If you haven't seen the bulletins I've sent out regarding my latest UPS fiasco, read this letter I'm sending to UPS:

April 15, 2008

UPS Corporate Headquarters
55 Glenlake Parkway, NE
Atlanta , GA  30328
United States

Dear Sirs,

This is to inform you that I am launching a BOYCOTT of UPS. After my latest incident involving severely damaged packages (this is the third occurrence within two years), I am informing everyone that I can, via email, internet postings, MySpace, etc. and urging them to BOYCOTT UPS.

If you'd like to watch along in my ordeal (and what good corporate exec wouldn't?) the tracking numbers that I have filed claims on are as follows:

1Z 9V8 738 03 8137 165 3
1Z 9V8 738 03 8137 164 4

You can view photos of the packages as I received them, the damage to the contents, and my efforts to prepare them for pickup by going here - http://grangeramp.com/images/ups/index.php

By the way, I left a note for your driver - UPS owes me a roll of duct tape, and at the very least - an apology.

Included below is what I am circulating on the internet wherever possible. There is simply no excuse for a company to operate in this manner. I don't know if UPS received the packages damaged beforehand, but if so, they should have never been accepted for delivery in the first place. Someone's not running your company the way it needs to be, and I'm going to make everyone I can aware of such. Thank you for your time.

Regards,

Curt Granger



Subject: BOYCOTT UPS (Why I don't use them to ship anything!)

If you've never encountered damaged packages received from UPS, then consider yourself lucky! This will be the third damage claim I've had to file within the last 2 years.

This happened today, Monday April 14 2008. I received a couple of NEW Behringer subwoofers (they are heavy, 101 lbs., and have 18" speakers) from American Musical and there are 2 big dents in the METAL grill of one of the enclosures. It's not flimsy metal either. It obviously took 2 "direct hits" with something such as a forklift or was dropped onto something pointed. The dents are each about 1 inch in diameter. The box looks like a group of UPS guys used it for a punching/kicking bag.

I always SHIP with either FedEx or US Postal Service. I've received items from DHL - and I've never experienced any issues with any of them (knock on wood!) And when I buy online I do my best to buy from a company who offers other shipping alternatives than UPS. This time I should have known better, but the company I bought from had a shipping special, so it only cost an extra $20 to ship each box, instead of the usual $69.99 heavy freight surcharge that one gets with most "Free Shipping" offers.

HEAR THAT dealers/online retailers?! I will do my very best to avoid buying from companies who only ship UPS! I will go to YOUR COMPETITOR, even if it means paying more to avoid UPS!!

If you're still shipping via UPS, I encourage you to find another shipper before this happens to you. Fortunately the item damaged was not irreplaceable or very costly, now I just have to go through the "red tape" of waiting for the claim to be handled, the item shipped back, and a replacement shipped to me. The last time it occurred a Carvin 12 space rack was damaged (a 3/4" piece of plywood was cracked in half!), and it took 2 weeks to get the replacement.

I won't go into detail about the time a UPS driver knocked off my mailbox with his truck mirror!

BTW, if you happen to work for UPS, no offense... but GET ANOTHER JOB!

So, feel free to forward this on, and if you continue to use UPS, then all I can say is, I WARNED YOU.

Here's some pics of the damaged box... I'm fairly sure the black WINE GLASS graphic means FRAGILE CONTENTS!! Hello?! If it had been glass in there, I'd be looking at a box of SAND.

UPDATE: If you want to see more photos, including the damage to the subs, go to http://grangeramp.com/images/ups/index.php

























If you've had stuff damaged by UPS, then feel free to forward this on, repost, etc. If UPS execs starts feeling it in their pocketbooks and bank accounts, then maybe, just maybe, they'll figure out a way to keep crap like this from happening!

I'm making my entire discography available to the public, which includes the following:

Curt Granger - 420 Homegrown Avenue

Traumatide - This Thing Called Life

Scream Sophie - Secrets In A Jar


Scream Sophie - Offerings


Scream Sophie - Rhythmic Tribal Ritual (out of print, this will be a direct transfer from the master)

This was the very first recordings of Scream Sophie, during our developmental stage. There are some very interesting songs and sounds on this disc! Think NIN meets King's X and you'll get close to what it sounds like.


1st In Line - No Smoking (out of print, this will be a direct transfer from the master) -artwork coming soon-

1st In Line was my very first recording project I did once I got my studio up and running back in 1998. Most of it was stuff I recorded solo, or with my old school buddy Jeff Johnson. If you've ever wondered what I sounded like doing rap-rock, you should get this!

You can still order some of the CDs from CDBaby.com, but if you order directly from me, I will sign the cover, as well as throw in a few guitar picks, and you only pay $10 for a single CD, or buy 2 or more and get them for $8 each! The shipping is $2.50 whether you order 1 or all 6.

To order you must have a PayPal account. (if you don't already have one you should - they rock!)

Log in to PayPal, and send payment to sales@blueniteproductions.com (I'm a verified member). Include which CDs you want, add the total, and the shipping. Send me a message on MySpace if you have any questions.

Thanks to some great advice and guidance from Mr. Bob Walters (Ampman), I have rejuvenated my old 1987 Marshall JCM800 (2210 model). This 100 monster screams. Here's a little clip of me playing a bit with it. (My low E string was a little sharp) What a fabulous tone it has.

The amp is in pristine condition... and NO, I am not selling it, at least not at this time.

My CDs will be arriving tomorrow. Stay tuned for details on how and where to get one. F'n A right!

 

I have finished my CD. 5 years in the making. The title is "420 Homegrown Avenue." (paying homage to one of my influences - Eric Clapton, 420's my birthday, and I recorded it at home. Putting those rumors to rest early!)

12 tracks are on the disk, including a couple of instrumentals, some heavy rockers, some mellow-moodish vibe-y tunes, a wicked-cool intro, a couple of classic pop/blues covers, and a cover of one of the best psychedelic Beatles songs ever recorded.

In the next few weeks I'll start letting everyone know how and where to order it.

I have decided to "unplug" more for awhile, so I can concentrate on music, writing, playing, practicing, my band (Citizen Jayne), and family, etc. - everything that the electronic medium known as the internet pulls me away from.

If you contact me and don't immediately hear from me, that is why. I spend way too much time returning phone calls, text messages, emails, messages. and the like. Please don't take it personal, just understand that my time is very limited these days.

Also, any requests to update websites, design a website, fix code, edit photos, or anything else of that nature will most likely go unnoticed and/or unanswered.

Thanks for understanding.
peace,

curt

It's Paul McCartney's birthday today. I hope it was a great one Paul!

The man/legend/musical genius influenced me greatly as a musician. To have the career he's had, and still be pumping out hits at his age is pretty incredible.

He's wearing black Chuck Taylors in his new ad. I like to think in some small insignificant way I influenced him too. (we can all dream can't we?)

Here's a version of the Beatles "Birthday" I recorded a few years ago. Rock it!

BIRTHDAY - click to listen

Hosted By: Citizen Jayne
When: Saturday Mar 31, 2007
at 9:30 PM
Where: Pub 261
9340 Helena Road
Pelham, AL 35124
United States
Description:
Citizen Jayne

Click Here To View Event

I've been an IE user for years, but since I got the new laptop (Acer Aspire 5100) I've installed and have been using Firefox, and it's just a kick-ass browser. I love all the addons, such as Cooliris which let's you preview links, the auto spell checker, instant weather and radar in the status bar, etc. Of course the tabbed browser, but that's not what makes Firefox great. I think it's the fact that it's so easy to use, easy to install the addons, and easy to find things.

You should try it.

(The following is my email correspondence with bandmerch.com, following an order I placed on Oct. 8, 2006 for a hoodie my daughter Stacey wanted. According to their automated order email, the product should have shipped on Oct. 16. Needless to say, it still hasn't shipped. I think everyone should be aware of their "issues" and should take their business to reputable companies who can effectively run a business.)

----- Original Message -----
From: (Curt)
To: Bandmerch Customer Service
Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2006 7:09 PM
Subject: 10/08/06 Order no. 202266

Update? December 8th will be 2 months... My daughter is very upset this has not shipped.

----- Original Message -----
From: Bandmerch Customer Service
To: (Curt)
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 3:45 PM
Subject: RE: UPDATE: Your BandMerch Order

Thank you for your email.

 I would like to personally thank you for your patience, and apologize for the prolonged delay. We are working extremely hard to expedite your order.

This past month we moved over 150,000 shirts, hoodies, hats and CD's to our new distribution center in order to better serve you in the future.  We knew it would be a difficult challenge to get everything back to normal quickly, and unfortunately there were a few issues with getting all the product bar-coded and properly stored as fast as we hoped.

We've always done a great job of shipping our customer's orders quickly and truly appreciate your business.  This delay has frustrated the whole BandMerch team, many of whom are working around the clock 7 days a week to help get us caught up. We've made great progress but are still about one to three weeks away from having everything back to our normally high standards for quick order turn-around.

I know that you may want a hard date for when to expect your order, and we understand your frustration with not being able to receive one.  There is huge queue that we are reducing daily. Please keep in mind that all orders are being shipped in the order that they were received. We have upgraded your shipping to UPS at our expense, and you will receive an e-mail directly from UPS with your tracking information. If your order is being shipped to an APO, FPO, or a PO Box, your order will be shipped USPS.

Again, words cannot express how sorry we are.  Feel free to call us at 866-247-6416 (inside the US) or 818-707-0471 (outside the US).

Sincerely,

Alex
Customer Relations
BandMerch.com

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: (Curt Granger)
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 10:45 PM
To: Bandmerch Customer Service
Subject: Re: UPDATE: Your BandMerch Order

I still haven't received my order from 10/08/06 Order no. 202266, or any email from UPS (as stated below).

----- Original Message -----
From: Bandmerch Customer Service
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 4:51 PM
Subject: UPDATE: Your BandMerch Order

 
To our important customers: 

 

A few months ago, BandMerch decided that we had a mission: to make sure that your upcoming holiday orders are processed with earth-shattering speed and precision. After months of planning, we recently moved all of your favorite gear to our new state-of-the art warehouse.  As with any major move, we've encountered challenges that have taken longer than we had planned, causing your order to be delayed.

 

We buy stuff online all the time from other companies, so we totally understand that once you place your order, you expect to get your gear PRONTO! Now that all of our products are finally bagged and bar-coded in their new home, we're officially back in business and apologize for the delay.  In fact, at our expense, we're upgrading your shipping and sending out your package UPS 3-Day Standard at no additional charge.  You will receive an email from UPS when your package leaves the warehouse.  It doesn't make up for the delay, but we hope it shows our desire to make it right for you. 

 

Additionally, in appreciation for your patience, and to make your holiday shopping a little easier, we are also offering a $5 discount on your next BandMerch purchase. A coupon code link will be sent to this email address by Thursday, November 2nd, explaining how to use your $5 credit.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us or give us a call.

 

Thanks again for your patience and understanding. We genuinely regret any inconvenience and we look forward to making your web purchases as smooth and enjoyable as possible in the future.

 

 

Your Friends at BandMerch

----- Original Message -----
From: "Curt Granger"
To: <customerservice@BandMerch.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 6:02 PM
Subject: Order 202266

> Hello, what is the status of this order, and why have I not
> received a tracking number or the product? I ordered this on 10/8/06.
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: bandmerch-cs-no-reply@bandmerch.com
> To: (Curt Granger)
> Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2006 8:13 PM
> Subject: Confirming your order and shipping info 202266
>
>
>
> THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER!
>
>
> NOTE: We ask that you please DO NOT REPLY to this email. If you need help
> please click here.
> Thank you for your order.
> Your order is now on its way to your door.We will email you a follow up
> email with the USPS tracking number (for U.S. orders) as soon as your order
> has shipped.
>
> This email is to confirm the receipt of your recent order from BandMerch, A
> division of Keepsakes, Inc.
>
> WE'RE UPGRADING OUR WAREHOUSE! Because of this transition all orders will
> not be shipped out until Monday, October 16, 2006, and we're offering you an
> extra 10% off the cost of your purchase just for waiting a couple extra
> days. How can you beat that? If you have any questions contact us at
> (866)247-6416.
> If you selected Check/Money Order, make check payable to:
> BandMerch
> -------------------
> SEND checks to:
> Customer Service
> Bandmerch
> 5126 Clareton Drive, Suite 140
> Agoura Hills, CA 91301
> 818-707-0471
> FUNDS FOR CHECKS
> All checks and money orders must be in U.S. DOLLARS ONLY. If we receive a
> check that does not follow either of these guidelines, we must regrettably
> cancel the order and return your check to you. You may convert your currency
> to U.S. funds by clicking here. http://finance.yahoo.com/m3
> Your order will not ship until we receive payment and the payment has
> cleared.
> -----------------------------------------
> If you ordered by credit card, your item(s) will be shipped FROM our
> warehouse 48-72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) from the time you
> place your order.
> NOTE: This excludes PRE-SALES. Orders containing PRE-SALE items will be
> shipped toarrive on or around the STREET DATE of that item.
> Items shipped to a U.S. address using priority mail will arrive within 5
> business days during NON-holiday times.
>
> FOR INTERNATIONAL ORDERS:
> Orders may take anywhere from 3-6 weeks from the time they leave the
> warehouse to reach their destination.The CUSTOMER is responsible for ALL
> DUTIES AND TAXES.
>
> If you ordered a Mobile Download, your content bundle will arrive shortly in
> 3 individual text messages (If you ordered a T-shirt/wallpaper bundle it
> will arrive in one text message). Click the links in your text message to
> download the content to your phone. Should you have questions, please go to
> the FAQ page.
>
> For more information please see our interactive help site by clicking here.
>
> Thank you again for your order from BandMerch.comYou Ordered:Order Number
> 202266
> CI030aZS41.95
> Subtotal: $41.95
> Coupon Discount: ($4.20)
> Shipping: $7.67
> Tax: $0.00
> Total: $45.43
>
>
>
> www.bandmerch.com
>

I spent some productive time this weekend recording more tunes for my CD. I finished an instrumental called "Shadows of Grace" and it has a middle-eastern/Steve Vai-ish melody, and lots of keyboard parts. It's not my normal style but I loved the way it turned out. I also recorded music for a new song that is tentatively titled "Promises." With Traumatide's lighter schedule this fall I hope to finish up the CD and make it available to everyone soon.

Oh yeah, and if Billy, Damon, Allen, Tim, or 'the Johns' read this, holla dawgs!... it's golf time.