Unfiltered Story #361398

[I’m taking a university course that’s technically in the department of sociology, but has a lot of multimedia elements. For one of our classes we need to do significant filming. Students are able to book professional level cameras and recording equipment from the school. However, my classmates and I discover that since we’re technically sociology students, the online booking system doesn’t give us the correct permissions.

Thankfully, it’s not a big deal. I go over to the camera storage room to book them in person. The employee working the counter is one I recognise from a previous time, but I re-explain the situation to him.]

Him: Okay, no big deal. When do you want the camera?

Me: Tomorrow, and the day after, just to be safe.

Him: Okay, you can come in and book them tomorrow, as long as no one else has taken them.

Me: So, what if someone else has taken them.

Him: Then you can’t use them.

Me: Okay, well, can I book the camera ahead of time.

Him: Sure. [He goes to grab the camera bag, massive tripod, and other equipment.]

[I’m thinking that I’ll take it now if I have to, but that I’d rather not have to carry around all the equipment for an extra day if I have to.]

Me: No, I mean– is it possible for me to book the equipment now, and pick them up tomorrow?

Him: Yes, if you use the online system.

Me: But I can’t use the online system. Because of the glitch, all I can take out are batteries and monopods.

Him: ….

Me: So can I book the equipment for tomorrow?

Him: If you come in tomorrow, you can book them then.

Me: No, what I’m asking is, can you reserve the camera for me now, so I know it’ll be here, and come in to pick it up tomorrow?

Him: [Blank, confused stare.]

[Thankfully, that’s when another employee overheard and took over. He had the equipment reserved for me in 2 minutes, and also took down the details of my course so he could go into the system and change all my class’s permissions.]