Customer Service Review: DivX

The Situation:

I installed DivX Pro, including DivX Plus Web Player on my desktop to watch videos in the comfort of my room. I soon discovered that it would stop working everytime my computer woke up from hibernation. Basically, the plug-in would fail and it would freeze my browser.

After some testing, much re-installing and a lot of Googling, it became apparent that it wasn't the fault of my computer, and the paging size is not the issue. Kind of weird, because my laptop has the same platform and has DivX Plus too, and it works fine.

The Happening:

I went on to try and navigate the giant maze of preventing-actual-help-ness that is the Customer Support service of software giants.

My submission:

My browser crashes everytime I try to play something on Web Player after the computer recovers from hibernate mode. Ive tested this on both Google Chrome v11.0 and Internet Explorer v9.0, and it happened to both.

Ive tried reinstalling it, and also increasing the paging file size (which is now set to 6GB - more than sufficient).

Please advise. Thank you.

Their answer:

We are aware of this issue, and we apologize that we are not able to offer you an immediate solution for you case.

If this is a critical issue for you, at this point I recommend you to stay with a solution that will be able to meet your needs in regards to watching or converting videos..

We apologize for any inconvenience that may have caused you.

The Verdict:

So basically, they've made a player that can't cope with the simple everyday task of hibernation. Which is borderline ridiculous. The only reason I don't actually call it ridiculous is because of my encounter with Celcom, which will be written up soon.

I'm Tired

What happens when people get tired of fighting for something better; of fighting for principles, for rights, for chivalry? What happens when a society languishes and lets people take advantage of its apathy by feeding off its loopholes? Because that's what I'm dangerously close to.

I know what I sound like: a diva, one of those people who complain about everyone and expect people to jump when I complain. I'm fine with people thinking of me that way, because to me, I'm trying to create a world that I want to live in and be in.

Is it right for telcos to provide sub-par service? No. Is it right for office buildings to provide insufficient parking lots and close it all day to non-season parkers? No. Is it right for our Ministry of Tourism and whoever is in charge of our environment to sit quietly while our coral gardens are being irrepairably damaged? No.

But goddammit, I'm tired of being one of the few who are willing to do anything. Everyone else sits there and complains but is too lazy or can't be bothered to do anything. I want to make my little corner of the world a little bit better, but it's not easy doing it alone.

It's even worse when there's resistance and people look at you like you're crazy because you're asking for a safer parking location, or for pamphlets educating visitors and locals on how to care for corals, or for a telco that won't have dropped calls for every 2 out of 3 calls made. It's the worst when people won't even try to help you. They won't even try.

I'm tired. That's the gist of it. I'm tired. I want to be a better person in a better place, but I'm too goddamn tired.

I feel like your tweets are mocking me

If only I thought you had the balls or the brains to do this.

Sponsor A Child Through PERTIWI

I've recently become quite involved with PERTIWI's Soup Kitchen, and have been quite impressed by the ladies' values and dedication. While PERTIWI (Pertubuhan Tindakan Wanita Islam) is an Islamic association first, they provide assistance regardless of race and religion.

PERTIWI has a little known child sponsorship programme called Projek Anak Angkat (Orphan Project), which has been in operation since the 1970s. Graduates of the programme have gone on to attend university and begin their own careers. As a believer in child sponsorship, I'm surprised that I hadn't heard of the programme. I hope this blog entry will help others find it.

Projek Anak Angkat aims to ensure that needy children are able to have a proper education to give them a better chance of lifting themselves out of poverty. PERTIWI liaises directly with schools, who identify children in need. This ensures that the money donated is used solely for the sponsored child's educational needs.

Website: http://www.pertiwi.org

Sponsorship amount: RM40/month

For more information, please contact PERTIWI at 03-7874 4203.

How to Help Victims of Natural Disaster in Japan

Many were devastated by the recent devastation in Japan, and the rest of the world mourns with them. What's brilliant is that so many want to help and do something to make a difference. Unfortunately, not many know how.

The following is a (short and in no way comprehensive) list of Malaysian aid organisations that will be assisting by sending aid. For non-Malaysians, I suggest you Google their international counterpart, or Google for your local aid organisations and contact them.

1. Red Crescent (www.redcrescent.org.my)
   The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) has set up an International Relief Fund account at Maybank to collect donations from the public to assist those affected by national disasters. Maybank account number: 5144 2210 2657. All donations are tax exempt. You can also find out how to volunteer.
2. Mercy Malaysia (www.mercy.org.my)
   Mercy Malaysia is a well established Malaysian NGO, which has shown dedication in providing international relief efforts time and again. I'm continually impressed by their dedication and efforts. As with MRCS, there is further information for those who want to do more and volunteer their time.
3. World Vision Malaysia (www.worldvision.com.my)
   World Vision is also accepting donations to help victims of the natural disasters in Japan.
4. Force of Nature Aid Foundation (www.forceofnature.org)
   Force of Nature (FON) was set up to help rebuild communities affected by natural disasters. Their involvement is less in the aftermath, and more when things settle down. FON commits to funding projects initiated by local communities aimed at sustainably improving their living standards and situation. A worthy cause.

The things that victims of natural disasters are usually in need of the most are perishable necessities, i.e. food and water, diapers, baby formula. Some items that could help are flashlights, blankets, mosquito nets, basic first aid items.

Please bear in mind that some organisations don't like accepting donations in kind that have not been explicitly requested for. This is usually due to logistics reasons, and it may be more efficient to send money and purchase items at/near the site itself.