Unknown Numbers

I am in a sorority. We have a member directory which is quite convenient. I have delved into the directory to search for a ride, track down a date's number, or when I was in a pickle to find housing. I would say that you could tell a lot about anyone based upon whether or not they answer for an unknown number. Surprised by the voice on the other end, I have complimented friends who have picked up, by saying, "Thanks for picking up for an unknown number." What a dare devilish task they have completed! So if someone picks up for an unknown number that means they are clearly a risk taker and if they let it go to voicemail, they are clearly someone who prefers driving in the right lane on the freeway.

Although it may not be that clear cut, some people like answering their phones when they don't know who is on the other end. Personally, I find it quite exciting! It's the excitement that comes along with the unexpected. It isn't quite the adrenaline that comes with turning the corner at a haunted house, but maybe it's more along the lines of playing Let's Make a Deal. You can anticipate either chickens swarmed in hay or on the brighter side, a bright red Corvette convertible.

If I could choose at this very minute to get a call from frequented or a mysterious number, I would go with unknown number. It could be the person I dislike the most in my Theater class, who is obnoxiously unbearable, (we have everybody's number) or it could be an acquaintance whose company makes me smile and has worked hard to track down my phone number. Maybe they have an extra ticket to Cirque de Soleil for tomorrow night. My bank account gave me no choice, but to turn down an $81 invitation to see them.

What spurred me to blog about unknown numbers is a terrifying mass email that one of my friends sent out to those she cares about most. It was an email that raised precaution and no the subject manner was not regarding saftey tips for females to walk with car keys in their hands ready to attack or to be wary of getting into the driver's side if a car is parked right next to you. Instead, she cautioned about telemarketing on your cell phone. The statement read: "All U.S. cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies today, and you will start to receive sale calls. You will be
charged for these calls. To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL Registry. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number."

My answering for unknown numbers has never resulted in being bothered by a telemarketer, so personally, I am not going to get all jazzed up and dial this number in a hurry. I will wait until my number has gotten a hold of.

I have had the privilege of babysitting for a family of 13 two summers of my life and one of the valuable lessons I learned from the experience was from the father of 13. He showed me how speaking to a telemarketer can be a lot of fun. Being a communication major, I am aching to try it. Here is the approach he take when he has time (this isn't a common occurrence with 13 children):
1.) Pretend to be interested.
2.) Ask a good deal of questions.
3.) When it comes to paying time say, "That sounds great, BUT...." Here is your chance to convey that you still sincerely want the product, but have no means of paying for it. This is where the situation becomes interesting because usually when a telemarketer calls it is you trying to hang up the phone and say no, but you have turned the tables. Now the telemarketer wants to hang up the phone on you. I truly sympathize with telemarketers because I can see how discouraging of a job it would be, but if you feel like some fun one day I urge you to try it! Here is a website that also shows other ways you can make answering for telemarketers entertaining for you!