I've had a few dealings with Time Warner Cable in the past that weren't so great. Let's face it, cable companies have pretty poor reputations when it comes to customer service. However, one might think that having one's story personally highlighted in the Wall Street Journal would help to improve things, no? No.

Several months after they explained that my previous problems were due to their buyout of Comcast in my area, I call them again about some OnDemand problems. Here's how it went.

I explained that OnDemand simply didn't work - at all. They reset my box and told me to wait 20 minutes. It didn't work. I called back. They tried something else, then said another 20. Still didn't work. Another call results in them wanting to send a technician out. Their first available time is 12 days from when I called. We set the appointment, I choose a time frame and that's that. Sixteen days later, no show, no call, nothing. Guess what I get to do tomorrow? Yep, call them back "again" ask for my $20 credit "again" because they didn't show up "at all" yet "again."

Yes, I'm stressing those words with just a twinge of irritation. I mean seriously. At this point it's sad and funny all at the same time.

My advice? Avoid Time Warner if you can. But since there's usually only one option in any area, that won't be possible for many of you (like me).