Last week I wrote about PC Magazine’s redesign of their print edition and some of the readers’ responses. The editors’ response to the feedback was encouraging as well, indicating that, yes, the publication was hearing readers loud and clear. Today I received an e-mail invitation to join PC Mag’s “advisory panel” — coincidence? The message included this paragraph:

Your feedback is incredibly useful to us as we bring you the most complete and exciting magazine devoted to technology and computing at home, at work and on the go. We only invite a small sample of readers to participate in the panel, so your participation is key to our accurately representing the preferences of our readers.

Once again, my hat’s off to this publication.

Technorati Tags: PC Magazine, readers, customer experience

Part 3: Setting up a blog with WordPress

This is the last installment in this opening “Getting on the Information Super Highway” series. In the first two parts, I discussed the process of setting up my hosting and purchasing domain names. Now that my space and domains were all set, I needed to get the site live with my blogging software.

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PC Magazine’s print publication recently underwent a significant redesign and readers, as they do, spoke up. New sections on automotive technology and home media (TVs) have been added. In addition, the typeface styles, sizes, and colors have been modified. Some readers like it, some don’t. PC Mag editor Jim Louderback responded in the May 23 issue:

We received a lot of feedback about our new fonts. They are, in fact, bigger, but some still find them less readable. Sorry! We’re increasing the font size, and revisiting some of our color choices to improve readability. We’ll continue to cover PC-style computing in all its forms, but don’t worry. Getting the most out of Windows- and Intel-compatible systems remains at the core of what we do.

How do you win a loyal following? Listen to your customers.

Technorati Tags: customer service, PC Magazine

Last week I wrote about my positive experience buying a tandem trailer at Decatur Bicycle Shoppe. Today I received a postcard from the fine folks there, thanking me for my purchase. Little things like thank you notes are so easy to send and so often overlooked. The next time I’m in the market for a bicycle, you can bet I’ll make another trip to DBS. If you’re in the area, check them out and tell them you heard about their business on 5customers.

Make a list of the things you’d like in a bank and compare it with mine:

• Free checking that also pays interest
• Good loan rates
• Easy accessibility
• Free online bill paying
• Friendly service
• No fees for withdrawing cash from any ATMs

Most banks offer the basics so, really, it’s the service and the little things that count. Though I live in Illinois, my bank is in Texas and I enjoy all of these features.

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