Why you don't believe everything you encounter on the internet.

[Zellmer, Robert]

Here's something else for a laugh break.

A few years ago, I was looking at a page at a web site (Tutorvista) covering acid-base titrations.
I found a number of mistakes, on the first page or two alone.  A "chat" window opened asking
if I needed help.  The following is a copy of the "conversation".  I'm "guest" in red and "their"
responses are in blue.  I put "their" in quotes because I believe it was a "bot" responding with
automated responses.  Either that or it really wasn't someone you would want answering
your questions.

Note, I even identified myself as "Dr." Robert Zellmer so they would realize I wasn't a student.
It then asked which grade and subject for which I needed help, after identifying myself and
telling them I'm a Senior Lecturer at THEE Ohio State University.

Initially their responses came w/in a few seconds of me sending my info but then lengthened
when it didn't know quite how to respond.  I even asked a nonsensical question and it took
quite awhile to answer telling me to call.  I continued on since they check these files, hoping
someone might contact me but they never did.

I found it somewhat amusing at the time but troublesome as well.  I thought you could maybe
use another laugh while studying.

Keep this in mind when you attempt to get help from the internet.  Buyer beware.

Dr. Zellmer

Welcome to TUTORVISTA !
Type your question in chat window below.
[ 11:51:55 PM ] Guest : I'm looking at your site about acid-base titrations and there are several errors. Just so you know I'm a Senior Lecturer
in Chemistry at The Ohio State University. Who should I contact about the errors on this page, and there are many?
[ 11:51:57 PM ] Acad Coordinator : Hello, I am your Academic Counselor and will help you. May I please know your name?
[ 11:52:43 PM ] Guest : Dr. Robert Zellmer
[ 11:52:46 PM ] Acad Coordinator : Which grade and subject are you looking for help in?
[ 11:53:36 PM ] : I don't need help. I'm a senior lecturer in Chemistry at Ohio State University and have been teaching for 24 years. I don't think
you read my initial message.
[ 11:53:40 PM ] Acad Coordinator : Do you need help with your Homework or help with a Test?
[ 11:54:33 PM ] : I'm eating spaghetti right now.
[ 11:55:26 PM ] : Do you not know how to respond now?
[ 11:56:10 PM ] : Are you still there?
[ 11:56:31 PM ] Acad Coordinator : You can call us on our toll free number 1-855-666-7440
[ 11:56:48 PM ] : And they will help you further .
[ 11:57:57 PM ] Guest : I don't need help. I'm trying to help your site correct many errors you have on your acid-base titration help page. Perhaps
your staff can contact me at the Ohio State University so they can fix the errors on your site.
[ 11:58:18 PM ] Acad Coordinator : Thank you.
[ 11:58:51 PM ] : We will look into that. and take those wrong equations down from our website.
[ 12:01:58 AM ] Guest : It is not just equations. Actually, I didn't even get that far. There were too many errors on the first page alone for me to
continue. When I saw someone trying to chat I decided to let you know there were problems. The problems are so extensive and bad I can't
imagine telling anyone of your site. I just thought someone might want to know what the problems are. Thanks for your time. If anyone is truly
interested in fixing things it would be very easy for you to contact me.

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