About those Post Office machines

Yesterday (Monday, 2004-09-27), I was talking with a local Postmaster
about those new credit/debit card only parcel machines that are
appearing at Post Offices nationwide. He told me that at least in
Wisconsin, ALL branches will be retaining at least one 'cash' stamp
vending machine when they get the new self-serve parcel machines.

The observation that I made in my posts from a couple of weeks ago about
'homeland security' in regards to their credit/debit card ONLY operation
was dead on correct. Since the Clinton years, they have wanted EVERY
'parcel' transaction to be on a tracable, face-to-face basis, mainly to
prevent any more of those 'Unibomber' type nutcases from attacking
again, among other related things. In addition to being credit/debit
card only, the machines will also take pictures of everyone who uses them.

Basically, they are are an attempt at a 'self-service' solution to the
lines at the counters for mailing parcels. Again, Post Offices here in
Wisconsin will be retaining 'cash' stamp vending machines, but other
states will vary.

--
___________________________________________ ____ _______________
Regards, | |\ ____
| | | | |\
Michael G. Koerner May they | | | | | | rise again!
Appleton, Wisconsin USA | | | | | |
___________________________________________ | | | | | | _______________

Postal Clerks are soon to be obselete and this things smells like one more
move closer to a cashless society....wonderful!
"Michael G. Koerner" wrote in message
...
Yesterday (Monday, 2004-09-27), I was talking with a local Postmaster
about those new credit/debit card only parcel machines that are
appearing at Post Offices nationwide. He told me that at least in
Wisconsin, ALL branches will be retaining at least one 'cash' stamp
vending machine when they get the new self-serve parcel machines.

The observation that I made in my posts from a couple of weeks ago about
'homeland security' in regards to their credit/debit card ONLY operation
was dead on correct. Since the Clinton years, they have wanted EVERY
'parcel' transaction to be on a tracable, face-to-face basis, mainly to
prevent any more of those 'Unibomber' type nutcases from attacking
again, among other related things. In addition to being credit/debit
card only, the machines will also take pictures of everyone who uses them.

Basically, they are are an attempt at a 'self-service' solution to the
lines at the counters for mailing parcels. Again, Post Offices here in
Wisconsin will be retaining 'cash' stamp vending machines, but other
states will vary.

--
___________________________________________ ____
_______________
Regards, | |\ ____
| | | | |\
Michael G. Koerner May they | | | | | | rise
again!
Appleton, Wisconsin USA | | | | | |
___________________________________________ | | | | | |
_______________

"saved92"

wrote:

Postal Clerks are soon to be obselete and this things smells like one more
move closer to a cashless society....wonderful!


The protection offered by non cash payment leaves too much to be desired. I
have been a victim off Credit scam. As, I assume, thousands worldwide have.
Until security is tightened, I doubt the majority will go for this idea. True
monetary counterfeirs exist but they do not have access to such vital
information.
John N

JOPN wrote:

"saved92"

wrote:

Postal Clerks are soon to be obselete and this things smells like one more
move closer to a cashless society....wonderful!

The protection offered by non cash payment leaves too much to be desired. I
have been a victim off Credit scam. As, I assume, thousands worldwide have.
Until security is tightened, I doubt the majority will go for this idea. True
monetary counterfeirs exist but they do not have access to such vital
information.
John N

I prefer using cash, too. When I walk out the door, I *know* that
everything is settled and done with in regards to the financial aspects
of the transaction that I had just completed. To me, that is a
comforting feeling.

--
___________________________________________ ____ _______________
Regards, | |\ ____
| | | | |\
Michael G. Koerner May they | | | | | | rise again!
Appleton, Wisconsin USA | | | | | |
___________________________________________ | | | | | | _______________

"Michael G. Koerner"

wrote:

I prefer using cash, too. When I walk out the door, I *know* that
everything is settled and done with in regards to the financial aspects
of the transaction that I had just completed. To me, that is a
comforting feeling.



Comforting initially but also comforting regarding my future credit reports.
Cash rules - even if new safety measures are instated - the devious of mankind
will find their way around them.
John N

"Michael G. Koerner" wrote in message
...
Yesterday (Monday, 2004-09-27), I was talking with a local Postmaster
about those new credit/debit card only parcel machines that are
appearing at Post Offices nationwide. He told me that at least in
Wisconsin, ALL branches will be retaining at least one 'cash' stamp
vending machine when they get the new self-serve parcel machines.

The observation that I made in my posts from a couple of weeks ago about
'homeland security' in regards to their credit/debit card ONLY operation
was dead on correct. Since the Clinton years, they have wanted EVERY
'parcel' transaction to be on a tracable, face-to-face basis, mainly to
prevent any more of those 'Unibomber' type nutcases from attacking
again, among other related things. In addition to being credit/debit
card only, the machines will also take pictures of everyone who uses them.

Basically, they are are an attempt at a 'self-service' solution to the
lines at the counters for mailing parcels. Again, Post Offices here in
Wisconsin will be retaining 'cash' stamp vending machines, but other
states will vary.

--
___________________________________________ ____
_______________
Regards, | |\ ____
| | | | |\
Michael G. Koerner May they | | | | | | rise
again!
Appleton, Wisconsin USA | | | | | |
___________________________________________ | | | | | |
_______________

Takle a picture ? Is there a warning on the machine ? I will have to look.

TerryS

"saved92" wrote in message
...
Postal Clerks are soon to be obselete and this things smells like one more
move closer to a cashless society....wonderful!

Wonderful or not, I still enjoy the help and advice I get from our friendly
local postal clerks when I have to mail a package. The option to use a
machine for simple transactions is nice, too. But I also enjoy the
face-to-face contact with bank tellers and grocery checkers, too. Call me
a dinosaur I guess. I'm not ready for those self service things yet,
although I do like being able to pump my own gas. I accept the move to a
cashless society but expect I won't be around to see it in full effect. Sad
though that the few real people who will left to interface with in the
service industry will be staring off into space while listening to music in
their headphones, or checking their IM's on their cell phone while we're
trying to explain something or ask a question. Lot's more ominous to ponder
than whether people will embrace the new dollar coins, IMO.

Bruce

On 2004-09-29 04:44:36 -0700, "Bruce Remick" said:
friendly local postal clerks

uh huh. we clearly live on different planets. my planet got the surly
postal clerks.

[the secret post office downtown has nice clerks, tho.]

--
# henry mensch / san francisco california
# http://www.henare.tk/

"Henry Mensch" wrote in message
news:2004092915594016807%henry@xxxverveorg...
On 2004-09-29 04:44:36 -0700, "Bruce Remick" said:
friendly local postal clerks

uh huh. we clearly live on different planets. my planet got the surly
postal clerks.

[the secret post office downtown has nice clerks, tho.]

As the original post suggested, both our postal clerks may eventually be
behind the wall where machines will be installed. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy the
banter with my friendly clerks here in planet VA while I still can. Just
lucky, I guess.


Bruce

the "wonderful" remark was meant in a sarcastic tone directed at a cashless
society and as for postal clerks, they are alright, except the one who told
me to "never bring these here again" these = sac dollars
"Bruce Remick" wrote in message
news:Gex6d.6112$%t3.1188@lakeread01...

"saved92" wrote in message
...
Postal Clerks are soon to be obselete and this things smells like one
more
move closer to a cashless society....wonderful!

Wonderful or not, I still enjoy the help and advice I get from our
friendly
local postal clerks when I have to mail a package. The option to use a
machine for simple transactions is nice, too. But I also enjoy the
face-to-face contact with bank tellers and grocery checkers, too. Call
me
a dinosaur I guess. I'm not ready for those self service things yet,
although I do like being able to pump my own gas. I accept the move to a
cashless society but expect I won't be around to see it in full effect.
Sad
though that the few real people who will left to interface with in the
service industry will be staring off into space while listening to music
in
their headphones, or checking their IM's on their cell phone while we're
trying to explain something or ask a question. Lot's more ominous to
ponder
than whether people will embrace the new dollar coins, IMO.

Bruce