Sometimes I get flack for the "Southern manners" thing but I'm like, NO that's not it. "Please, thank you, yes ma'am, no sir," - that's courtesy, common the world over. Or at least it used to be. Some want to blame social media and technology but it's we ourselves did that. On the professional side - that's one of my red flags. My emails and proposals, hell even my list of questions, there is great value and strategic advice in those. If they won't even be dignified w/ a response, it's not worth my time. 

Never used it, but heard mixed things about Angie's List. Sounds like they aren't honoring the Can Spam opt out. Shame b/c customer service is often THE difference maker. It's not the mistakes brands make - it's what they do to fix them that can often keep your business. 

The stories I could tell about the blogging, drafts I deleted over the years. FWIW I am still trying to find that groove, make myself commit to the work, my business and career. In the end, I think the writing only helps w/ that.