|
opinion:
our view
Don't call me,
I'm eating!
Are telemarketers the root of all evil? No, but for some of
us, it's a close call.
It's dinnertime and you're sitting down after a long day to
enjoy some family, friend or alone time. But the phone rings
and you step away from your meal to answer.
After all, it could be that all-important call you've been waiting
to receive.
Usually, it's not. When the voice on the other end of the line
states "Hi, my name is..." you know you're in trouble.
Their spiel starts, and as hard as you try, you cannot get this
person off the phone.
You can take the nice approach and tell them you don't have
the time, but telemarketers have a script in front of them that
tells them exactly what to say in this case.
This usually leads to added agony as you try to stop the person
to tell them you really, really, and for the last time, really
aren't interested. Finally, you get back to your meal, which,
of course, will now need a reheating in the microwave.
Or you can take the bastard approach and hang up on them without
saying anything. But remember, these people have your phone
number.
If they're having a bad day - and we imagine everyday for a
telemarketer is probably a bad day - they could do almost anything
with that number and any other information of yours they have
in front of them.
Unfortunately, there are people who don't take either approach
and end up purchasing who knows what. Savvy - and unscrupulous
- telemarketers know how to exploit these unknowing people and
siphon their money into their own pockets.
Lists can be purchased not only with phone numbers, but also
with the demographics of the person whose number is being called.
In other words, a list can be had with phone numbers of only
senior citizens or college-age adults - two of the most susceptible
groups to telemarketing.
We understand that telemarketing is a job and those who do it
aren't looking to make it a career, just trying to support themselves.
And sure, most of the products and programs offered over the
phone are legitimate - although still unwanted - but a fair
amount aren't.
And a fair amount of these telemarketers aren't helpful, good-intentioned
people, but bitter, angry souls who could care less if they
sell anything, just as long as they can ruin some normal, well-adjusted
citizen's day.
Our advice: let the machine pick up.
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Search our site
DEPARTMENT
OF
JOURNALISM
ONLINE 49ER
DEPARTMENTS
ADVERTISING
ADMINISTRATION
DAILY
49ER ALUMNI
SUBSCRIPTION
SERVICE
GIVE
FEEDBACK
|
