A challenge

A few months ago I carried a taxi radio dispatcher to work on the night shift. When he revealed an interest in blogging I suggested he start a blog reporting on the lunatic callers taxi operators deal with.

Unfortunately my passenger cited privacy and confidentiality provisions in his employment contract as a deterant to such an exercise. This was disappointing as I've long been hankering after such a blog since the demise of the wonderful American dispatch blog, Blank Top Chronicles...

The world is full of crazy, stupid assholes. And every single one of them calls my company when they need a taxi.

However there may be another opportunity available as Cablog reader, Peter is not only a new blogger but a former cabbie and radio dispatcher. How about it, Peter, up for the challenge?

For those unaware of the hilarious Blank Top Chronicles here's some archival posts.

Comments

[Gerri Patrick]

I miss the Blank Top Chronicles - they were classic yarns about human beings(?) who you would be ashamed to share the planet with.

[Lance]

I think it was from one of your references Adrian that I started reading BTC. That was probably about 2-3yr ago and I read it right through til he pulled the plug mid last year(?).
Mate, the number of times i spat cold coffee over my monitor.............
Yep, I miss it as well, and can only imagine what Brian(?) is doing now.
Not sure he can be replaced.

Dealing with the public is a wonderful experience, but we must all remember we are all the 'public', to someone else.

[Walter]

Yup, I miss BTC too. I must admit it made me very cautious about calling a cab in Arlington. I hope the guy that ran it is doing well.

[Peter Deane]

What's that, Adrian? Gee, the confidentiality agreement was something we all hated, it was put in front of us about 2 months after we computerised in Newcastle, which was 1990 I think (getting a bit vague there!) I remember delaying signing it for as long as possible. Technically, I think I'm still bound by it. Basically it meant I couldn't come home and say "Gee, we had a real nutter calling up today and ... " But sux to that. I'm thinking I should have not used my real name after all :-) But sux to that, too! Yes, I'll have to intersperse a few reminiscences from the radio room on the blog, which you can all read at http://bustopher.blogspot.com/ And just for that, Adrian I was wondering what today's blog would be... errr, maybe a story of injustice to get people outraged?

[manlycabbie]

i worked for a time in fire brigade dispatch you should hear some of the nutters ringig 000

[adrian]

Thanks Peter, your parting suggestion inspired today's post ;)

Regarding breaching confidentiality this can only occur if one readily identifies the subjects. By ensuring anonymity a story teller can safely avoid triggering a privacy clause.

[Walter]

I'm pretty sure though that the blog probably did in the guy's blog if not his job (hope he didn't get canned but I wouldn't be surprised).

[caravans]

Regarding breaching confidentiality this can exclusive become if one readily identifies the subjects. By ensuring obscurity a news teller can safely refrain triggering a isolation clause.
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vernon getzler