Do you answer a call from unknown or a stranger
Thread Rating:
Poll
 | 3 votes (27.27%) | ||
| | 6 votes (54.54%) | ||
| | 2 votes (18.18%) |
11 members have voted
October 24th, 2024 at 6:55:01 AM
permalink
Due to the discussion of the polls. I wonder what are the chances a member participates in a phone poll. I personally never answer a call from someone I don't know or unknown. Do you? I figure if it's important, they will leave a voice mail message if I don't answer.
Last edited by: terapined on Oct 24, 2024
When somebody doesn't believe me, I could care less. Some get totally bent out of shape when not believed. Weird. I believe very little on all forums
October 24th, 2024 at 7:00:00 AM
permalink
I answer any call not id'd as spam. I'm not sure what phone fraud I'm supposed to be scared of, but so far, no harm has come to my phone or me by answering unknown numbers.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
October 24th, 2024 at 7:08:47 AM
permalink
Quote: terapinedDo to the discussion of the polls. I wonder what are the chances a member participates in a phone poll. I personally never answer a call from someone I don't know or unknown. Do you? I figure if it's important, they will leave a voice mail message if I don't answer.
link to original post
I’ve RECENTLY been answering. Mortgage/title/insurance/real estate brokers/stock broker/inspection guy/roof guy/etc… often have numbers unknown to me and trying to call one of them back is a crap shoot. As a result, I’ve done two election surveys. I am NOT IMPRESSED with how they word their questions.
October 24th, 2024 at 7:09:27 AM
permalink
Quote: billryanI answer any call not id'd as spam. I'm not sure what phone fraud I'm supposed to be scared of, but so far, no harm has come to my phone or me by answering unknown numbers.
link to original post
I've had people text me asking why I called. I text back saying I never called. I then get a screen shot back showing it was my phone number that called them. I text back admitting that's my number but I never called.
Weird
When somebody doesn't believe me, I could care less. Some get totally bent out of shape when not believed. Weird. I believe very little on all forums
October 24th, 2024 at 7:14:33 AM
permalink
I (try to) answer every single call. This includes harassment from family, spammers, scammers, as well as the very few legitimate calls.
Certain VOIP systems seem to be incompatible, and the calls don't connect. This could be a bluetooth headset incompatibility issue; it's about time to upgrade devices again.
I have my voicemail disabled.
If someone calls that I don't want to talk to (like a pollster), I tell them they have the wrong number.
Almost nobody calls me on my personal line; almost all the spam calls come in on a virtual line.
Certain VOIP systems seem to be incompatible, and the calls don't connect. This could be a bluetooth headset incompatibility issue; it's about time to upgrade devices again.
I have my voicemail disabled.
If someone calls that I don't want to talk to (like a pollster), I tell them they have the wrong number.
Almost nobody calls me on my personal line; almost all the spam calls come in on a virtual line.
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 24th, 2024 at 7:24:14 AM
permalink
I've gotten a call almost every day from a Wisconsin number. I've answered it a few times but no one is on the other end. The number traces back to a survey company called SSSR. I imagine it is a political survey but their equipment doesn't match up right.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
October 24th, 2024 at 7:29:56 AM
permalink
Nope, why waste my time or have to be rude and interrupt saying "Not interested "
October 24th, 2024 at 7:37:13 AM
permalink
Quote: JohnzimboNope, why waste my time or have to be rude and interrupt saying "Not interested "
link to original post
Why do you assume it is a sales call and not a call from a friend in trouble? Even if it is a sales call, it's from someone trying to earn a living.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
October 24th, 2024 at 8:06:04 AM
permalink
Quote: billryanQuote: JohnzimboNope, why waste my time or have to be rude and interrupt saying "Not interested "
link to original post
Why do you assume it is a sales call and not a call from a friend in trouble? Even if it is a sales call, it's from someone trying to earn a living.
link to original post
Someone pickpocketing from you is just ‘someone trying to earn a living’. I will avoid that person as much as I try to avoid cold call salespeople.
October 24th, 2024 at 8:11:30 AM
permalink
I get more texts doing polling than I do calls.
Happy days are here again
October 24th, 2024 at 8:33:35 AM
permalink
How did we get to the point where people are afraid to answer their phones?
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
October 24th, 2024 at 8:59:00 AM
permalink
Quote: billryanHow did we get to the point where people are afraid to answer their phones?
link to original post
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
October 24th, 2024 at 9:05:44 AM
permalink
Quote: billryanHow did we get to the point where people are afraid to answer their phones?
link to original post
Because of so many scams. They got my mother once. Destroyed her computer.
When I had roommates they called for the owner all the time. I’d have fun with them. Once said a piano fell on him. That guy was sharp and played right along. Another time I just kept saying “Donkey Kong” over and over. The guy was too stupid to hang up for some time. Another time well I’ll get suspended if I say.
These days it varies. I used to get lots of recruiters calling who I usually would at least listen to. When those calls slowed I knew it was time to change industries. I get people wanting to buy my houses once a month or more. And a few wrong numbers.
It depends on what the ID says if I answer.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
October 24th, 2024 at 9:16:45 AM
permalink
Quote: billryanHow did we get to the point where people are afraid to answer their phones?
link to original post
That's a really good question.
Most of my business calls are less than 90 seconds long.
If it takes more than 2 texts, it's probably faster to call.
The health care calls are maddening.
A month of phone tag, and I still can't get a prescription filled.
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:20:58 AM
permalink
My phone ringer has been shut off as well as vibrate for over a year. The short list of people know to text me. It's wonderful not having the phone ever ring and never having to answer it. The famous architect Buckminster Fuller had a telephone for about 3 days and got rid of it for good. He said it was like having a rope tied around his leg and anytime somebody wanted him they just jerked on the rope. Exactly..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 24th, 2024 at 10:11:15 AM
permalink
I avrage about 5 spam calls per week. I only answer because the casino agents normally have private or unknown numbers that they change frequently. I want those calls because they normally offer me/I'll negotiate something that is +EV(I will give an example in a different thread.)
Never attempt to find a contractor using one of those contractor-finding services online or on the phone. You will get bombarded with BS calls for 2 weeks. Most of the calls are from the service calling and asking if you found someome yet.
Never attempt to find a contractor using one of those contractor-finding services online or on the phone. You will get bombarded with BS calls for 2 weeks. Most of the calls are from the service calling and asking if you found someome yet.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
October 24th, 2024 at 10:29:53 AM
permalink
I answer most, but not all, of my land line phone calls from unknown phone callers.
Once it was a female relative who lives 30 minutes away who was in a domestic violence situation and called from a neighbor's house. I always think of that when the phone rings from an unknown number.
But I average about one call a day from people wanting to purchase one of the houses I own (which are not for sale.) And on some days we will get almost a dozen phone calls from robot-call solicitors, usually clustered around 10:00 am or 5:30 pm. That's when we stop answering the phone.
Phone calls have become like postal office mail and email - mostly unwelcome junk. I live off of text messages now.
Once it was a female relative who lives 30 minutes away who was in a domestic violence situation and called from a neighbor's house. I always think of that when the phone rings from an unknown number.
But I average about one call a day from people wanting to purchase one of the houses I own (which are not for sale.) And on some days we will get almost a dozen phone calls from robot-call solicitors, usually clustered around 10:00 am or 5:30 pm. That's when we stop answering the phone.
Phone calls have become like postal office mail and email - mostly unwelcome junk. I live off of text messages now.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
October 24th, 2024 at 10:32:30 AM
permalink
I think I gave up my landline in 03.Quote: gordonm888I answer most, but not all, of my land line phone calls from unknown phone callers.
Once it was a female relative who lives 30 minutes away who was in a domestic violence situation and called from a neighbor's house. I always think of that when the phone rings from an unknown number.
But I average about one call a day from people wanting to purchase one of the houses I own (which are not for sale.) And on some days we will get almost a dozen phone calls from robot-call solicitors, usually clustered around 10:00 am or 5:30 pm. That's when we stop answering the phone.
Phone calls have become like postal office mail and email - mostly unwelcome junk. I live off of text messages now.
link to original post
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
October 24th, 2024 at 2:23:12 PM
permalink
Quote: AxelWolfI think I gave up my landline in 03.Quote: gordonm888I answer most, but not all, of my land line phone calls from unknown phone callers.
Once it was a female relative who lives 30 minutes away who was in a domestic violence situation and called from a neighbor's house. I always think of that when the phone rings from an unknown number.
But I average about one call a day from people wanting to purchase one of the houses I own (which are not for sale.) And on some days we will get almost a dozen phone calls from robot-call solicitors, usually clustered around 10:00 am or 5:30 pm. That's when we stop answering the phone.
Phone calls have become like postal office mail and email - mostly unwelcome junk. I live off of text messages now.
link to original post
link to original post
Mine went in 1997 when I got my first cell phone. Have not missed it at all.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 24th, 2024 at 2:44:28 PM
permalink
I have Google Pixel, and I use the AI call screener feature for every call that is not somebody in my contacts. 99% of the time they hang up instead of going through the prompts to prove they are a real person and confirm they are calling about something necessary. So most of the time I don't even know how many spam calls I miss unless I go through the logs out of curiosity (it also records all of their answers and what they say while going through the prompts.) I personally would not do a phone poll anymore, just too many spam calls to worry about.
October 24th, 2024 at 3:10:55 PM
permalink
If I have personal calls to make I use Google phone on my computer. Costs absolutely nothing I can talk anywhere in the United States for as long as I want. And I can do it hands-free of course because it uses my speakers and my microphone.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 24th, 2024 at 4:07:05 PM
permalink
On my cellphone? No.
On my landline? Pretty much yes, although I do say "hello" in a robot voice if it looks like a forged phone number (followed by "beep" if it's the telltale beep that comes before a call that's obviously from India). I should start switching to my old standby - "RFK for President."
On my landline? Pretty much yes, although I do say "hello" in a robot voice if it looks like a forged phone number (followed by "beep" if it's the telltale beep that comes before a call that's obviously from India). I should start switching to my old standby - "RFK for President."
October 24th, 2024 at 5:43:56 PM
permalink
I waited until it was free calling and data. I was still paying for cell calling and data in 1997, it wasn't cheap. Heck, I don't think I got rid of my pager until after 2001.Quote: EvenBobQuote: AxelWolfI think I gave up my landline in 03.Quote: gordonm888I answer most, but not all, of my land line phone calls from unknown phone callers.
Once it was a female relative who lives 30 minutes away who was in a domestic violence situation and called from a neighbor's house. I always think of that when the phone rings from an unknown number.
But I average about one call a day from people wanting to purchase one of the houses I own (which are not for sale.) And on some days we will get almost a dozen phone calls from robot-call solicitors, usually clustered around 10:00 am or 5:30 pm. That's when we stop answering the phone.
Phone calls have become like postal office mail and email - mostly unwelcome junk. I live off of text messages now.
link to original post
link to original post
Mine went in 1997 when I got my first cell phone. Have not missed it at all.
link to original post
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
October 25th, 2024 at 2:23:59 AM
permalink
Quote: DieterI (try to) answer every single call. This includes harassment from family, spammers, scammers, as well as the very few legitimate calls.
Certain VOIP systems seem to be incompatible, and the calls don't connect. This could be a bluetooth headset incompatibility issue; it's about time to upgrade devices again.
I have my voicemail disabled.
If someone calls that I don't want to talk to (like a pollster), I tell them they have the wrong number.
Almost nobody calls me on my personal line; almost all the spam calls come in on a virtual line.
link to original post
I have 2 lines.
One for credit cards and banks.
Other is for friends and family.
I never answer the 1st one. If it's from credit card company or bank, they'll leave a msg. Then I'll call back using the # on the back of my credit card or their main csr # on website.
I always answer the other one. Some friends have their line show as unknown #
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
October 25th, 2024 at 7:28:39 AM
permalink
Quote: 100xOddsQuote: DieterI (try to) answer every single call. This includes harassment from family, spammers, scammers, as well as the very few legitimate calls.
Certain VOIP systems seem to be incompatible, and the calls don't connect. This could be a bluetooth headset incompatibility issue; it's about time to upgrade devices again.
I have my voicemail disabled.
If someone calls that I don't want to talk to (like a pollster), I tell them they have the wrong number.
Almost nobody calls me on my personal line; almost all the spam calls come in on a virtual line.
link to original post
I have 2 lines.
One for credit cards and banks.
Other is for friends and family.
I never answer the 1st one. If it's from credit card company or bank, they'll leave a msg. Then I'll call back using the # on the back of my credit card or their main csr # on website.
I always answer the other one. Some friends have their line show as unknown #
link to original post
Most of my communication with friends these days is via text rather then calling.
It's easier to trade info because you can include links and pics.
I went to the Dead and Co at the Sphere shows with 3 different friends on 3 different weekends
All the coordination concerning tickets and meetups was done via text
Also stay in touch with friends these days via comments on their FB page and my FB page
I stay abreast of the Wizard's real adventures via FB
When somebody doesn't believe me, I could care less. Some get totally bent out of shape when not believed. Weird. I believe very little on all forums
October 25th, 2024 at 8:40:15 AM
permalink
On my personal cell phone I answer only familiar phone calls.
On my business cell phones I pretty much answer any call. When I get "those" calls I hang up quickly (might ask them to "take me off the list" first) and then set to go to spam or block the next time they try.
For my landlines there are assistants who handle that sort of thing.
Nowadays there is software I/we use to route to spam automatically suspect calls, so actually don't get as many spammy calls as all that. The route to spam function sends the calls or texts to a one ring spam "folder" where they may leave a message or text but I won't see it until I decide to look over those to make sure none were routed by mistake.
Some of you probably also get those "Hi" , "Long time no see" , "Hello Samantha? It's Caroline,I was wondering if I had the wrong number" obvious trolling texts, I set those to go to spam the next time without bothering to respond.
On my business cell phones I pretty much answer any call. When I get "those" calls I hang up quickly (might ask them to "take me off the list" first) and then set to go to spam or block the next time they try.
For my landlines there are assistants who handle that sort of thing.
Nowadays there is software I/we use to route to spam automatically suspect calls, so actually don't get as many spammy calls as all that. The route to spam function sends the calls or texts to a one ring spam "folder" where they may leave a message or text but I won't see it until I decide to look over those to make sure none were routed by mistake.
Some of you probably also get those "Hi" , "Long time no see" , "Hello Samantha? It's Caroline,I was wondering if I had the wrong number" obvious trolling texts, I set those to go to spam the next time without bothering to respond.
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
October 25th, 2024 at 9:59:42 AM
permalink
Quote: terapined
Most of my communication with friends these days is via text rather then calling.
It's easier to trade info because you can include links and pics.
link to original post
(Snip snip!)
I text a fair bit, too.
Text has an implicit lack of urgency... a "read it when you get a minute, and respond if you care" vibe.
A call is an interruption, and there is an immediate acknowledgement.
What can take an hour by text or email can often be wrapped up in a minute or two on a call or in person.
I also spend a lot of time driving. It can be hard to read or have the text to speech read the text to me; I may well forget to read it in an hour. I've usually got a few minutes to take a call on the handsfree.
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 25th, 2024 at 10:02:11 AM
permalink
I avoid text conversations as much as possible. Multi-tasking is great, but not when talking to a friend.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
October 25th, 2024 at 10:59:49 AM
permalink
I love it that nobody can call me. It gives me a real feeling of control and it pisses people off when they find out that you don't answer your phone or even hear your phone ring. Like it's their God given right to jam their presence into your life anytime they feel like it. Screw them.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 25th, 2024 at 11:56:53 AM
permalink
I want to hear more about you giving up your landline in 1997 for cell phone service only.Quote: EvenBob
1000's in deposits and monthly bills 10x more than landlines.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
October 25th, 2024 at 3:10:25 PM
permalink
Excuse me a minute - my phone is ringing...the screen claims it's from a small town about 60 miles from where I live...hello? You're "my utility company" (notice it's not named) and you say that you have been overcharging me for the past few months, so I qualify for a refund and a reduction in my utility bill? Since this is something like the tenth time I have gotten this call, I am assuming that not answering will not remove me from the autodialer, and one of these days, I just might respond.
"You need my Social Security Number to confirm? Okay, it's 2{CLICK}."
"You need my Social Security Number to confirm? Okay, it's 2{CLICK}."
October 25th, 2024 at 3:23:56 PM
permalink
I rarely get two such calls in a day. Half the people I know in Arizona kept their old area codes so my new friend might be calling from a block away but come up as Iowa.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
October 25th, 2024 at 6:52:39 PM
permalink
Quote: AxelWolfI want to hear more about you giving up your landline in 1997 for cell phone service only.Quote: EvenBob
1000's in deposits and monthly bills 10x more than landlines.
link to original post
What can I tell you, it was 97 or 98 and I got one because my wife insisted on it. It was probably 98 cuz that's the first year I got a cable modem and I didn't need the phone modem anymore
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 26th, 2024 at 8:57:39 AM
permalink
Dam, you be balling with early adoption of technology all while disregarding costs.Quote: EvenBobQuote: AxelWolfI want to hear more about you giving up your landline in 1997 for cell phone service only.Quote: EvenBob
1000's in deposits and monthly bills 10x more than landlines.
link to original post
What can I tell you, it was 97 or 98 and I got one because my wife insisted on it. It was probably 98 cuz that's the first year I got a cable modem and I didn't need the phone modem anymore
link to original post
In Vegas, I couldn't even get better than dial-up until after 2000.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
October 26th, 2024 at 9:04:27 AM
permalink
Quote: GandlerI have Google Pixel, and I use the AI call screener feature for every call that is not somebody in my contacts. 99% of the time they hang up instead of going through the prompts to prove they are a real person and confirm they are calling about something necessary.
link to original post
How d o i get this ai screener? (i have motorola android)
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
October 26th, 2024 at 11:26:17 AM
permalink
Quote: 100xOddsQuote: GandlerI have Google Pixel, and I use the AI call screener feature for every call that is not somebody in my contacts. 99% of the time they hang up instead of going through the prompts to prove they are a real person and confirm they are calling about something necessary.
link to original post
How d o i get this ai screener? (i have motorola android)
link to original post
I believe something similar is part of Google Voice.
If that's what is being used, I don't recommend it.
I lost dozens of important calls between when it turned itself on unintentionally and when I noticed a few hours later.
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 26th, 2024 at 11:31:25 AM
permalink
I sometimes get complaints from people that my secretary was screening my calls and blocking them. It seems to be a random phone feature that pops up with mostly salespeople, but occasionally a friend.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
October 27th, 2024 at 4:22:45 PM
permalink
Quote: DieterQuote: 100xOddsQuote: GandlerI have Google Pixel, and I use the AI call screener feature for every call that is not somebody in my contacts. 99% of the time they hang up instead of going through the prompts to prove they are a real person and confirm they are calling about something necessary.
link to original post
How d o i get this ai screener? (i have motorola android)
link to original post
I believe something similar is part of Google Voice.
If that's what is being used, I don't recommend it.
I lost dozens of important calls between when it turned itself on unintentionally and when I noticed a few hours later.
link to original post
AI is not your friend… Haven’t you seen all of the movies and shows?!? Hollywood doesn’t lie!!!
It’s a dog eat dog world.
…Or maybe it’s the other way around!
October 27th, 2024 at 4:34:58 PM
permalink
Quote: camapl
AI is not your friend… Haven’t you seen all of the movies and shows?!? Hollywood doesn’t lie!!!
link to original post
I'm amused. I'm actually a bit of a Luddite.
Hopefully the family hasn't gone and done something stupid like hook up an Alexa or whatever while I am away.
(I don't believe putting a wiretap in the kitchen makes life better; they don't understand why anyone wouldn't want a microphone linking them to one of the biggest datamining operations out there. (smh))
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 27th, 2024 at 4:42:10 PM
permalink
I am a millennial. We would stick our hand in a blender before answering a call from an unknown number. Or sometimes even from a number we know.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
October 28th, 2024 at 5:21:54 AM
permalink
The only time I will answer an unknown number is when I am expecting a call from someone (service professional, doctor, etc.). Even then, it will be spam half the time.
Like my Dad always says, "If it's important, they'll leave a message." (Or in the days before we had an answering machine, it was, "If it's important, they'll call back.")
Like my Dad always says, "If it's important, they'll leave a message." (Or in the days before we had an answering machine, it was, "If it's important, they'll call back.")
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
October 28th, 2024 at 5:56:12 AM
permalink
(snip)
Quote: Joeman(Or in the days before we had an answering machine, it was, "If it's important, they'll call back.")
link to original post
It may not be as important to them as it is to you.
Opportunity often only rings once.
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 28th, 2024 at 11:25:01 AM
permalink
Quote: Dieter(snip)Quote: Joeman(Or in the days before we had an answering machine, it was, "If it's important, they'll call back.")
link to original post
It may not be as important to them as it is to you.
Opportunity often only rings once.
link to original post
I remember getting my first answering machine in the late seventies. It made me feel all powerful to be able to screen calls and maybe call them back and maybe not. I didn't even know there were answering machines until the first episode of The Rockford Files were in the opening to the series he's talking on one. They were very expensive in the 70s.
I remember reading a Robert Heinlein science fiction book in 1961 where he had a telephone in there that recorded phone calls and had things like call waiting. This was unheard of in 1961, we didn't even have push button phones yet.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 28th, 2024 at 11:54:51 AM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobQuote: Dieter(snip)Quote: Joeman(Or in the days before we had an answering machine, it was, "If it's important, they'll call back.")
link to original post
It may not be as important to them as it is to you.
Opportunity often only rings once.
link to original post
I remember getting my first answering machine in the late seventies. It made me feel all powerful to be able to screen calls and maybe call them back and maybe not. I didn't even know there were answering machines until the first episode of The Rockford Files were in the opening to the series he's talking on one. They were very expensive in the 70s.
I remember reading a Robert Heinlein science fiction book in 1961 where he had a telephone in there that recorded phone calls and had things like call waiting. This was unheard of in 1961, we didn't even have push button phones yet.
link to original post
Back when you had time to leave your name, number, and not much else before the beep cut off the message, machines were fine.
Now that people seemingly can leave endless rambling messages, they're worse than ever.
I literally had a guy leave me a message where he repeatedly asked the tape if he'd reached a certain number (which he read... very... slowly...), because heaven forbid anyone in 1998 would be familiar with what you do with an answering machine. He then called back 2 more times over the next half hour to leave similar messages, just to be sure. For crying out loud, you live four doors up the block, just walk over, see that we're not home, and leave a note.
Nowadays, I'll see the missed call and call you back in a few minutes when I'm off my other call, out of the shower, or otherwise no longer indisposed.
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 28th, 2024 at 5:03:36 PM
permalink
Quote: DieterQuote: EvenBobQuote: Dieter(snip)Quote: Joeman(Or in the days before we had an answering machine, it was, "If it's important, they'll call back.")
link to original post
It may not be as important to them as it is to you.
Opportunity often only rings once.
link to original post
I remember getting my first answering machine in the late seventies. It made me feel all powerful to be able to screen calls and maybe call them back and maybe not. I didn't even know there were answering machines until the first episode of The Rockford Files were in the opening to the series he's talking on one. They were very expensive in the 70s.
I remember reading a Robert Heinlein science fiction book in 1961 where he had a telephone in there that recorded phone calls and had things like call waiting. This was unheard of in 1961, we didn't even have push button phones yet.
link to original post
Back when you had time to leave your name, number, and not much else before the beep cut off the message, machines were fine.
Now that people seemingly can leave endless rambling messages, they're worse than ever.
I literally had a guy leave me a message where he repeatedly asked the tape if he'd reached a certain number (which he read... very... slowly...), because heaven forbid anyone in 1998 would be familiar with what you do with an answering machine. He then called back 2 more times over the next half hour to leave similar messages, just to be sure. For crying out loud, you live four doors up the block, just walk over, see that we're not home, and leave a note.
Nowadays, I'll see the missed call and call you back in a few minutes when I'm off my other call, out of the shower, or otherwise no longer indisposed.
link to original post
Not only do I not answer my phone because it doesn't ring or vibrate I also don't have messages hooked up so they can't leave a message. This also drives people crazy. I tried to leave a message but.. Yeah, I don't take messages. Send me a letter in the mail.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 28th, 2024 at 7:00:49 PM
permalink
(snip!)
Quote: EvenBob
Not only do I not answer my phone because it doesn't ring or vibrate I also don't have messages hooked up so they can't leave a message. This also drives people crazy. I tried to leave a message but.. Yeah, I don't take messages. Send me a letter in the mail.
link to original post
I also don't have voicemail enabled. (Sort of. I never set it up on one line, the mailbox is full, any callers who try get an error message about how my mailbox is full and they can't leave a message. The other line is mostly spam calls anyway, and I just ignore the few messages.)
I really don't care that I keep missing opportunities to lower my interest payments on my car's extended warranty.
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 28th, 2024 at 8:27:32 PM
permalink
Quote: Dieter(snip!)Quote: EvenBob
Not only do I not answer my phone because it doesn't ring or vibrate I also don't have messages hooked up so they can't leave a message. This also drives people crazy. I tried to leave a message but.. Yeah, I don't take messages. Send me a letter in the mail.
link to original post
I also don't have voicemail enabled. (Sort of. I never set it up on one line, the mailbox is full, any callers who try get an error message about how my mailbox is full and they can't leave a message. The other line is mostly spam calls anyway, and I just ignore the few messages.)
I really don't care that I keep missing opportunities to lower my interest payments on my car's extended warranty.
link to original post
That's at the bottom of it. It's not that I'm antisocial it's just the amount of crap you get compared to anything that's meaningful is 99 to 1. I've never gotten a one phone call in my life that significantly changed anything. The vast majority of the time it's somebody I don't want to talk to so screw that.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 29th, 2024 at 2:03:55 AM
permalink
Quote: SOOPOOQuote: billryanQuote: JohnzimboNope, why waste my time or have to be rude and interrupt saying "Not interested "
link to original post
Why do you assume it is a sales call and not a call from a friend in trouble? Even if it is a sales call, it's from someone trying to earn a living.
link to original post
Someone pickpocketing from you is just ‘someone trying to earn a living’. I will avoid that person as much as I try to avoid cold call salespeople.
link to original post
I once researched one of those scam 'microsoft security' operations. It transpired that the company had recruited 'customer service technical advisors' from the local (Indian) universities. I even saw the job adverts that made it look like legit employment. The fraudsters had been recruited in the belief that they were joining a legit business and stayed even after they were told how to follow the script to 'upsell' the services.
Similarly, a fraudulent 'shares' scam totally outsourced the running of its scripted scam to otherwise legitimate call centres. Then outsourced invoicing and email opertaions to agencies. Those agencies were doing all the illegal stuff and would carry the can if it ever got seriously pursued through the courts.
Psalm 25:16
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion.
