this is a remarkable incident. I believe however, that “Do I have the right to have an opinion?” is not the right question. Of course you are entitled to an opinion as everybody else is (well, I guess your question was rhetoric anyway :-)).

To me it seems the question here is “Is Dutch Railways interested in your opinion (or anybody’s opinion, who cannot fill out the form himself in a matter of minutes)?” It seems, the answer would be “no”. Apparently the lady was not prepared for the situation, which might be an individual fault or a negligence of the corporation (i.e. not giving enough time to collect opinions in case it takes longer, not training collectors properly). That should be interesting to find out. I guess, if you ask them, they will respond that of course they are interested and will make sure it won’t happen again. The only comfort I can give you here is to reassure you that we “ordinary” customers are also neglected in many ways by big corporations, so in a way I can understand your feeling of being ignored although, of course, my situation is very much different from yours.

I hope this does not bog you down too much.

Warm regards from Germany

Thanks for the offer but I prefer reading books about Oracle using my screen reader on my laptop because it makes it easier to read the examples. In order to do so I need the book in a digital format. Since not all books are available in such format I sometimes request it from the author or publisher explaining that I am a blind Oracle instructor and that I like to read their books so I can inform my students about good or bad books they might want to read. Most authors and publishers, like Apress and O’Reilly, support this and send me the books I request but some publishers simply ignore my request.

Talking about accessibility it isn’t really nice to put an email address in a picture. Thanks Martin to translate this for screen reader users.
-Harald

Of course, it matters.

Sorry, but this is about the previous message. I don’t know how a Braille display works but maybe, I think, that it’s not too simple to read and email address from a link that points to a jpg. I ask myself… isn’t it easier to write the email address instead of using a link that points to another website?

Sure you know it already, but… if you need it, the email address from Don is bc@remote-dba.net.

Do you have access to Oracle audiobooks?

I know some folks who are volunteering to read books for blind folks, so let me know if you have interest. You can reach me at this e-mail:

http://www.dba-oracle.com/images/email_address.jpg

Perhaps the evaluation was about the nice colors and prints on the wall?

It happens, not a lot but still. On one occasion I went shopping with my wife for a new digital VCR and I asked a question to the salesman and he started answering to my wife. We immediately left the shop. When I am not alone people sometimes ask my companion if I want something. It must be really scared to talk to a blind guy. In general I see the humor in these situations because most people weren’t trained properly, which I can understand, but if you are taking evaluations and that is your proffession I get upset.
-Harald

About your opinion, perhaps yes…
She shouldn’t do like that.

I know that can make you or someone upset. But maybe she might forgot!

Actually we can think a positive way, that’s a good way.

Wish you have a nice time.

Surachart

Were you surprised by this lady’s reaction to your presence or was it quite typical?

Regards

Patrick

The treatment you received was unforgivable.

The railway company and their agents should be ashamed, as perhaps should the other passengers who failed to help you.

Keep up the work with this excellent addition to the Oracle blogosphere.

Regards,

Pete