When our phone rings, either the cell phone or land line, we answer and expect a reply of some kind. But too often we hear nothing or a recorded message after the electronic “blip.” Indicating a connection to another device. If the caller was trying to sell us something shouldn’t they start talking? But instead we hear nothing. This is very rude, unprofessional and certainly not very businesslike. It certainly won’t make me think about responding to a sales pitch, even if I ever hear one.
The number of calls like this is sometimes 10 or even 20 or more a day. Not only is this an interruption of our daily routine, it is an infringement on our privacy. Our phone lines are “ours,” for our use at our convenience and our need to communicate with friends, family and to conduct needed business that we want or need to do. Our phones and everyone’s phones are for their use. They shouldn’t be a tool for the marketing industry. Most of the callers, when we do have a human voice, are hard to understand. They talk too fast and with a heavy foreign accent. Makes us wonder where they are calling from. And how do they call from a number that is not theirs? We have seen on caller ID a lawyers name, a body shop, even the local hospital. Checking with these we find out they hadn’t called us. Sounds rather questionable.
Yes, I know the callers are just doing their job, trying to make a living to support their families. To invade peoples privacy with annoying phone calls isn’t the best way to do this. It may be a more efficient way of making cold calls, but how successful is it really? With the thought to “buy locally” in mind, how many of these telemarketing calls are from local businesses? And where are these businesses located? The few times I have actually spoken to a human voice, I’ve asked that question. Which was either ignored or the caller just went on with the prepared script. Usually I need to get rude and just hang up. Some times the caller hangs up on me.
Then there is the possibility of some “scam” calling. A pitch for money for some so-called worthy cause, that we have never heard of before. Even asking for a bank account number. We have never given this information over the phone, nobody should. But some people must have, or they caller wouldn’t be asking for it. Sending money to an unknown destination is questionable. No matter how sincere the caller sounds and how desperate the need appears to be. The point is, my phone lines are mine, not some stranger with a marketing pitch. Calls of that nature are an invasion of my life. If I need or want to buy something I will seek out a store or business to provide me with what I want or need. My choice, not some anonymous, unknown voice on my phone.
Herb Dettmer is a retired Bowling Green resident, U.S. Army veteran and writes this column representing the viewpoint of “Joe Average” citizen. He is freelance writer and author of “Others,” a devotional book. Call or text “Joe” with comments at 419-494-4641.
