The Best EDC Knife Chris Reeve Ti-Lock

+Dan McDermott should get one of these!

Steve Jobs' yacht Venus unveiled in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands

Evernote 5 - gotta LOVE it!

Craig Shipp - Alex Mooney Show

Craig Shipp appears on the Alex Mooney Show - WFMD AM930 - 7/15/2012

Alex_Mooney_Show_July_15_2012_Craig_Shipp.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Ultimate Ears 600vi Review

Amazon TWO-DAY Shipping - Not so much!

I purchase items almost every day from Amazon using their "Prime" service and generally I receive the items in two days from the order (sometimes one). While I still believe Amazon Prime is an amazing service I do not believe in this case their customer rep or supervisor handled the matter properly. See below:

You are now connected to Taniya from Amazon.com.

Me:Why am I not getting this item in two days [Oct 11]

Taniya:Hello, you're connected to Taniya. I'll be glad to help you.

Are you referring to the order number 102-3138050-6787419?

Me:yes.

Taniya:Thank you.

Please give me few moments while I check the details for you.

Me:ok

Nikhita:I'm sorry, I tried to expedite the shipping speed but it's too late to make the changes.

I see that your order has already entered into shipping process.

You've been idle for 3 minutes, and I want to make sure our chat's still connected. If you aren't able to respond in 2 minutes, I'll need to close the chat.

Me:what can I say?

Nikhita:I understand that you require the package tomorrow but I'm unable to make the changes for you.

I'm sorry about that.

Me:So what do we do now?

On your website it says "Want it delivered Thursday, October 11? Order it in the next 6 hours and 59 minutes, and choose One-Day Shipping at checkout."

Nikhita:Yes, but the order has been placed using Two-Day shipping.

Me:Yes, but you're not honoring the two days!

Nikhita:I'd like to inform you that Two-Day delivery is promised after the order has been shipped.

I see that your order will be shipped soon and you may receive the shipment confirmation e-mail once it has been shipped.

Me:Yes, but why was the shipping delayed?

Nikhita:It's not delayed but it's in the process and we expect to ship your order sooner

so that it will be delivered on or before October 12, 2012.

Me:And, I disagree. All your advertising says two day shipping.

It does not say two day shipping if and when we get around to shipping the item!!!

Nikhita:I'm sorry, I've provided the relevant information regarding your package.

Me:It should not say "Prime" if the item is not ready to ship. This is not good customer service. Check my account and you will see I'm a good customer. I should not be treated like this.

I'm going to publish this on my blog as an example of how not to conduct customer service.

Nikhita:I do agree with you and at this moment this order cannot be expedited.

I'm sorry as I wasn't able to take the action.

I hope you consider this is an isolated incident with us.

Me:http://craigshipp.blogspot.com/

next I'm going to tweet it two my 14,000 twitter followers

this is not right and people need to know they can't trust your two-day shipping

Nikhita:I do understand your concern, as I've mentioned the two day shipping promise form the day it is shipped out. And in most of the cases we do meet our shipping delivery promises as mentioned on our website.

Me:and when you don't the customer takes it on the chin?

Nikhita:I do admit that this particular order is bit later than expected, however it is still on time as it will be delivered with in two days from the time it is shipped out. I'll be sure to pass it along to the right people.

Me:My biggest issue is you continue to argue that Amazon did nothing wrong here. That the package is on time. This is simply not true. The fact is a TWO-DAY package will arrive in THREE days. This is not right yet you insist that it is!

Nikhita:Be assured that we'll surely workup on your feedback. I'd like to re iterate the fact behind two day delivery over here is delivery will be with in two days from the ship date. since this order is placed after the 12PM and orders are fulfilled on first come first basis this will be delivered with two days after it is shipped out.

Me:Don't you think you should tell the customer that when the order is placed? Then, they could take action.

Nikhita:I agree with you, most of the order are fulfilled and delivered according to the promise made. And these kind of delays are very rare as they happen when there are more number of orders placed and system automatically pushes the delivery date to a later date.

However, when these orders are processed they are shipped according to the shipping speed selected and customers will be notified updated and final estimated delivery dates in the shipment confirmation emails.

In addition to our large selection, one of the benefits we try very hard to offer our customers is convenience. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience you experienced in this case.

Nikhita:I agree with you, most of the order are fulfilled and delivered according to the promise made. And these kind of delays are very rare as they happen when there are more number of orders placed and system automatically pushes the delivery date to a later date.

However, when these orders are processed they are shipped according to the shipping speed selected and customers will be notified updated and final estimated delivery dates in the shipment confirmation emails.

In addition to our large selection, one of the benefits we try very hard to offer our customers is convenience. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience you experienced in this case.

Are we still connected?

Me:I was just cleaning up the Blog posting. Getting ready to send it out to all the social media sites.

http://craigshipp.blogspot.com/

Nikhita:Okay. We've provided the available information and current status of this order Ralph.

I also see that this order currently entered shipping process.

Me:OK, here's the opening for the Blog posting. I think it's fair: I purchase items from Amazon using their "Prime" service and generally I receive the items in two days from the order (sometimes one). While I still believe Amazon Prime is an amazing service I do not believe in this case their customer rep or supervisor handled the matter properly. See below:

Nikhita:I'

Me:I made a slight edit: I purchase items almost every day from Amazon using their "Prime" service and generally I receive the items in two days from the order (sometimes one). While I still believe Amazon Prime is an amazing service I do not believe in this case their customer rep or supervisor handled the matter properly. See below:

Nikhita:I'm able to view this blog from the link you provided.

Me:OK, here's the direct link: http://craigshipp.blogspot.com/2012/10/amazon-two-day-shipping-not-so-much.html

Are you sure you want this chat to end this way?

Nikhita:I've provided the available information in this regards.

Please let me if you need any help with this issue.

I'll be glad to assist you abiding to our policies.

Me:I've received no help.

Are you in the USA?

Nikhita:No.

Me:Can, you transfer me to someone who is?

Nikhita:We'll not be able to transfer to any particular representative based on location or name.

Nikhita:We'll not be able to transfer to any particular representative based on location or name.

Amazon.com carries its customer service operations from different location across the globe.

Me:So you can do nothing for me?

Nikhita:Since this order is in shipping process, we'll not be able to expedite its shipping speed now.

Can I please request you to please guide me as to what exactly you are expecting as a resolution to this issue?

Me:Contact UPS direct and tell them to get it to me tomorrow.

Nikhita:I'll personally follow up with your order and once this order is shipped out. I'll contact UPS and check about its delivery.

Me:Thank you and please keep me posted.

Nikhita:Sure, I'll send you an email with the update.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Me:That's all. Thank you.

Nikhita:YouThank you for contacting Amazon. We hope to see you again. Have a great day.

You're welcome*

UPDATE: At 5:35pm I tweeted this blog posting to my more than 14,000 twitter followers and the world. At 8:36pm I got an e-mail from Amazon stating that in fact the package would arrive at my door on Oct 12 [Friday]. I guess there was a way for them to get the package to me in time [two days from the order date]. If only their customer service rep and supervisor would have said this. Now Thursday, 11:02am, Oct 11, 2012 I have the package in my hand. Now, there are those who would say why make a big deal about this? You have your package and it's on time. That is not the point of this posting. The point is how Amazon customer service handled the issue. They kept insisting there was no way the package would come on Thursday and went on to say that the Amazon Prime policy is that the package will arrive two days after the shipping date. This was not so. 

Making of Ultimate Ears Custom In-ear Monitors Lab Tour

So, why do we need self-driving cars?

Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7 0 Water Ionizer unboxing and setup

Middletown Heritage Festival 2012

Google Plus Week w/ Chee Chew 9/21/2012

Kohort

Update from the Derwood Estate

Update from the Derwood Estate

listen to ‘Update from the Derwood Estate’ on Audioboo

zoom.us test drive - review - video chat

Lucketts Fair Bluegrass 2012

The Lucketts Fair Bluegrass Music Festival for 2012 with The Hillbilly Gypsies. Also featuring Patent Pending Band. The Lucketts Fair is located just north of Leesburg, Virginia on Route 15. See: http://www.loudouncounty.com/Lucketts_Fair_2012-a-2055.html

Google Plus Week Special with Google Senior VP Vic Gundotra

So, I guess we need to all move to KC for google fiber!

Quick sponsor interview video.

Vyclone brings killer multi-phone video to the world

Craig Shipp guests on the Alex Mooney Show WFMD radio AM930

Craig Shipp on techwebcast

Craig Shipp interview starts at 26 minutes into the podcast....

Segway Outriggers - Carry More Camera Gear

July 4th coverage feedback

Many thanks for all your positive feedback on my July 4th coverage of two great Frederick events! http://CraigShipp.com

Google+ Events: Introducing a new way to get together

Sony NEX- 7 with Sony ECM-Z300 including outdoor test.

Here's a test of my Sony NEX-7 with a Sony ECM-Z300 boom or shotgun mic hooked up. The newer version of this mic is the ECM-CG50. Note: The audio captured was only on one of the two stereo channels. This was easily fixed in post with Final Cut Pro X.

Special note: To hook a mono mic like an SM57 or 58 to a stereo camera like the Sony NEX-7 you can use this simple cable: http://www.amazon.com/HOSA-XLR-3-5mm-Sleeve-wired/dp/B000068NZC/ 

Google Glasses

Comprehensive iPhone Mic Adapter Cable - Great Audio Solutions

Click Here for an updated writeup on my website!

My google+ friend Bruce Turner recommended this Comprehensive iPhone Mic Adapter cable for hooking up an XLR mic to the iPhone. IMO this is a great plug-and-play solution for getting great audio into the iPhone. Especially for interviews in the field. Put your iphone on a tri-pod using The Gliff (another must-have iPhone 4 accessory) and then plug in this cable. Plug in a Shure SM58 and you're good to go. You do need to speak right into the mic but this is a good thing as this will help keep background noise down.

I bought the cable on Amazon for $29.95 and got FREE shipping with Amazon Prime. I'm ordering another on today to have as a backup and to keep in my second kit.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Compatible-Microphones-Professional-Recording-Headphones/dp/B004Z97CQW

The above setup is for the iPhone. Special note: To hook a mono mic like an SM57 or 58 to a stereo camera like the Sony NEX-7 you can use this simple cable: http://www.amazon.com/HOSA-XLR-3-5mm-Sleeve-wired/dp/B000068NZC/ Special Note: To mount your smart phone on a tripod use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LY9FVU/

Sennheiser EW100 wireless kit I use:
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-EW100ENGG3A-100-Diversity-Frequency/dp/B002CWY0C8/

Also see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ06qn0czak
and for iPhone 5 & 5s users see: http://www.amazon.com/Glif-Plus-deluxe-package-iPhone/dp/B00AAKO646/

More product links on amazon:
Rode Smartlav Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BHN05H2/
extension cable for Rode Smartlav: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DWGLLO/

Glif Plus: A deluxe Glif package, iPhone 5 Tripod Mount & Stand:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AAKO646/

F-S(Y): i.Trek SUPER MOUNT F, Metal Smartphone Tripod Adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/F-S-Smartphone-Motorola-Blackberry-Smartphones/dp/B005LY9FVU/  - Special Note: Be sure to lock down the iPhone on the tripod prior to turning on the camera app.

This video is also worth watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2fYf970GAM
Finally here's a test of the Rode SmartLav using the iOS app: https://soundcloud.com/craigshipp/recording-5

Looking for the cheapest and easiest way to get good audio into your phone? Check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCbJPuJKPQ8

DSLR AUDIO: BEACHTEK DXA-SLR PRO (REVIEW)

iMovie for iPhone - movie studio in your hand!

Sony 50mm e-mount f1.8 lens for NEX cameras

The Ultimate Social Network Shootout - Scobleizer

Steve Jobs - Shake Things Up!

Advanced tips regarding HOA

google+ how-to video

Don't have a google+ account yet? See Peter's video on setting up a google+ account:

NEX-7 18-55 kit Lens plus Zeiss 24mm Testing

For sample photos see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/areaguides/sets/72157629988681074/

Sarah Hill talks about google+ hangouts.

AR Drone Police MOD V2 new blk & wht DX8 Custom lighting !!!!

Google Plus Week (43) 5/18/2012

Google Hangout creator Chee Chew answers your questions

Trey's Variety Hour 35: Personal Photo Projects

Paige - PageantLIVE.com

Paige is the host of http://PageantLIVE.com - Show time Monday's at 8pm

Amazing look at Earth

Playing with Case 650K Bull Dozer

'1944' Apple Macintosh Commercial - Steve Jobs Plays FDR in Long-Lost Ad

Steve Jobs Plays FDR in Long-Lost Ad - Full Length Version

Making content on a Saturday night

So, you want a high resolution photo?

I join Sarah Hill and others in a news hangout.

Old Media using google+ hangouts??

Goats helping out at the estate.

Goats helping out at the estate., a photo by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places on Flickr.

Goat video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZVuL2AYg4g

google drive coming soon!

Sony NEX-FS700 - My next camera!

Today's News and Tech - I join at 21:30 in the video

Craig Shipp about.me page

Craig Shipp about.me page, a photo by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places on Flickr.

I finally got my about.me page about.me/craigshipp

Northern Office Station One

Northern Office Station One, a photo by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places on Flickr.

Here I have a Mac Pro with six 3.33 cores; 24 gigs of ram and four internal 2TB HDs. There is also a 13" MacBook Pro and first and third generation iPads. The workstation is a standing desk. CraigShipp.com

google+ Updates

Sarah Price GMail Community Manager

Sarah Price GMail Community Manager, a photo by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places on Flickr.

Sarah Price, G-Mail Community Manager with Katherine Gramann, Community Manager for Hangouts/Chat and Adrienne Bernakevitch Ludwick, Google Calendar Team with me in a Google+ Hangout back on November 11, 2011.

YouTube finally available on DVD

For more details see:
http://www.webpronews.com/the-youtube-collection-your-favorite-viral-hits-on-dvd-2012-04

DSC03221 - CraigShipp.com - Event Outfit

DSC03221 - CraigShipp.com - Event Outfit, a photo by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places on Flickr.

To cover events you need to carry a lot of heavy gear and to get around fast. The Segway helps me get around in pedestrian areas and works great as a steady cam especially when covering parades. Here I have a Sony NEX-VG10 and a Nikon D700 on a spider holster for quick access. Also see CraigShipp.com

iPad 3rd Generation - First Look

Fisher Space Pens

New iPad 3 Concept

Why is a Fisher Space Pen so good?

Where to find my content.

DSC02651 - Butcher Block Cutting Board

DSC02651 - Butcher Block Cutting Board, a photo by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places on Flickr.

This Butcher Block Cutting Board was made out of various hardwoods here at the Sun-N-Fun woodshop. It's almost too beautiful to use!

Thunder By The Bay 2012

The Thunder By The Bay event for 2012 in downtown Sarasota, Florida was another great reason to visit Sarasota! For video see: http://www.choosesarasota.com/Thunder_By_The_Bay_2012-a-1915.html

DSC02647 - Walnut Camera Gear Cabinet

DSC02647 - Walnut Camera Gear Cabinet, a photo by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places on Flickr.

My Walnut Camera Gear cabinet fully loaded. I've been using this cabinet in my mobile office for a few weeks now and I really like having my gear organized and safe when I travel (compartments are padded to absorb road shock).

Hornback Crocodile Belt

Hornback Crocodile Belt, a photo by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places on Flickr.

This beautiful Hornback Crocodile belt comes from Australia and is sold by David Morgan. See: www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=476

PS: These belts are made from farm raised salt water Crocodiles.

Nikon D4 is out!