"If I were running a company or the manager of such..if I had a employee that called a customer a "whiner", they'd be walking to the door. It doesnt matter if they are stressed. It doesnt matter if they've had a bad day. Its not appropriate. No way. No shape. No how."

Actually, if you deal with customers day in and day out, it can get you to the point where calling someone a whiner is theraputic. ;)

This thread hasn't changed my mind about wanting to subscribe, I'm just waiting for the right time financially for me.

But the Customer is not always right. Nor does the customer always deserved to be treated like royalty simply because they are spending money.
My business is quite different than a subscription site but quite frankly I've put up with so much crap from people who feel I owe them something that the term "customer" has come to mean "lowest form of life" at times. It happens, it's a fact and if you get stepped on often enough you either have to step back or go nuts. Just yesterday I told off one moron. Customer service, heck, I didn't deserve the crap and I would have applauded any employee who did the same.

Chalk this thread up to frustration and stress and it's really not so bad. Marque shouldn't be bashed, especially after the numerous appologies and neither should Rena or Steve. Both sides appeared to have a right to their actions/opinions.

...... Kendra