This weekend, tech journalist Ryan Block attempted to cancel his Comcast subscription over the phone. Instead of a quick hello and goodbye, the conversation turned into a harrowing, 18-minute customer service odyssey, with the company rep refusing again and again to disconnect Block's service without an explanation. The guy sounds like a soon-to-be ex desperately trying to fend off a breakup. Sample dialogue:

This is not normal behavior. Like John Herrman over at The Awl, I can hardly imagine what horrible, punitive incentive structure Comcast has put in place for its employees that might inspire this sort of interaction. There's something almost heartbreaking in the moment the rep finally gives up. The recording below starts about 10 minutes into the conversation.

