brad@looking.UUCP (Brad Templeton) (07/18/84)
I have an unlisted number I use for dialing out with my modem. Nobody calls me on it except junk callers, and once a year my mother when my main phone is busy. Thus there's not obligation to answer with hello, and here are some sample answers: "Civil defence hot-line. Please remain calm. An operator will be on shortly to direct you to the nearest shelter. If you are not near a shelter, please head immediatly to your basement and get under a door jamb" etc... They're either scared or very apologetic. Also -- Just a minute, there's somebody at the door. And then let them wait. I called the mayor once to see if we could get a city ordinance banning these things. She said if I could get a petition together, perhaps. next time I am going to try and see if Bell will treat them as harrasing calls. Every so often I call the advertiser back and tell them that I never ever buy a phone solicited product, even if I really wanted the product otherwise. Another goodie: "isn't that the company my brother owns?" -- Brad Templeton - Waterloo, Ontario (519) 884-7473