I don't even have a land line. I know there are some things you can't do without one, but I feel like I have to make do. It just doesn't feel worth it.
There was a merchandising job I wanted to apply for where you needed a land line because their (outdated) ordering devices still worked via modem. (I feel like there are some other things too, but I can't think of them offhand.)
Cell phones don't work in blackouts. Some towers have backup batteries, but few have backup generators, so after a few hours they all start dropping. Also, the cell lines get overwhelmed in a blackout if you live in a major metro center.
I'm not positive that a relatively rare occurrence such as that is sufficient reason to keep a landline, but my mother and sister do, because NYC has seen enough emergencies in the past decade to warrant keeping redundant systems.
My wife used to socialize with a woman who would become very annoyed with me because I'd be on dial up internet when she tried to call. "And *you* were on the internet!" she'd say, as if it were something shameful.
We still get solicitation calls, despite our best efforts. Once I figure out that's what it is, I say "we don't take solicitation calls - do not call again" and immediately hang up.
I often hear before I do "but wait why won't you talk to me?" or something like that.
They're just following the script, I'm sure. I have some sympathy for the people in those jobs (except for the occasional one who's obnoxious. Most have the good sense to be vaguely ashamed of what they do for a living), but me hanging up on them is also doing them the favor of not wasting their time, so everyone wins.
Hee hee! I addicted you to Etiquette Hell! (And once you start posting on the forums, you're doomed. I know you SAY you won't read the forums, but it's only a matter of time....)
And I think your phone manners are very good. I don't think you've ever hung up on me--I mean, you've said "I got nothing," and then we say goodbye, or if there's someone on the other line you need to speak to, we at least say goodbye....
I only hang up on people if they (a) are strangers who are annoying me, or (b) are family members who are treating me in a way non-family members would never dare to do.
I much prefer to say goodbye and mutually end the call. I also hate to tell one person that I'm taking the incoming call, unless the incoming is a call I was expecting, or is from a family member.
(Yeah, family members hit both extremes of the spectrum. Funny, that.)
Also, I will never read the forums as they require one to register and login. I am so sick to death of that sort of crap. I find it unspeakably rude to be forced to jump through hoops in order to participate in such things.
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I'm not positive that a relatively rare occurrence such as that is sufficient reason to keep a landline, but my mother and sister do, because NYC has seen enough emergencies in the past decade to warrant keeping redundant systems.
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And I'd answer "Yeah?"
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We still get solicitation calls, despite our best efforts. Once I figure out that's what it is, I say "we don't take solicitation calls - do not call again" and immediately hang up.
I often hear before I do "but wait why won't you talk to me?" or something like that.
I already answered that question.
Yanno?
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And I think your phone manners are very good. I don't think you've ever hung up on me--I mean, you've said "I got nothing," and then we say goodbye, or if there's someone on the other line you need to speak to, we at least say goodbye....
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I much prefer to say goodbye and mutually end the call. I also hate to tell one person that I'm taking the incoming call, unless the incoming is a call I was expecting, or is from a family member.
(Yeah, family members hit both extremes of the spectrum. Funny, that.)
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