first of all, let me say that I've dealt with this guy before in regards to overdue library books & fines. he's probably THE nicest collection guy in the world. he's one of those people who can get his point across and get action, while still being extremely pleasant and leaving you your dignity. plus he's got a great voice, so I don't mind hearing it. very nice, is Darren, so his use of subtle threats is pretty off the wall. shocking, even. I didn't know how to respond, not just because I was taken aback by his new 'collection method', but because I was trying to figure out what he meant by 'past history'.

yes, I must admit to having had seriously overdue library books before, which resulted in big fines. thing is, I have always returned the books and paid my fines. so what past history is he talking about that would necessitate RCMP involvement?! damn, I can't get this visual out of my head... a Mounty and his horse in full regalia, balanced on my doorstep, demanding I surrender the goods, pay for them, or be hogtied & dragged off to jail. oh... my... gawwwwwd, I've just realized I'm a hardened criminal, harbouring overdue library books!! *sob*

just as an aside here, do you realize that library books are THE most expensive books in the world? these latest 5 I was late with were worth over $200. good lord, and they weren't even hard cover books! some of them were barely bigger than your typical paperback.

anyway, okay, I had their property which was worth more than $200, so I can see the reason for their concern. but to send the RCMP, just because I'm a repeat overdue offender? awww, come on. really. I'm sure the amount of overdue fines I alone have paid is responsible for the purchase of a number of great books for that library! nah, I doubt they had said any such thing, about the RCMP. I think they were probably pushing poor Darren for results though, so in desperation he had to try to light a fire under me arse. not a good plan.

I don't respond well to threats. I'm very stubborn & I'll be damned if I'm going to so much as appear stupid enough to fall for manipulation by ridiculous threats. as soon as Darren said that to me, my dander went up & I thought, 'oh great, now I can't return those books today - he'll think his threat worked!' seriously. very contrary/perverse, am I. see, I'd told him I'd be returning the books that day, but then he threw the threat in to ensure I would. so NOW he'll never know I *actually* intended to return the books that day, and he's got to think his threat was responsible for me actually doing it, right? arrrrg, I hate that!!