Sometimes, it’s an obvious call from someone soliciting a donation to their cause. We very rarely answer those. Frequently it says, “Unknown Name.” That means the caller ID is blocked. Those folks get to listen to the default message on the answering machine. Some friends with cell phones have to do that and start talking. When we recognize the caller, we’ll pick up.
Today is the Michigan primary election. We have been inundated with calls these past couple of weeks or so. We have studied the ballot online, researched the candidates and the one referendum issue. We know how we will vote. Several times each day the phone will ring and the caller ID says Unknown Name. After the beep, a recorded message is played to our machine, which we soon delete.
Above is the actual caller ID that appeared on my phone Monday morning. It turned out to be another political message from a gubernatorial candidate. I was intrigued by the DO NOT USE identifier. What do you suppose is happening here?
Do you screen calls? If so, have you ever missed an important call? I’m just curious.
There are call screening devices avail today that can keep household from answering each incoming calls. Answering machine is one example.
No, I was conditioned in the day when a ringing phone meant something important was happening. So I will break my neck to get to the phone, even when spouse is hollering, "Let the machine get it." Lots of very quick hang-ups going on here, though. Not to mention other "hang-ups."