Free Book Day: When the Phone Rings

Yesterday, I got one of those calls. You know the one. The one that always happens right when you are about to eat dinner.

After a slight delay on the line, a woman asked for Mr. Mike Bradley. My husband works from home. His coworkers are spread all over the world and with the time difference, my husband often works early mornings and/or late nights. He does not want to deal with telemarketers while he’s concentrating on work. So if he’s at his work desk, I always ask who’s calling before passing it on.

The woman on the other side of the line was offended that I asked. Here’s our conversation, (I’ve not included the part where she told me what organization she represented.)

She: Why do you need to know?

Me: I need your name to see if he is available.

She: If he’s home, he should be available.

Me: He might not be.

She: We’ll I’m sure he’s available for me.

Me: If you give me your name, I could make sure.

She: We are not allowed to give out names.

Now I was very sure this was a solicitation.

Me: Are you calling to ask for a donation?

She: I’m calling because Mr. Mike Bradley is on our humanitarian crisis team.

Me: So you are calling for a charity?

She: We prefer non-profit organization.

Me: I’m very sorry, but Mike is not available to speak to your right now. Do you have a number where he can call you back?
unica-web.com cheapest viagra If possible, feel free to consume green tea twice or thrice per day. Its approval from this department makes the medicine more than 100 mg or else you will be suggested to take lowest power drugs i.e. 50mg which is primarily & later then steadily mounting the dosage amount. viagra generic for sale There are too many sex enhancement remedies are available in the market at 50% to 70% lower price than viagra online stores , but still is very effective in treating the ED. You will become a capable lover to satisfy generic cialis without prescriptions https://www.unica-web.com/archive/beveren.htm your female in bed.
She: No I do not. I demand you put him on the phone.

Me: On principle, we never give money based on a phone call. You are more than welcome to send us something through the mail.

She, in a very angry voice: We do not do immediate crisis through the mail, we only do those by phone.

Me: What crisis is it you are calling about?

—Long pause—

She, in an even angrier voice: There are many humanitarian crises in the world that needs attention.

Me: I know, that’s why we give you money each year.  Please remove us from your calling list

She, shouting: People will die because you are such an unfeeling bitch.

Me, in my best therapist voice: I’m sorry you feel that way.

And then I hung up.

Right after the call yesterday, I was amused that even though the woman called me, at home, she felt entitled to not only judge me, but to call me names.

Today, I feel a little guilty for messing with her. My husband and I contribute to several charities, which means our names and contact information are sold to several others. On principle, we never give to anybody that calls us at home. We don’t like being bothered at home, but also because we can’t verify the authenticity of the call.

Still, if this woman was legitimate, she represents an organization that does a lot of good in the world. She may even be someone who volunteers her time to make these calls.

And so to atone for upsetting her, I’m giving away a signed copy of Susan Elizabeth Phillips‘ NATURAL BORN CHARMER where the mother of one of the main characters volunteer all her time and resources to make the world a better place.

For a chance to win, tell me about the worst telemarketer/solicitation call you received. The contest closes on Wednesday 8/29 at 11 pm Pacific Time, when I’ll post the winner.