Here is a transcript from last month’s discussion with my mobile phone service provider, who shall remain nameless.

Me: “So… you just stopped sending me invoices by mail?”

Them: Exactly, your invoice is available on the Internet, which you chose.

Me: Really? -When did I choose this?

Them: This was a note on your invoice 2 months ago. It said that we were changing to paperless invoicing. If you wanted to continue with print, there would be a 2$ monthly charge, and you had to notify us.

Me: So for you, when I don’t contest a paragraph slipped into your 8-page invoice, I agree to something? (I’ll spare you the rant that followed). Where is my invoice now?

Them: on the Internet.

Me: Yes, but could you be more specific? (She could not – a hilarious exchange ensued, with me explaining that the internet was as vast as it was varied. They finally explained that it was on their site,accessible by login and password,  and that I had been notified by e-mail. Now, because I never saw their note, I never called to give them my e-mail address. She told me that I was responsible for providing the right information…)

Me: Why don’t you guys just continue billing as you always have?

Them: Because paper invoicing is extremely destructive for the environment and as a company it would be irresponsible for us to not take this into consideration. By charging 2$, it makes it easier for people to choose the better alternative.

Me: Fair enough, here is my e-mail address.

Here then, is the disconnect: Yesterday, I received this from my provider – IN THE MAIL! …I’m just sayin’

… FIDO mail