FYI: CNBC repeating "Inside American Airlines"

[ronaldl79]

TWU:

What I am implying is that most Americans do not have a "bird's eye view" of the operations behind AA. I myself do not have that, hence why I spend time here and on other forums to become more informed about an industry which intrigues me.

I remember being on business at MCI in 2005 and I had some extra time to kill before my flight departed. I discovered the AA MCI maintenance center and decided I'd drop by for a visit. I knew I was "unannounced company", but that didn't deter me from approaching security and attempting to gain entry for a tour. Yes, I was declined, but they kindly informed of the TWA museum just across the street.

So I spent an intimate hour learning about the history of TWA, looking at all of the pictures and displays and seeking out any nuggets related to AA's acquisition of the airline a few years ago. Well, I didn't find anything AA related. But I sure as hell learned a lot about the airline and all of their "industry firsts". To say I was impressed is an understatement. I was in awe.

Upon the completion of my tour, my thoughts were that it was unfortunate that the TWA brand was shelved. I recall the period of transition where TWA assets were being rebranded as AA, and the only reminder of its rich history were seats embroidered with "TWA" or the insignia in small type as part of the AA livery. Now, it's no longer.

Anyway, enough of that. I have a lot of intimate and detailed knowledge of various industries, so I've seen the scandals, poor employee and union relations, backstabbing managers, etc. This happens everywhere and is unfortunately the reality of doing business.

Do I like the tactics practiced by American corporations? Of course I don't! However, I do not expect every nook and cranny of AA or any other corporation to be publicized for public consumption -- that would be nice, but it's not happening. If I had an opportunity to see with my own eyes the operation of AA, I'd jump on it. This would mean spending intimate time with flight crews, managers, clerks, res agents, mechanics, etc. I'd sleep in galleys at night and drink kerosene by day.

Most Americans couldn't care less about the intricate details of things which they take for granted. No one cares about why the sky is blue, if there's life on distant planets, or how an airplane works. I do. I understand there is more to flying than just purchasing a ticket and boarding an aircraft. There's an entire network of people enabling myself and millions of other people around the world the privilege to enjoy a method of transport like no other.

So, again, this is why I spend time in various forums -- so that I can learn and share knowledge. I am not here to strike negative chords with people. I am a "human sponge" and I want to soak up all the details.

Does this make sense now?

Did you take some form of a poll to obtain that "general populations viewpoint" to which you refer?

Or do you just assume that because you personally find it enlightening, then the "general population" must surely agree with you?

I would like to know your source and reference to your statement regarding the viewpoint of the general population if you can provide that in a professional no nonsense manner.

Thanks

 

[TWU informer]

QUOTE(ronaldl79 @ Nov 25 2006, 05:01 PM)

Your viewpoint isn't shared with the general population. Personally, it was an enlightening documentary -- which I've watched twice now.

Interesting post above, I guess.

But you still failed to address where you come to believe that the general population has a view not shared?

You talk alot about yourself, but I still see no reference or reasonable facts that back up your claim regarding what the general public's views are compared to my own.

Being a "human sponge" or whatever else you may think about yourself hardly qualifies you to make broad statements regarding public opinion without some data to back up your claim.

 

[ronaldl79]

MCI,

I'm just a humble, self-employed dude trying to make a buck. The last thing I want to do is work for someone else. Once you guys can accept the fact that I'm here to learn and participate, then all will be well.

<_< ----- I'll respectfully ask you again sir, are you employed by American Airlines, or one of the consulting firms hired by aa?-----

 

[ronaldl79]

Thanks for sharing this. This is yet another example of learning about what goes on at the airlines. The reality is that few jobs like Bill's exist in Corporate America. You'd be surprised by the number of companies which still view the Internet as unimportant or irrelevant.

One example is the story of a photographer who purchased a camera from an online retailer. Well, they royally screwed this guy around and finally fed up, he launched an online PR campaign to blast these guys for poor customer service.

Can you say ouch? Within weeks, the business closed their doors.

Every weekday morning when Billy Sanez arrives at American Airlines corporate headquarters, he powers up his computer and logs on to the Internet for an hour or so. But he isn’t idly surfing the Net on company time. This is part of his job.

...

His mission is to see what people around the world are saying about American and to flag anything the airline might have to address.

 

[MCI transplant]

MCI,

I'm just a humble, self-employed dude trying to make a buck. The last thing I want to do is work for someone else. Once you guys can accept the fact that I'm here to learn and participate, then all will be well.

<_< ----- Thank you sir! It seems one of the regulars here, an ex mid-Management type, with connections, seems to think he knows of you! Possibly he's mistaken?---- Is it Ronald, or Billy? Again, why the interest in aa?

 

[ronaldl79]

"Food for thought" indeed. The Internet is an open enterprise and is the least regulated of anything known to humanity. Governments can try and impose local, regional and national laws and rules, but it is impossible to tame an open and free beast.

Secretly, I believe the US Government regrets opening up "ARPANet" because it is the only thing which defies the flawed and tainted logic of its creator.

<_<
Here is the RUB:
This is why it is so important for all of us to be aware of Internet power.
There is a huge battle going on for control of the internet. Corps do not like bad press nor interference-the truth should have a voice and be exposed.
Keep yourself informed and your politicians aware of your opinion in important matters. In this day and age, the Internet does influence the 'powers that be." One reason why 'blogs' have gained such interest & power.
If the corporations take over the internet as they have the media, a great source for expressing your opinion will be lost forever. Food for thought.

 

[MCI transplant]

"Food for thought" indeed. The Internet is an open enterprise and is the least regulated of anything known to humanity. Governments can try and impose local, regional and national laws and rules, but it is impossible to tame an open and free beast.

Secretly, I believe the US Government regrets opening up "ARPANet" because it is the only thing which defies the flawed and tainted logic of its creator.

<_< --- Keep one thing in mind here Ronald! Most here, at least of the older generation, are ex-military! As bad as our Government may seem to be to some, we all still have our priorities, and loyalties! And as bad as some might think of this country, and, or, government, with all it's flaws, it's still the best damn country on the face of this old world!!!

 

[ronaldl79]

ExAA,

Whatever your issues are with me, I suggest that you address them immediately. It was okay that you attempted to insult me via PM a few months ago, but now you're just overstepping the line of due respect.

I don't recall us ever engaging in any detailed conversation about my education or professional background over lunch during your tenure at AA.

However, sir, I don't mind sharing with you the background of a respected, accomplished and well-traveled man. Let's do lunch sometime, eh?

From what I'm told, Billy's position was a recent add to CorpComm (i.e. within the past six months)... .

And no, I don't think he's a consultant. A bachelors degree is required at every consulting firm I've ever dealt with, unless you've got 20+ years of experience, and Ronald has neither.

 

[ronaldl79]

MCI,

I'm not sure where you asked these questions, but I apparently missed them.

As for ExAA, he believes he knows everything about me because of a visit to my website. Rather than invest his time into managing his duties at AA, he found it more appealing to insult my age, an interview I conducted with a Southwest Airlines exec and past accomplishments dating back to when I was a teenager. Surely, this isn't the spirit of some managers within AA. God, I'd hope not.

Fortunately, I did not allow one sour apple at AA to spoil my overall impression of the company. Unfortunately, I must say that I've never come across anyone like ExAA -- and I've met and corresponded with a diverse group of executives, managers and employees of companies the size of AA and larger.

One thing I do not tolerate is blatant disrespect from anyone and he broke the landing gear today.

<_< ---- Well, I've asked that question of Mr. Lewis three times now, on three different threads, and always got the same answer!----- Silence!!! So what can we assume boys?

<_< ---- Bachelors degrees ain't that special these days! Hell! I even know a few AMT's that have them! So how do you know if Mr.Lewis does, or doesn't, have one? I even think our honorable leader, Mr. Little has at least one mail order degree!----

 

[ronaldl79]

If I ever made a mention of lacking a degree, then it would be related to not having one in journalism. That does not mean I lack an education beyond high school. I hope you don't make such misinformed judgments in the corporate world, because you are far off base with me about anything you claim to know about my educational or professional background.

If you are incapable of mutual respect, then I suggest you focus on things you do know, because you have little knowledge of me.

His own admission? He used to list his education on his website, and at one point, I recall his blog mentioning how impressive it was for someone without a degree to be able get CEO's of major companies to partake in his podcast interviews.

 

[ronaldl79]

I thought I had addressed this in my earlier post, but I guess not.

Of the thousands of people watching the CNBC documentary, how many do you think were AA employees or even knew a 1% of how things worked at AA? Very few. You might have noticed something as an AA employee and said, "Bullshit! That isn't how we do things here!" I do the same thing ... we all do ... when we have intimate knowledge of something. The general public does not care about how things work. They do not care about the sacrifices made. They only care that it works. That's why we're called "consumers".

When you go shopping, do you think of the manufacture of the basket? Do you care about the pricing on products and how they're stored and updated? Do you care about how product is shipped and distributed to your favorite supermarket or electronics store? The same is true for flying. Most people don't care. It's a product. A service.

Again, the flying public doesn't know what you do. You are on the front line. You are witnessing what goes on behind closed doors. Your vantage point is priceless and unique. We do not know see what you see. For the average American watching, they were finally exposed to the everyday challenges of an airline and its employees. They got a glimpse of AA employees busting their chops to make their lives easier and more convenient. Most people are unaware of these things. Most people are unaware of the logistics behind air travel. They do not understand why delays occur. All that matters to them is that they've paid for a service, and they expect it to operate as promised. Well, it doesn't work that way, as you well know.

So, for those watching the documentary, they now have some understanding of the industry. They now have some understanding about weather and equipment delays, instead of thinking, "Damnit! Not another delay! I have a business meeting to attend and I'm going to be late because of AA". Perhaps on future flights, some people might be more appreciative of the work you do.

So, I think you misinterpreted my comments about the documentary. They were in no way intended to slight your internal knowledge of AA or to imply that the documentary was the "gospel of truth according to CNBC and AA."

Consider this: How many "consumers" are you aware of that are interested in what you do at an airline, or even care about you as a human being? Flyertalk.com is a great example. They only care about how many FF miles they can obtain, how untimely a flight was, etc.

So, no, the general population will almost never share your view of AA or any other carrier. They do not care.

Interesting post above, I guess.

But you still failed to address where you come to believe that the general population has a view not shared?

You talk alot about yourself, but I still see no reference or reasonable facts that back up your claim regarding what the general public's views are compared to my own.

Being a "human sponge" or whatever else you may think about yourself hardly qualifies you to make broad statements regarding public opinion without some data to back up your claim.

 

[ronaldl79]

MCI,

You're most welcome, sir. ExAA doesn't know anything about me. He thinks I am just some average, misinformed 20something year old guy with no idea about anything. Oh well. People make assumptions about me all the time, it won't be the first time -- or the last.

My interest in AA is all about knowledge. Same for Southwest, BA, NWA, Boeing, Airbus, etc. It's all relative. But I have to say that AA is a unique brand. It just has that "something" that's appealing and intriguing.

The bottom line is that I just care. Anyone employed by AA or another carrier to monitor forums and such would do well to just observe. They wouldn't last here ... hell ... just look at what I'm experiencing.

<_< ----- Thank you sir! It seems one of the regulars here, an ex mid-Management type, with connections, seems to think he knows of you! Possibly he's mistaken?---- Is it Ronald, or Billy? Again, why the interest in aa?

 

[eolesen]

As for ExAA, he believes he knows everything about me because of a visit to my website

So, you're saying that what you published on your own website isn't factual or believable?

Whatever your issues are with me, I suggest that you address them immediately. It was okay that you attempted to insult me via PM a few months ago, but now you're just overstepping the line of due respect.

Hmm. Here's exactly what I said to you:

[quote date='Mar 30 2006']Honestly, I don't know that they're going to be all that receptive to a podcast/blog interview unless you're with an accredited print or broadcast media outlet. Even well established analysts like Holly Hegeman can't get much out of them, and she's a former consultant to AA CorpComm.[/quote]

If that's even remotely construed by you to be an insult, I'm afraid you've got a lot to learn about life in corporate America.

If you are incapable of mutual respect, then I suggest you focus on things you do know, because you have little knowledge of me.

You want respect? Great. Earn it.

Ronald, I have no problem with you whatsoever, and have stated nothing insulting or untrue.

If you want to continue the immature ad hominum attacks against me, go for it. It certainly won't make you any more credible.

You want me to focus on things I know? Great.

Being an airline employee is one of them, so I'm well qualified to tell you you're off the mark when you tell us how accurate and loved the CNBC puff piece was.

Of the thousands of people watching the CNBC documentary, how many do you think were AA employees

Considering how few people watch CNBC, probably a lot more than you think. Then again, most AA employees probably can't afford cable or satellite anymore.

 

[ronaldl79]

My dad is ex-vietnam. RIP. We do live in a great country, but we cannot continue moving forward with an outdated foundation. Essentially, this means redoing a lot of things, because otherwise, we'll be faced with a collapse at some point.

What is it that you do, MCI?

<_< --- Keep one thing in mind here Ronald! Most here, at least of the older generation, are ex-military! As bad as our Government may seem to be to some, we all still have our priorities, and loyalties! And as bad as some might think of this country, and, or, government, with all it's flaws, it's still the best damn country on the face of this old world!!!

 

[Wretched Wrench]

Do Not Feed the Trolls.