Paging Joanna: time for an open and honest discussion
May 16, 2007, 1:34 am
#16
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: Lots, some no/low status some high status, can't be bothered to list them :-)
Posts: 1,959
Indeed. Joanna's contribution in relation to FT has been to help various FTers with difficulties they have encountered and provide information on various issues related to DC. And for this, I, for one, am very grateful. I don't think it is Joanna's brief to act as spokesperson for BD on this forum and it is rather unfair to put her on the spot on this.
Joanna is an absolute diamond (pardon the pun
) and I for one wouldn't want her to feel awkward about coming on here because of questions like these put to her.
May 16, 2007, 2:23 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2002
Programs: QF Platinum (OW Emerald); QF Lifestime Silver; BD Diamond Club Gold (*A Gold)
Posts: 4,786
Oh dear, what a disappointment that what I thought was the opening of a legitimate debate should effectively lead to a black......g.
To add some context here, the original post was directed at Joanna merely because she has been so wonderfully responsive. With hindsight, I accept that she may not be best placed to provide the answers, but is when it comes to identifying someone within BD who is.
As the majority of you can only find fault in asking what I still believe to be a series of legitimate questions, I'll bow to the majority and cause you no further distress.
As for this:
... it merely reflected ongoing [and shared] frustration at delay after delay with the updating of member accounts. While the tone may have been inappropriately abrupt, I apologise unreservedly should it have caused Diamond Club any [unintended] offence.
Cheerio.
To add some context here, the original post was directed at Joanna merely because she has been so wonderfully responsive. With hindsight, I accept that she may not be best placed to provide the answers, but is when it comes to identifying someone within BD who is.
As the majority of you can only find fault in asking what I still believe to be a series of legitimate questions, I'll bow to the majority and cause you no further distress.
As for this:
but it it should be obvious diamond club is not obliged to answer such a wide range of questions raised. Especially when she gets rudely addressed like a hired help, as witnessed in this post
Cheerio.
May 16, 2007, 3:10 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: SQ-PPS+8, BA-Mucci Diamente, Mucci Siegneur des Bains Chauds
Posts: 2,286
The reason I stick with BMI is Joanna.
So many things don't go right when it comes to getting the miles you have flown. Every time she manages to sort it out correctly. I know in her you can trust.
As to the product, I actually like it. It feels like it's a small family affair competing against the big boys. It's not right all the time but they are trying.
The Indian call centre is better than united's Indian call centre but I long for the day it comes back to the UK, and the operator's are empowered to take some initiative. To be like Joanna really.
So many things don't go right when it comes to getting the miles you have flown. Every time she manages to sort it out correctly. I know in her you can trust.
As to the product, I actually like it. It feels like it's a small family affair competing against the big boys. It's not right all the time but they are trying.
The Indian call centre is better than united's Indian call centre but I long for the day it comes back to the UK, and the operator's are empowered to take some initiative. To be like Joanna really.
May 16, 2007, 3:29 am
#19
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Berkshire, UK
Programs: QF Silver, Marriott Gold, Amex Plat, Priority Pass
Posts: 386
Have to agree with the mods here. Joanna was very specific about what she could and could not deal with when she first joined FT.
Compared to many other major company that 'hide' behind call centres (not just airlines) I think we are extremely lucky to have any kind of contact at all. So I would hope that we don't jeopardise this by directing the more challenging questions about how the business is run at the wrong person.
On the few occasions that I have needed to email Joanna she has always been very helpful. I understand that there are other perfectly valid questions which we might have about BMI's policies, but these clearly aren't within Joanna's control.
Compared to many other major company that 'hide' behind call centres (not just airlines) I think we are extremely lucky to have any kind of contact at all. So I would hope that we don't jeopardise this by directing the more challenging questions about how the business is run at the wrong person.
On the few occasions that I have needed to email Joanna she has always been very helpful. I understand that there are other perfectly valid questions which we might have about BMI's policies, but these clearly aren't within Joanna's control.
May 16, 2007, 9:43 am
#20
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Cleveland
Programs: AF/KLM Plat For Life/UA Million Miler-PremEx For Life/SPG Gold
Posts: 5,054
Considering how Joanna was very specific in her introductory post about what role she could play with FTers, I'm pleased that the Mods chose to deflect the OPs (however well-meaning), line of questioning away from her.
While I have had thankfully little reason to be in touch with Joanna, when the need has arised, she has responded promptly and throughly...for which I am much obliged.
While I have had thankfully little reason to be in touch with Joanna, when the need has arised, she has responded promptly and throughly...for which I am much obliged.
May 16, 2007, 12:38 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2002
Programs: QF Platinum (OW Emerald); QF Lifestime Silver; BD Diamond Club Gold (*A Gold)
Posts: 4,786
Considering how Joanna was very specific in her introductory post about what role she could play with FTers, I'm pleased that the Mods chose to deflect the OPs (however well-meaning), line of questioning away from her.
While I have had thankfully little reason to be in touch with Joanna, when the need has arised, she has responded promptly and throughly...for which I am much obliged.
While I have had thankfully little reason to be in touch with Joanna, when the need has arised, she has responded promptly and throughly...for which I am much obliged.
May 16, 2007, 4:45 pm
#22
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,989
Oh dear, what a disappointment that what I thought was the opening of a legitimate debate should effectively lead to a black......g.
To add some context here, the original post was directed at Joanna merely because she has been so wonderfully responsive. With hindsight, I accept that she may not be best placed to provide the answers, but is when it comes to identifying someone within BD who is.
As the majority of you can only find fault in asking what I still believe to be a series of legitimate questions, I'll bow to the majority and cause you no further distress.
As for this:
... it merely reflected ongoing [and shared] frustration at delay after delay with the updating of member accounts. While the tone may have been inappropriately abrupt, I apologise unreservedly should it have caused Diamond Club any [unintended] offence.
Cheerio.
To add some context here, the original post was directed at Joanna merely because she has been so wonderfully responsive. With hindsight, I accept that she may not be best placed to provide the answers, but is when it comes to identifying someone within BD who is.
As the majority of you can only find fault in asking what I still believe to be a series of legitimate questions, I'll bow to the majority and cause you no further distress.
As for this:
... it merely reflected ongoing [and shared] frustration at delay after delay with the updating of member accounts. While the tone may have been inappropriately abrupt, I apologise unreservedly should it have caused Diamond Club any [unintended] offence.
Cheerio.
I do however agree with the majority on here that these questions are not really suited to Joanna and it would not be fair to lay these questions onto her. It would be nice if someone from BMI customer relations decided to join the forum instead of just ''spying'' on it . Then reasonable questions could be asked and responses given.
So Virtualtroy whilst your questions i personally thought were good ones it was just addressed to the wrong person. Dont feel under attack as no one has the right to attack another member on here. Everyone has the right to their opinion as long as its in a polite and civil manner.
May 16, 2007, 5:54 pm
#23
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Cleveland
Programs: AF/KLM Plat For Life/UA Million Miler-PremEx For Life/SPG Gold
Posts: 5,054
May 17, 2007, 1:19 am
#24
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Diamond, AA Plat Exec, Hilton Gold, IHG Spire Ambassador & Marriott Plat
Posts: 756
In my opinion most posts merely reflect the opinion that the questions while valid are more suited for someone other than Joanna.
I for one agree with a lot of what the OP says - however it is important that questions about policy and strategy are directed at those that are responsible for said policy and strategy.
I have have to agree that all opinions count but am not sure that most are from the bmi fanclub. However its good to see positive support for bmi rather than the usual negatives. But there again most forums are a discussion of the negative aspects or challenges the FT'er experiences when the airline/hotel/car rental company doesn't or can't meet their needs or expectations (IMHO).
I for one agree with a lot of what the OP says - however it is important that questions about policy and strategy are directed at those that are responsible for said policy and strategy.
I have have to agree that all opinions count but am not sure that most are from the bmi fanclub. However its good to see positive support for bmi rather than the usual negatives. But there again most forums are a discussion of the negative aspects or challenges the FT'er experiences when the airline/hotel/car rental company doesn't or can't meet their needs or expectations (IMHO).
May 17, 2007, 2:34 am
#25
Join Date: Mar 2003
Programs: BA GGL; AA LT Gold; AS 100K; DL MM GM; Hyatt G*list, Hilton Diamond; SQ silver
Posts: 3,811
I think the trouble with the OP's post is that it and its title seemed to be too personal and sounded aggressive towards diamond club. I think, like many on here that she is a real gem and have always appreciated her input and help.
I do think that the OP has some good points, but, as other have said, they cannot be directed directly to her. Also the OP's post has things that do concern DC (like the redemption routing troubles nowadays) and some that totally do not.
I do believe however that if the OP had been more tactful, we could have a constructive discussion and perhaps diamond club would then be able to constructively bring our comments/gripes to whomever has power in the DC system.
I am sure she understands how posts here can sound aggressive even though the OP's intention were probably not such. So perhaps we should close this thread and start a new one that concentrates on DC issues and in which we can voice the things we would like the powers in DC to really fix.
I do think that the OP has some good points, but, as other have said, they cannot be directed directly to her. Also the OP's post has things that do concern DC (like the redemption routing troubles nowadays) and some that totally do not.
I do believe however that if the OP had been more tactful, we could have a constructive discussion and perhaps diamond club would then be able to constructively bring our comments/gripes to whomever has power in the DC system.
I am sure she understands how posts here can sound aggressive even though the OP's intention were probably not such. So perhaps we should close this thread and start a new one that concentrates on DC issues and in which we can voice the things we would like the powers in DC to really fix.
May 17, 2007, 2:41 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2002
Programs: QF Platinum (OW Emerald); QF Lifestime Silver; BD Diamond Club Gold (*A Gold)
Posts: 4,786
Thanks for the last few posts, much of the kind of constructive comments I was originally hoping for.
May 17, 2007, 5:02 am
#27
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,996
Originally Posted by virtualtroy
Thanks for the last few posts, much of the kind of constructive comments I was originally hoping for.
Ask and it shall be done - our very own Q&A session with the senior people at Diamond Club. Questions, please, on the new thread.