skaggs@nsslsun.gcn.uoknor.edu (Gary Skaggs) (11/21/90)
HELP! Our productivity around here has reached a new low. (Many jokes about government employees heard in background.) But productivity is currently being pushed even lower by the recent rash of "Congratulations! You've just won a trip to Hawaii! ... (much deleted). To claim your prize, call 1-900-xxx-xxxx. (Much more deleted) (then, said rapidly)"... cost of the call $10.00" Now here is the problem: We have a small 100 line PBX. All the phones ring directly to employees desks. On the fourth ring, they forward to group secretaries. This insistent recording will not remove your number from its list unless it talks you through the 1-900 number (about 45 seconds)! (@$#%^^!!!) Also, it takes about ten seconds for it to get started, so most people just hang up, then it will call back later. To compound the problem, this is "use it or lose it" leave time of year, so many phones are forwarded to two or three people and THIS CURRENT MESSAGE IS DRIVING THEM NUTS! Not to single out this one, this is just the latest one. I called MA, and she told me to write the Direct Marketing Association to get our numbers on their do not call list. Is there any other way to short circuit this pain in the BUTT? H E L P ! ! ! Gary Skaggs skaggs@nsslsun.gcn.uoknor.edu [Moderator's Note: Indeed there is! Find out the name of the senior executive at the company placing the calls. Call that person and advise him you are going to sue him to make them stop calling your office and harassing your employees. Than make it stick! PAT]