Does ANYONE follow instructions anymore?? (rant)

[Freedom]

I have my home phone, and an answering machine.

NO cell phone, NO included voice mail, and NO caller ID.

My answer machine message says to "leave your name AND BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER."

No one does.

Today I get a call from a contractor. I've had to go search out his card just to return the darn phone call.

It's enough to make me want to hire someone else; except this seems the NORM lately, NO ONE leaves a phone number. GRRRRR

I think I will change the message to: Leave your name and number. If you do NOT leave a call back number, I may return your call in 48 hours. If you do leave a number, I will return your call as soon as I pick up your message.

Think it will work? Somehow, I DOUBT IT!

[Karen]

I am afraid you are in the minority these days having no caller ID! If it's important, you could always pay the few cents and dial "*69" and it will tell you the last number that called you ...

If you are going to change the message, you might as well say "If you do not leave a number I CANNOT return your call." But even that likely won't work. I think folks' brains are set to turn off when the machine comes on and reactivate when they hear the beep to leave the message.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I have a phone with caller ID on it and I think that a lot of people have this now. This may be why people aren't leaving their phone numbers on your phone because they're assuming you have caller ID too. Good luck in the future.

[happylabs]

I have caller ID and I love it! I wouldn't be without it these days.

And, no, no one follows directions or read signs these days.

[redbird]

I know what you mean, people just want to get on and off quickly from an answering machine. I now have Caller ID and that solved the problem. Just remember to keep all important numbers written down in one place so you can find them easily.

[Killearn Kitties]

How annoying. The one that drives me nuts is when people do leave their number but, because it is familiar to them, they rattle it off faster than the speed of sound, so that it is impossible to make out!

[Edwina's Secretary]

How annoying. The one that drives me nuts is when people do leave their number but, because it is familiar to them, they rattle it off faster than the speed of sound, so that it is impossible to make out!

And you have to listen to the message five times to figure out the number!!!! Sometimes I just cannot be bothered.

But it goes both ways! I sometimes do recruiting for clients. I will call the number on the resume on my house phone as I have unlimited long distance calling and leave the number - emphatically! for my office phone - which is set up for that purpose. If I could tell you how many people just do automatic redial! They just failed the first test....

[pomtzu]

I'm with Sandie - tho I do have a cell phone. The home phone is just basic service - no caller ID, call waiting, etc., (nor do I want it) but I do have an answering machine. I find it most annoying when people leave a message and are talking at breakneck speed, and I have to replay it repeatedly to finally understand it. But even worse, are the ones where people either mumble or talk like they have a mouthful of hot potatoes, and no matter how many times I replay it, still can't understand it. I guess if they want me bad enough, then they'll call back later. And no Sandie - the instructions are a waste of breath and the callers will do what they want anyway.

[finn's mom]

I listen to voice mails. I do exactly as asked. haha. It's just simpler that way. I leave my phone number any time I leave a voice mail for someone I know doesn't contact me regularly. Again, less issues that way. I also make sure to articulate and repeat. Simple. I'm all about keeping it as simple as possible.

I would record the message Karen suggested.