I think I'm turning into a crank.

[marstec]

The door bell rang yesterday and I didn't even bother to answer it. Turns out, it was the right decision - Jehovah's Witness newsletter left in my mailbox. If it's not bottle drives, it's lawn care solicitations or charity canvassers. Do I need to move to an acreage to be left alone?

I also hung up on a telemarketer. How many of you have actually given business to a place that has called you? I used to tell these people "I make a point never to do business with people who aggressively solicit my business". If I want something, I can do my own research.

[lecale]

.

[miztia]

I never answer the front door. The backdoor is where all the action is, so if you dont know that, I dont answer. The second option is to come to the backdoor, but first get around the shepherd. I laugh so hard when I hear the gate open, then it slams shut and usually a little commotion and people talking all panicky. Guess they arent keen on being greeted by a big old ball of black fur.

[K8's Fate]

You may want to post this in the newly created Rants Forum.
It sounds like a great rant!
Here's the link:
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/rants-canada/

[marstec]

We had a very aggressive Rogers rep that dh took care of yesterday. The rep claimed that he could offer a special "lifetime rate" for cable and even though dh out and out flipped and called him a liar (because if promos don't end in a year, they change the channel packages so you have to add to the bill anyway). Too much "too good to be true" out there. If a company approaches you with information, that's one thing, but if they want you to sign up on the spot - that's a no. They are hoping you don't have a chance for sober second thought before they have your money.

I grew up in the country and we had Jehovah's Witnesses show up by the vanful from time to time. So no place is sacred LOL. Luckily there was a big dog between them and the doorbell.

The JV's take to the country? Seriously? That's why I respect the Amish so much, very industrious, and they don't feel that their immortal soul hinges on having to save other people's souls.

We only have two telecommunications co's here: Sasktel and Shaw, and they are always trying to get people to switch. I have Shaw cable and Sasktel phone, and I like it that way. There was a time that we only had one cell phone in the house, and it was my husband's for work. If I got a telemarketer wanting to convince me to switch cell phone carriers, I would ask them if they could beat FREE, since DH doesn't pay for his phone. That shut 'em up.

Getting a dog is out of the question, so I wonder if I can get a recording of a ferocious beast that is rigged up to the door bell?

[TaraF]

I don't think you're a crank really, I never answer the door unless I knew someone was coming. Anyone that I'd want to see would arrange to come over and visit or would call from their cell phone to say they were on the way so I knew if there was a knock on the door it was someone soliciting something.

As for telemarketers, I've never really talked to any but that's because I have call display and if I don't recognize the number or it comes up, "unknown, private," etc I let the answering machine get it. If it's important they'll leave a message.

[abbasgirl]

I live in an apartment, so I can always hear salespeople (usually Rogers) coming. If I hear them knocking on every door on my floor, I don't answer it. If it's just my door, I know it's important.
The phone thing is annoying. I don't have call display. But I hang up if there's a pause before I hear someone on the other end.

[MortgageQueen]

Ouch.

[marstec]

Ouch.

Is this sympathy for me because I've turned into a crank? Or is it because you are in a business that actively advertises for new clients (and you get the other side of the experience)? Not attacking you at all, just curious....

[TudorChick]

i feel you.i had jw's coming continuously and i was too nice to tell them anything.i would sit quietly and listen to them tell me how i am lost in the world and i should teach my children now before later the truth.this went on for a year until finally i told them "i can't accept your literature anymore.can you please add me to your not call list?" haven't been back for 6 months.i have the thought that if i seek anything...business,religion,etc..i will look it up.being "peddled" doesn't sit well with me.your home is your sanctuary.people should respect it.

[MortgageQueen]

Is this sympathy for me because I've turned into a crank? Or is it because you are in a business that actively advertises for new clients (and you get the other side of the experience)? Not attacking you at all, just curious....

Neither my dear. . . I AM a JW. . . yet am well aware of what people think/feel/say. I don't think you're a crank. lol! Unlike Rogers, we're not "soliciting your business" though.
It's a fact, no one wants to be "sold" on anything anymore. . .too much gimmicks/dishonesty and let's face it. . .we're inundated with marketing. It's overload, and people want to hide in the only place they have any control. . .Home. So, that doesn't make you a crank.

And to TudorChick. . .while I appreciate the kindness you showed, it's pretty tough to know what's going on in someone's head when they "appear" interested in what you're saying. . ..right? If they kept coming back for a year, I'm pretty sure it's because it appeared you were interested in what they had to say.

[marstec]

MQ,
I was thinking about your role as a mortgage specialist!

Are you able to say why people in the JW faith need to go out and spread the word?

[DianneS]

I get tired of phone calls and door-to-door salespeople and regularly teeter on the edge of becoming a crank over it, too! However I try to remember that everyone has to make a living and at least they are out there trying to make ends meet. Most days it works but on days when I come home from work feeling dead tired, I don't feel quite as charitable.

[marstec]

I get tired of phone calls and door-to-door salespeople and regularly teeter on the edge of becoming a crank over it, too! However I try to remember that everyone has to make a living and at least they are out there trying to make ends meet. Most days it works but on days when I come home from work feeling dead tired, I don't feel quite as charitable.

Cranks, unite!! Honestly, the older I get, the less I give two farts about what other people think of me. I'm never rude*, but I don't like wasting my time unnecessarily, especially with unsolicited calls.

*except for the time I gave some guy the bird because he was blocking the alleyway and I had to go around the entire block in order to park. marstec was bad, don't do this unless you have a black belt in karate. j/k

[Darth Penguin]

A couple of weeks ago, JWs knocked on the front door and my oldest girl opened it.....She and her sibs were bombarded with " How it was Really really utterly important " to get Mr Penguin and I out of bed at 7.30 am on a Saturday ...

Dh was less than impressed by the bullying of a 14 yo, 10 yr and a 7 yo who were told we would be in a very hot place soon....It's one thing to say that to me because I've read the Bible as well and can quote out of context too. But another to go all Jack Chick on children...