Online support using female names when they are guys

[UglyCasanova]

So, I just had to use ThinkGeek.com's live chat to ask about an order, and the person that helped me was named Jessica.

I didn't think anything about this until I closed the chat window, but I think that I had a more pleasant experience than usual for an exchange like this. This made me think, was that really a female named Jessica? A big fat guy named Steve who uses the alias "Jessica" as a preemptive psychological boost to the conversation, a way to make things go more smoothly?

Do you think this kind of thing is common (guys using girls names as part of a help desk as a psychological tool)?

 

[lxskllr]

It's a good idea. If they don't do it, they should. I used my daughter's name for an online game as a throwaway cause I was playing a game mode I wasn't familiar with, and didn't want to ruin the name I already had. People were definitely nicer. A couple were asshats when they thought I was a chick, but overall the game experience was improved. I ended up keeping the name :^D

 

[sdifox]

what the hell is the difference, it is either a real girl or a nancy.

 

[BoomerD]

Why not? Hell, I believe we've had numerous guys here posing as females.

For that matter, there are bars in most cities where guys pose as females...

 

[It's Not Lupus]

I don't think that's possible.

 

[Ichinisan]

I know that call center workers in India typically use alternate names that are common in U.S.A.

 

[BoomerD]

I know that call center workers in India typically use alternate names that are common in U.S.A.

Say it ain't so...

You mean "Steve" with the heavy Indian accent might not really be "Steve?"

 

[Kaido]

I know that call center workers in India typically use alternate names that are common in U.S.A.

They actually have regional accent training now (i.e. "Steve" who sounds like he's from the south, or New England). It normally doesn't fly, but at least they're trying!

 

[Printer Bandit]

I get a lot of shit for my handle: towelhead911.

 

[Broheim]

I know that call center workers in India typically use alternate names that are common in U.S.A.

chinese people that work at international corps or has contact with foreigners through their work, will usually have a western name they use at the office (or even change their name to completely).