Here's why you should be thankful that you don't share a name with a major company
Remember the old British Telecom slogan “its good to talk”? It turns out this may not be the case if you’re a a poor musician who happens to share a name with what could be Britain’s worst ISP.
BT is a Grammy-nominated composer and technologist, and got his hands on the @BT Twitter name before the telecoms company. Now try to imagine thousands of angry BT broadband users wanting to vent their anger at poor service.
Over the last few days BT (the composer) finally had enough and spoke about some of the relentless misdirected abuse he had received…
I get so much (literally 1,000's daily) of hate Tweets intended for @BTcare it's taking the enjoyment out of Twitter for me.
— BT (@BT) June 9, 2014
Any twitter employees that follow me, same question. Can I block the entire country of England on my twitter feed? Help appreciated.
— BT (@BT) June 9, 2014
In fact @BTcare themselves mistakenly identify me as apart of their company on a regular basis. Can't take anymore. Cc @Twitter
— BT (@BT) June 9, 2014
I don't think you understand @phorenzik imagine if your email inbox was 95% spam. That is what my @Twitter experience is now.
— BT (@BT) June 9, 2014
I think @BTcare service is worst in England @phorenzik. That or the Scottish and Irish complain way less.
— BT (@BT) June 9, 2014
Okay flying home now. When I land I'll let you know how bad @BTcare is effing up Britain's internet, or jump off something. #cantakenomore
— BT (@BT) June 9, 2014
RT @HaydenEvz: @Bt hi, I hate that fat ginger kid on your adverts.. He's an annoying prick (Would you want to read <<<this all day?)
— BT (@BT) June 9, 2014
Luckily though, there was a happy ending of sorts. @BT was given a verified account by Twitter, which includes some extra options for blocking unwanted tweets.
And thank you @Twitter for rocking so hard, and caring enough to reach out and help.
— BT (@BT) June 11, 2014
Sadly though, poor BT isn’t the first person this has happened to. A few months ago the plight of poor old @JohnLewis from Virginia, who shares his name with the department store was spotted doing admirable free customer service for his namesake – and he’s still plugging away at directing people to the right place…
.@RumblieBandB @ArdmorHouseEdin Well, I can let you borrow a jacket, I suppose. I hear @johnlewisretail has a nice selection, too. Stay dry.
— John Lewis (@johnlewis) June 9, 2014
.@LornaGibb My sensitive service is none of your business. And I learn new things every day. I bet @johnlewisretail does, too.
— John Lewis (@johnlewis) June 9, 2014
.@dommonkhouse I agree that something is bitter and unpleasant. But it may not be the coffee @johnlewisretail
— John Lewis (@johnlewis) June 2, 2014
In the end, @JohnLewisRetail (the actual shop) made it up to poor old Virginia John:
Hi @johnlewis – thanks so much for all your efforts directing people to us. We'd love to send you a gift. Please can you DM us your address?
— John Lewis (@johnlewisretail) November 10, 2013
Perhaps @BTcare should do the same for @BT?
Or you know, it could just make its broadband service less terrible.
