Okay, So Get a Load of This...

Weeks ago I ordered a book through Amazon Marketplace. It's a book printed in 1973, so I didn't expect a perfect, unspoilt copy...in fact, I rather like a book that's broken in a bit because it makes me feel better when I bash it around, as I am wont to do. This book was a cookbook, so I fully expected it to be a little rugged.



However, two things took me by surprise when I opened the package. The first was that the book had come away completely from the binding. It's not a problem. I've got library paste and lots of tape, so I can make it work (see above about the age of the book...it's two years younger than I am. I have underwear that hasn't lasted 6 months, so I'm not overly fussy). I was miffed that this bit had been left out of the description, but hey ho, that's what you get with Amazon Marketplace Roulette.



The second thing that chapped my nips was the religious leaflet stuck inside the packaging which read...



"We have 10 children and way too much stuff. Very often things go missing in the confusion..."



It goes on for a little ways which I thought was rather charming, then it took a rather objectionable turn.



"Unfortunately the confusion of our home is paralleled in the busyness of most people's lives. Going here, going there, doing this, doing that causes many to lose sight of what really matters. Misplacing remotes, keys, and favorite clothes is trivial compared to losing sight of the God who created us. He is the most valuable treasure lost beneath the heap of daily activities. He wants to have a relationship ship with each of us. He loves us so much that He sent his only Son Jesus Christ to die for us and make that relationship possible. And He desires each person in the world to discover that. We hope you enjoy your item. Let us know if there is a problem. And we pray that you find true satisfaction in Jesus."



Really? Seriously?



Two days later I got a request from Amazon asking me to rate the vendor. So I did.



"Book was in worse shape than stated. Also didn't appreciate the religious leaflet tucked inside my order. Just wanted a book, folks, not your personal beliefs. I doubt I'll be shopping with you again based solely on that."



I gave them 3 stars, which is considered "neutral". I don't know about you, but if I see a vendor has a neutral review, I dismiss it, figuring it was bad communication, bad luck, or just bad feeling.



Today I got a rather snarky email from said vendor. Get a load of this:



We are sorry to hear of your disappointment with your book. It would have been better to hear of it through a direct email. Perhaps we could have settled with a full refund for returning it or a partial refund and keep it. That is the customary and courteous way to handle complaints. Thanks.



If I hadn't been on edge already with other stuff going on, I would've just sent back a neutral, "Mkay, ta. Best of luck" sort of reply. But no...I figured a little Come to Yorkie meeting was in order.



I love relying on my brain to say exactly what I need it to. We're getting along better these days, and I'm quite happy.



If you read the message more carefully, you'd see I wasn't overly disappointed with the book...I was, in fact, quite happy to receive it. The fact that the binding had completely come away from the pages was NOT in your description and seems deceitful on your part. Given the book's age, it's not surprising, but you conveniently left that off your description.



However, if you had indeed read my review, you'd see I was far more offended by the leaflet you stuck inside your packaging. I too was a missionary, and I understand your zeal in spreading what you believe is God's word, but telling me what Jesus wants for me personally is arrogant and ridiculous. Did He ring you and outline specifically what His plans are for me? Or do you believe in a one-size-fits-all salvation? Either way, you sound absurd, outdated, and run the risk of insulting your Saviour by assuming you know everything He does.



But since you've opened the door for what I can only hope is an equal exchange of ideas, please do check out the tenets of Unitarian Universalism, which is the banner under which I currently stand. If you do, you might learn something. And if your faith is so rock solid and undeniable that you can ram it down the throats of others, you have nothing to fear by clicking the link, do you?



http://www.uua.org/visitors/6798.shtml



Oh, and as for contacting you by email...if you had personally sent me a note saying you were interested in how satisfied I was, I might've done so. Otherwise, I followed standard protocol and rated you via Amazon's request. If you want to receive personal contact, you should initiate it in means other than religious leaflets. That is the customary and courteous way, I'm sure you'll agree.



Enjoy your family...children are a blessing. They come through us, not from us. My babies are miracles, and I thank God every day for them.



I'd call that a win for my own conscience. Whatever helps you to sleep at night, and this certainly wil