Thumbs up to Google Maps

I've really come to rely on Google Maps and find it an excellent tool. I know it has been around awhile and this praise is late, but it struck me the other day why I really like Google Maps.

Take away the ease of searching on addresses (isn't it nice that if it can't find your address it offers alternatives, that you don't always need a full address, and that you can type in landmarks, like "Fenway Park" to find a map?). Take away the API and the plethora of mashups, including the pedometer I use frequenlty to track my progress in running. Take away the cool, but really useful, satellite images. Take away the ability to save your route.

Take all of that away and what you still have are damn good maps. They are clean. They are easy to read. They are simple. They are actually enjoyable to use. Go back and compare them to MapQuest. They are soooo much better. A colleague recently said, "we didn't know we needed a better mapping tool until Google Maps came along." It's true and thankfully it did.

Bad customer service: Hertz

I am planning a family vacation for Disney World. I have never been there and neither have my children.

One of the more difficult choices is whether to stay in the park or in one of the nearby hotels outside the park. From some advice received by friends, we decided if we stay outside the park we should rent a car. So, I thought, "great, I have enough points with Amtrak to get a free rental through their reward program that partners with Hertz."

Now, my family has 6 people in it (my wife and four children), plus my mother-in-law is joining us. So we need a minivan. But the voucher from the Amtrak awards program allows for a mid-size car. I figure, that's fine, I'll just pay the difference.

So I call the Hertz agent to confirm all of this. Well, it turns out I cannot book the van. I can only book the mid-size and then when I get there, if vans are available, I can upgrade (and pay the difference). Upgrade? I am not asking for a convertible here. I have a big family. I can't chance it that a van will be available. The agent couldn't help me. I don't understand the logic.

So, if we rent a car, it certainly won't be with Hertz. So instead of getting some money for the "upgrade" they now get nothing.

And I think we will just stay in the park.

Writing letters, part 3

Since I've been blogging a bit about letters (here and here), I thought I'd add one more thought in this "series" based on two recent experiences.

First let me state the obvious: letters are really nice to get. Maybe it is because they are rare, or I am always impressed that someone actually took the time to write one. I don't know exactly, but sending a letter is a good gesture.

So my two experiences?

I recently moderated a panel discussion and presented at two different conferences. Afterwards, I received letters (typed, not hand-written, but at least it wasn't an email) from the organizers of each conference. The one was probably a form letter sent to all participants (but still nice to get). The writer of the other letter really personalized it, citing something I mentioned in my presentation. She not only appreciated my involvement, but showed she listened to the talk.

The other experience involves those rare hand-written letters. We discussed a staff position with someone for the company I work for and shortly thereafter he sent hand written letters to everyone involved thanking them for their time. First, I was really impressed to receive the note. I've interviewed plenty of people and not all of them send acknowledgements. And the letter being handwritten, really topped it off.

I hope I remember to identify and then take the time to write (or even type) letters for times that even only slightly warrant it.

The best tools solve many more problems than their inventors intended

....is the title of this slide on a presentation on RSS and Atom.

That is a really good statement. The author includes mostly technical "tools," like XML and the Internet, but throws duct tape in too. I'd add WD-40 and screwdrivers.