Phone solicitors are taking it to the next level.
I have said it before, I don't answer the phone unless I know who is calling. Maybe I said it too loudly. I have had a call, and follow up, from a young lad named Matt from UCF. What makes his call stand out is that he talks like we know each other. Hey, this is Matt blah, blah, blah. Distinctly in a voice of familiarity.
Poor Matt. He doesn't know that I've had so many negative experiences with unethical people in this community, many affiliated with that very university, that I run from anything that has to do with it - especially if someone is assuming familiarity.
He called again this week. In a sorrowful voice, as if I hurt his feelings, he provided more information -- as if it would make a difference. He wanted to sell football tickets. Lord, lord. I wonder if the regents are aware of how much PR damage they do to themselves and their students if they hire people who are flat out good ole boys and out to use their positions in the community to enrich themselves and their family members.
Sorry, Matt. But, just for friendly advice, I HATE assumed familiarity from salespeople.
And then there's Petsmart. I love the place. They hire good people. But someone called for my husband, which is odd, because I only sent my hubby out once to pick up some dog food. I usually do the shopping. They don't need to solicit us. Most of our disposable income goes to the store. But an energize man from the place called to tell my husband that if he came down to the store he would get a free bag of dog food. What? I didn't know that Petsmart was hard selling.
Anyone experience this level of solicitation?
= new reply since forum marked as read
let the receiver dangle (right down by my speakers ("coincidentally"
, then fired up Lou Reed's "Metal Machine Music" (most obnoxious collection of noise ever assembled!) and let it play right into the receiver. I don't think he stayed on the line very long!
When they stop for a breath, I say, "Stop. Please take my number off your list and put me on the Do Not Call list."
They are usually very polite and say, "sorry for bothering you" or something like that. I haven't kept track to see if any of them called back, though. They aren't supposed to once you tell them that.
One of my sons worked at a call center during college. It's not a pleasant job. Please remember that there is a person on the other end of the call.
I have found some robocalls even give you an option at the end, like "If you do not wish to be contacted, please press 9."
IMO, it takes the same amount of time to be polite as to be rude to those poor folks. 
