6 ms·

Why would anyone answer the phone from a random number? You go to voicemail, then the person either ignores it or listens just long enough to get the name of t

Why would anyone answer the phone from a random number? You go to voicemail, then the person either ignores it or listens just long enough to get the name of the person they need to put on the shit list. Don't call, especially someone who has written a blog post specifically saying "don't call".

jacquesm 17y ago
Bollocks. If someone gives you a businesscard with their phone number on it it is an open invitation to call at a later date. That's what it's for, it's not a collectible. Otherwise keep two sets of cards, one with your phone number on it and one set that has just email or IM information on it. It is really bordering on the arrogant to assume that someone is reading your blogposts in order to figure out what they can or can not do with the contact information that you gave them. If you think you are too important to be bothered by 'mere mortals' you might as well stop handing out business cards. And god forbid someone actually wants to talk to you. Just imagine, where do these people get the guts to do that.
- calambrac 17y ago
  I completely agree that you shouldn't be handing out business cards with your phone number if you don't want calls, but regardless, I stand by the belief that phone calls should be reserved for people you actually know want to be called, and I don't think a business card with a phone number gives you that knowledge. I don't think this is arrogance, it's just a social norm that I personally think is pretty well established at this point. An actual phone call has a level of formality/familiarity to it at this point, and I think it's just rude to presume you can unilaterally breach that. Everyone's time is valuable, and it's kind of a dick move to try to take that time from someone (regardless of who they are) just because you want to give your pitch to a stranger.
tptacek 17y ago
Most people do answer the phone when they don't recognize the number. And if you don't want people calling you, don't put your phone number on the business card you give to random people.
- calambrac 17y ago
  I instinctively disagree with the first point (and completely agree with the second, but regardless, I don't think a card with a number makes for an open invite), but then again, I don't cold call a lot of folks. The idea that someone would hand over control of their time to other random people just strikes me as strange.

jacquesm 17y ago

Bollocks. If someone gives you a businesscard with their phone number on it it is an open invitation to call at a later date. That's what it's for, it's not a collectible. Otherwise keep two sets of cards, one with your phone number on it and one set that has just email or IM information on it. It is really bordering on the arrogant to assume that someone is reading your blogposts in order to figure out what they can or can not do with the contact information that you gave them. If you think you are too important to be bothered by 'mere mortals' you might as well stop handing out business cards. And god forbid someone actually wants to talk to you. Just imagine, where do these people get the guts to do that.

calambrac 17y ago
I completely agree that you shouldn't be handing out business cards with your phone number if you don't want calls, but regardless, I stand by the belief that phone calls should be reserved for people you actually know want to be called, and I don't think a business card with a phone number gives you that knowledge. I don't think this is arrogance, it's just a social norm that I personally think is pretty well established at this point. An actual phone call has a level of formality/familiarity to it at this point, and I think it's just rude to presume you can unilaterally breach that. Everyone's time is valuable, and it's kind of a dick move to try to take that time from someone (regardless of who they are) just because you want to give your pitch to a stranger.

tptacek 17y ago

Most people do answer the phone when they don't recognize the number. And if you don't want people calling you, don't put your phone number on the business card you give to random people.

calambrac 17y ago
I instinctively disagree with the first point (and completely agree with the second, but regardless, I don't think a card with a number makes for an open invite), but then again, I don't cold call a lot of folks. The idea that someone would hand over control of their time to other random people just strikes me as strange.