[daler]

I prefer to listen long enough to determine it's a solicitation I'm not interested in...then I say, "One moment, please..."

At that point I set the phone down, line open, and go back to watching "Green Acres."

[Smokin' Joe]

Actually, when I do get 'caught' (no caller ID on call waiting calls, when I am expecting another call), I try the polite response of "No thanks, I am not interested in your offer" when it is a blind sales call.

It goes down hill from there in civillity.

I understand that people have to make a living somehow, and not everyone is cut out for more honorable and socially acceptable work like mucking out hog pens, and will give the caller a chance to cease and desist gracefully.

Some just keep going, and I will (if I am in the mood) play them. When they ask for a credit card number, I respond like Hashimoto in the old Cheech and Chong bit. (unprintable response on this forum)...and continue with "YOU called me and you expect ME to just give you a credit card number?? Are you nuts? I don't know who you are! You could be anyone!") And then hang up.

Maybe they will learn not to waste their time with people who say "no".