It's 8:23 on a Saturday morning and the Childhood Leukemia Assn just called for a contribution. I cannot believe that they would call this early in the a.m.--I know they've been trying to reach us--have seen their number on our caller ID several times. I let the woman read her whole speech and then bawled her out for calling so early on the weekend, and she apologized. Then I realized, I'm glad the Alz Assn doesn't badger people over the phone like so many other disease-oriented charities. But I wonder if this approach does raise significantly more funding?
I have my nr on the national do not call directory, yet I still receive calls. I inform them that it is my policy not to respond or contribute to any organization that solicits via telephone. I also remind them of the stiff fines if they solicit without consulting the do not call list. I really hate to be so rude to these people, but there are so many organizations, that my phone would ring constantly. And my dw is no longer able to understand what they want. It agitates her greatly, and I know which organizations that I can donate to.
there are also time limits they can call if you check it out. i believe no calls before 9am or after 10pm or someting like that. specific though. i have been annoyed by mike huckabee messages for the last 2days! wanting a brief poll! ugh. i hate that. i hang up on it and they call back -if they dont get you its programmed to keep calling til they do. sad! divvi
I have a standard answer for these people now. I tell them my husband has AD and unless they are raising funds for AD, I'm not contributing. If someone from the ALZ calls, I'll tell them my husband has AD, thanks for the good job raising funds but I already contribute all I am able to. I don't even let them get started on their speeches. So far it has worked like a charm.
Telemarketing can legal occur between 8 am and 9 pm. A call in progress can be finished. Exceptions are basically only a certain small group of organizations like phone companies and political parties. Putting your number on the Do Not Call list will cut your marketing calls a lot, but you should know it only covers you for a few years and then you need to re-register. Reputable companies will be very careful to honor the list, but errors can happen. The best thing to do if you've registered and still get a call, get the company name. Tell them to put your number on their do not call list, and that you are on the national list. Make note of the date they called. If it happens again, report them. The process will take time but violators are being prosecuted and can be charge for each violation to the tune of something like $11,000. I used to work for a small local home improvement company, as a telemarketer. We updated our phoning lists monthly. Also, when a number is put on the company's do not call list, it is on there permanently. The National Register is for only 3 or 5 years--I don't remember which, for sure.
When we get solicitation calls I politely interrupt and just tell them, "You've reached a disabled household. My husband has dementia, and we cannot donated. I'm sorry. Good-bye." and I hang up. What little we can donate goes to the Organizations which help us, or our families.
I'm most definitely not as cordial as many of you...I just hang up if it is a real voice, let them spiel if a robo call so they won't call back. Better things to do with my time..like read a book.
I do pretty much as jules and tell them I only contribute to Alz. I just had a thought: next time I think I'll ask them how long it's been since THEY contributed to the Alz org. Might as well have some fun with it, I guess.
I looked up the Do Not Call Registry to be sure I was right about this. It only applies to telemarketers. Charities are not covered by their regulations since they are not selling anything. Nor are political organizations. I guess it's working, because these organizations are the only ones we still get calls from. And it is irritating!
I read recently of a man who responded to a call by telling the caller that they had reached a crime scene and how did he know the deceased, etc. He kept the caller on for 10-15 minutes with various questions and told him the police had traced the call and were coming for him. I wish I could do something like that.
I have always thought of saying what Jerry Seinfeld told a caller one time. "That he couldn't talk right now, however, if they gave him their home phone number he would call them back, Well, they didn't want him to call them at HOME, as he said, "He didn't want them to call him at home either"
the ones I really hate are the scammers that call and when you or answering machine answer, they say your @#^*#@# contract is about to expire. Call ### if you want to take advantage of the great resubscribe rate. I don't recogonize the Co name and do not call back but they continue to calll over and over. I also get a lot of request for surveys, very nice but very persistant. I droped caller ID abut think I will take it back just cause of these numerous calls. bill
I was screaning my calls for the longest time but I can't read the screen anymore. I may have to get one of those phones with a bigger screen and a good backlight.
I hate those calls. I give to a lot of charities, but I'm just about ready to stop all of them.
Another way to look at these calls and maybe "grin and bear it": these are tough times for EVERYBODY. We may be seeing more of these calls due to the current economic situation. I read all the time about how the local non-profits are struggling to make ends meet. The local governments are having to cut the funding they usually give to little league, eldercare contributions are way down, the list goes on and on. I also feel so sorry for those whose only source of employment may be to make such calls. Imagine being growled at every time you did your job...
I also respond by saying my husband has young onset AD and we give all our charitable contributions to the Alz Assn. I try to use it as a chance to eduate--might as well.
While I do sympathize with the callers who are only doing their job it is difficult not to become annoyed when they can't pronounce my 5 letter name and I can't understand their "English"
my last name is "Durst" - the Dursts came over from Germany somewhere in the 18th century. You'd be amazed how many many very English-speaking receptionists can't get it right. I think people can't READ!
and you would be surprised at the different pronuncitations I get. What really is annoying is when they can't get beyond "Mm" "Mm" m" If they can read it should be simple enough to say "Mc".
I really stump them! I can always tell when the callers do not know us. If they call us, actlng like an old long lost friend and ask to speak to JAMES, I know they do not know my husband. Since birth, he has been called by his middle name. He NEVER uses his first name, and his signature began with a "J".-Middle Name - Last name! We're on the DO NOT CALL list, but lately get 5-6 calls from charities every week. They truly must be struggling. Not to mention the countless emails we get from the Alzheimer's Association asking for donations or memorials.
NancyB, Same here my husband has never went by his first name, I always know when someone ask to speak to Thomas or Tom, the conversation is about to end.
No, Weejun, you're not a knucklehead--it would be a lousy job to have and I guess we should keep that in mind. The problem with the caregiver job is that we get the growling part without the paycheck part. I think it's much easier to put up with unpleasantness when you're being paid to do it!
So glad others get growled at. Mine's always quiet, under his breath, swearing, when he's mad at me, or mad at his hated walker, or when I don't put something in the right place.. but when he wants sympathy (most of the time) it's anh, anh, unh, every breath and every step.
I got rid of my landline, and ONLY use my cell phone now. I do not give it out to anyone unless necessary. Plus I added it to the "Do Not Call" Registry. Very few to no calls now.
They really have a time with my last name Hertlein (pronounced Hurt line) They never get it right. I always know when it's someone we don't know. (Old German name)
I sympathize with people who have problems with their names. People seem to have a real problem with my first name--Jan. Doesn't really seem like it would be that hard to spell, does it? My last name has 11 letters in it. You wouldn't believe what people do with that one!
Jan K, my maiden name was very simple but "different" and people had a very difficult time with it. But, Jan, my goodness that one just seems like it should be impossible to mess up! Hope you are up late tonight because you want to be and not because of insomnia!
I have a simple four letter last name - and it is amazing how many different ways that they try to pronounce it!
I don't know who gave me the biggest laugh here, Nancy with catfart or doneit with the teacher's denial of the spelling of the last name!
As for charities - I don't answer the house phone. That line is there mainly for the DSL anyway, and I've taught my husband to let it ring because he couldn't talk to anyone. It will go to voice mail. If it is important, I'll get the message in the evening when I get home. My family and friends have my work number and my cell number and call me on one of those lines.
Can't do much with Mary, but my daughter's name is CATHLEEN and she goes by CATHIE. Now when she gives someone her name, she says "Cathie or Cathleen with a "C".
The biggest confusion came when she was 10 or 11 and she decided to change the spelling of her name from CATHY to CATHIE. It took years to get that one straightened out. LOL
I went from Smith to Mohr. I ALWAYS have to spell it. It is German for Moore and pronounced the same way. I almost always have to spell my first name also. Lois. Most people do Louis. Real pain, isn't it.
This reminds me of the time I was tired of having to spell my maiden name which is Voigt so one day when I made a hairdresser's appointment I called myself Mrs. Brown. When I got there and gave my name the receptionist said" finally a name I can pronounce." I was tempted to call myself Mrs. Brown forever.
I just had a call from the Arthritis Society asking me if I would canvass on my street. I really felt like loser saying no but I know I have enough on my plate with my husband, my mother who is not well and lives on her own an hour away and my own recently developed health problems. Besides I did this once and I just hated asking people for money. I don't need any more people putting pressure on me!
Inge--I was called several months ago--when things were better--asking me to canvass my neighborhood for the Cancer Research & Development. In a weak moment I said I'd do it. I did receive their package but instead of having to knock on doors, I sent envelopes. They had their little letter, a recipe and a return envelope. I did that and was off the hood. But won't do it again.
Today got a call from the foodbank. I told them my budget was stretched thin and everything I was able to donate went to the Azehsimer's assn.
Good for you, Inge and Mawzy. Especially as caregivers, we must learn to sometimes say "no" when outsiders need/want our assistance. Our plates are so very overflowing as it is.
Inge -- re your "name" my Norwegian grandmother's name was Inger -- I've always thought it was a beautiful name
oooh Mawzy.. betcha they callyou every year from now on. I agreed to do it "one time" and they have called me every year since. It really isn't a lot of trouble because I have a neighborhood directory .. but it's not like a free pass having done it one time!!! You were a good woman...to have given your time. :-)
do yall realize how much PERSONAL info you are giving out here??? full names, kids, last names, mothers names. i would reconsider posting that in cyberworld! divvi
i know i am always the stick in the mud....thinking for your safety is all!
Divvi...where in the world have you found MUD around the area where you live. I swear, it is so hot and dry, the earth has blisters on it in Houston. If you have no MUD, you can't be a "stick in it". :-) You're our voice of reason.
then 'reason' says delete personal info that could identify you out in the real BIG universe!:) sometimes mamma has to cyber spank. yes i said spank! no ifs ands butts. better reread some of this stuff you have put out there! yipes. divvi
divvi-I used white pages on the computer because I was too lazy to lug out the phone book. Included in the listing was date of birth and all family members. It's all out there. Try not giving yourr ss# when asked or those super secret numbers on the back of your credit card when ordering something by phone. I'm not comfortable doing it-but what's the choice. Oh well-something else to worry about.