Live help desks are too annoying

Web hosts, take note! Anyone who has ever bought something online, particularly domains or hosting, is familiar with online chat. Usually you visit a site only to be immediately accosted by about a dozen pop-up chat boxes.

Rick, Peter, and Catherine are always giddy to serve me. But I’m never that giddy about seeing their fake names and faces flash up in front of me unexpectedly. It’s just like walking in the store and being barraged by salesmen.

It is understandable that companies need a way to help customers with questions. Why not provide an actual support number? How about you have a chat box, but include a large-font note saying, “Click here for instant support.” I’d much rather this than an annoying pop-up.