, its a fact of life. Companies get it wrong but I think you can judge a good company by the way they take control and try and resolve the issue. In the end I think Novatech accepted things went wrong and certainly went the extra mile to put things right.
Friday 22-02-2013
A final update on this.
Elaine as promised returned my original hard drive with all my data on, again this arrived first thing in the morning.
I think Its fair to say things went wrong here and with persistence and excellent service from Elaine and the unknown agent that maintains the Twitter pages Novatech not only put it right but went that extra mile to ensure I received far better service than I was expecting. Many many thanks Novatech.
I will be a customer in the future.
But we made it and a fantastic afternoon spent with Nathan, Kerry and Gary.
Some lovely pictures can be found HERE
Are you looking for a photographer? I can visit you in the comfort of your own home for a very relaxed shoot.
Please contact me at info@satori-photo.co.uk
Where family from across the planet get together and you have the privilege of taking the pictures. Gallery HERE.
Wonderful frosty weather last week for some great walking, this is the lock at Cookham. The river was in flood and not a soul to be seen.
Cant wait for tomorrow and a great day in Brighton.
Another trip to the magnificent Rookery Hall Spa.
Im happy to announce my work has been accepted for sale by Fotomaze, THE Cornish photo image agency, they can be found HERE Please have a look at my images, you can search for satoriphoto.
Over to Aylesbury today for portraits of Kelly and Alice.
At Wendover woods today in the lovely autumn colurs with my favourite two to take pictures of - Clara and Amlelie.
A lovely weekend was had by all at the Rookery Hall spa, thank you Handpicked hotels.
My wonderful partner in life Alison Bullock celebrates a very special birthday this weekend. Happy birthday and so much love.
A night with the girls followed by a flying lesson at Wycombe air park and they all can be viewed HERE
A little shih tzu puppy by the name of Daisy can be viewed HERE
A lovely day with family at Nathan Bones first birthay can be seen here
Hope to see you all at the Kop Hill Climb this weekend.
http://www.kophillclimb.info/
A stunning new gallery to be viewed here Many thanks to Kelly and Alice.
Satori Photo is pleased to announce my portfolio has been accepted by model mayhem and now available there.
2 day course completed with Peter Prior, superb tutor and a great artist.