For whom the bell tolls...

[tinuvial]

Let me preface this post by saying, "I'm a geek." I love all things tech. I've got gadgets that most people haven't even heard of gathering dust on my shelves. I'm like a 4-yo with a new toy at Christmas... it gets played with the day it arrives, and if it doesn't live up to expectations, its batteries just die a slow, lingering death.

But that's not the point of this post. I just wanted people to know that I'm definitely no Luddite. My grandfather was, however, and he said something once I'll never forget.

I must have been like 8 or 9 at the time. My parents were desperately arguing with my grandfather that he needed a telephone. (Luckily, they had an indoor bathroom by the time I could remember visiting with any regularity). Grandpa (my mom's dad), turned and looked at my father straight in the eye and said,

"I don't want any God Damn bell in my house that anyone in the world can make ring by pushing a few buttons."

Eventually, he capitulated because Grandma was worried about being able to call the doctor if he should fall (she was a very petite woman and he was a lot taller than she was). But his "assessment" of what a telephone has stayed with me.

What about today? Now we carry those little electronic leashes with us wherever we go. I was an early adopter of cell phones, shortly after they reduced in size from a handbag to a walkie-talkie. For me, it meant freedom from the endless hours of sitting at home because someone said they'd call. (I spent a lot of time being angry at people in those pre-cellphone days for not calling when they said that they would).

As the years have gone by, I've developed a love/hate relationship with my phone. Sure, it's nice that you can reach me any time of the day or night, but it's also terribly rude when someone calls when you're out with someone. Let's not even get started on how dangerous we've become with cell phones in cars and texting, etc. (One of my friends absolutely terrifies me when he texts and drives... and now he has a motorcycle for God's sake and STILL managed to text me and tell me he'd be late for lunch one day).

I now have an IP phone at home (a MagicJack... great product). I got the number solely to give to any entity that thinks it has to contact me. The phone sits on my desk with the ringer turned off and the voicemail not activated. I no longer want a bell in my house that anyone in the world can ring. I changed my cell phone number so that those entities that had my number could no longer contact me unless I choose to let them do so. The National "Do Not Call" lists are a joke. Robocallers still make calls nightly, and anyone you've ever done business with in any capacity is not subject to the "Do Not Call" list restrictions. (Did you ever buy a ticket from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra? These yahoos will call you nightly to try to get your money happily ever after).

My phone number is on my facebook profile, where I can *choose* with whom I share that information. Or, if you're reading this and you need my new number, just message me and I'll get it to you.

Maybe I've just turned into a crusty old curmudgeon like my Grandpa. Then again, my house is blissfully silent.

Ciao for now.

Comments

[recalcitrant.livejournal.com]

I never answer my landline, and i always screen calls and stick it on silent. i hate the intrusion. i also tell companies they must never ever phone or mail me stuff and won't give them my details unless its absolutely neccessary. i think it should be a law of no telemarketing unless you opt in. of course its a corporations RIGHT to bug you!