Current PT poll re leaving messages on "answer phone"

**RedHedd** · 03-06-2007, 02:36 PM

I'm just curious if anyone actually has "answering machines" anymore - the old-fashioned kind with those mini tapes? Way back when I had one of those - in the dark ages before voicemail, I would call and talk to my cat as I knew my voice would come through the speaker on the answering machine. However, now that we're in the digital age and everyone's gone to voicemail systems, well, there's just no sense in calling to leave a message for my pets because they won't hear it anyway - everything just goes directly into the phone company's voicemail server, to be stored until I retrieve the message.

Just curious - do they even make "answering machines" anymore?

**critter crazy** · 03-06-2007, 02:38 PM

Oh yes! they still have answering machines, I have one. they are dijital now, so no tapes needed! I have to have an answering machine!

**crow_noir** · 03-06-2007, 03:23 PM

Yep, I still have and use one. It was my parents'. I got it when i moved out. The thing must be at least 20 years old!

I MUCH prefer being able to hear the messages. Every now and then i need to screen my calls. (I think screening is rude and don't do it often.)

Plus I like being able to call home to the pets

We're thinking of getting voice mail, but ONLY if we can have it set to answer after at least two more rings than our answering machine. That way we can still get calls if our line is busy, or switch off the answering machine when we go out of town. We want our answering machine as our first line of defense.

**Freedom** · 03-06-2007, 03:26 PM

Yup I have one; the newer digital type, no tape in it. I don't see why I should pay a monthly fee for voicemail when I can get the machine for the price of 5 months of fees. My machines generally last me 4 to 5 years, so a great savings. i'drather spend teh money on the pets.

And I have it set so I can hear it. That way I know if I have to stop cleaning litter boxes to take a call, or can wait; have to stop putting kibble in dishes; can take the dog out, whatever. If I happen to be free I answer; but with 8 pets and a Dad, I'm seldom free.

**KitCat** · 03-06-2007, 03:27 PM

Not only have I left messages for the cat to hear, I also asked my husband to put the cel phone near the kitty so I could tell him I missed him when Ii'm away..

**BCollie_Kelly** · 03-06-2007, 06:08 PM

Nope, we've got voicemail here

**joycenalex** · 03-06-2007, 06:29 PM

got one and use it. i cannot see why i should pay more in a year for voice mail then the cost of a phone and digital answering machine. magic the very shy meow will climb on the counter to stare curiously when an incoming call comes, i do leave messages on the phone for the critters. i've seen them look curiously at the phone during playback.

**Kfamr** · 03-06-2007, 07:18 PM

We have one that plays outloud when the message is being recorded, however, I don't know if it's the "old fashioned" type.

And I do joke around and say "Simba, if you're there, pick up the phone!!"

**cyber-sibes** · 03-09-2007, 10:40 AM

Not sure if they make them or not, but I have kept the tape from the last one I had, from 14 years ago. It has a voice message from my mother, who passed away. It's nice to still be able to hear her voice say my name. There is also a message from my ex-

which reminds me why I got a divorce, handy for those times I wonder if I did the right thing.

**wolflady** · 03-09-2007, 10:49 AM

I have one of these "antiques" currently in use...tape and all!

I have voicemail on my mobile phone, but the answering machine at home is the one with the mini-tape, and the animals can hear you when you call to leave a message!

I guess I need to upgrade myself, huh? *snicker*

**lvpets2002** · 03-09-2007, 12:48 PM

I have TAD voice mail.. Now the girls can hear my voice thru it.. Glad to know I am not the only one that calls home to talk to the babies..

**crow_noir** · 03-09-2007, 05:48 PM

What is TAD voice mail?

Originally Posted by lvpets2002

I have TAD voice mail.. Now the girls can hear my voice thru it.. Glad to know I am not the only one that calls home to talk to the babies..

**crow_noir** · 03-09-2007, 05:48 PM

That is so cool that you still have that tape.

Long time ago i had this toy tape recorder machine. One day i recorded a day in my life hanging out with a friend. (

Mmmm My budgie singing is on it too!)

Originally Posted by cyber-sibes

Not sure if they make them or not, but I have kept the tape from the last one I had, from 14 years ago. It has a voice message from my mother, who passed away. It's nice to still be able to hear her voice say my name. There is also a message from my ex-

which reminds me why I got a divorce, handy for those times I wonder if I did the right thing.

**Twisterdog** · 03-09-2007, 10:01 PM

Voicemail is not even available in my area.

I have an answering machine, as does everyone here, but it is digital, so no tape.

I still have a tape from about 13 years ago that my son recorded for our outgoing message. He was about two years old and says, "Hi. Leave a mess-tage. Bye bye." in this tiny little boy voice. It's SO cute.