Dear ExamSoft Guy:

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I know this 'thank you' is a little late, but I've been kind of busy since last Thursday, trying to reassimilate into the real world. 'All bar all the time' has apparently taken its toll on my social skills (just ask anyone).

Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the awesome save when my laptop took a dive in the last 20 minutes of the last round on Thursday. Despite trying to plan ahead, given the repeated warnings that we were all using our laptops at our own risk . . . when the time came, I couldn't quite manage the simple instruction to 'raise your hand for a proctor' or 'two fingers (like a peace sign) for technical support.'

Fortunately, our location was well-equipped with both, and it couldn't have taken more than a few seconds for one of each to respond to my arms flailing wildly about. In an instant, I had a supply of books in which to scribble frantically, and you . . . right there by my side, trying to resuscitate my ailing Vaio.

I probably didn't convey my gratitude well at all, 20 minutes before cutoff and nearly a full 30 minute question behind schedule. I'm really glad that you didn't take my almost shooing you away to heart. It's just that in that moment, with very little hope left, my concentration completely shot, I was positive I could not focus with you hovering there by my side, and I didn't believe you could work miracles. I thought it better for you to just take the traitorous piece of machinery away and give it a decent burial.

Thank you for just scooting around to the edge of the table and bringing my 4.25 afternoon essays back to me. You might have read that exam takers in New York had more than a few heart-stopping moments last week, or that in some parts of the country, both software techs and proctors have been branded with less-than-flattering labels. I was fortunate to be in a place with clear, detailed instructions, helpful, knowlegeable staff, and a miracle-working ExamSoft guy. Thank you.

Tell Me How You Really Feel

Cracking Down (or Up)

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I love blogs. Writing mine a little ~ reading yours a lot. But I can't read or write anymore. Too far behind and this matters too much. Good luck to everyone - see you in August.