[FairOpinion]

I have an answering machine and caller ID.
I screen my calls.

If I recognize the number, I pick up the phone. If I don't, or the number is blocked, friends know to start talking to the machine, then I pick up. Otherwise people can call a thousand times and all they get is the answering machine. They don't know whether I am home or not.

I think this is such a simple solution, now that we have the technology, I don't understand why people keep letting themselves be bothered by unwanted calls.

My philosophy is that the phone is there for MY convenience, not that of others, and use it that way.

[Mamzelle]

I screen my calls, too, but the ones at 5 in the morning still wake me up...

[Theresawithanh]

I do much the same thing. My home line is for my computer, and nothing more. I know if anyone calls me on my home phone I don't want to talk to them, because my friends and family have my cell phone number.

I was working in a doctor's office in the '80s, and a telemarketer called. When I told him he had reached a doctor's office, he called me a nasty name and HE slammed down the phone.

[gortklattu]

We have a new Panasonic phone that has a VERBAL caller ID. Pretty Cool.

[srm913]

Your Freeper name (FairOpinion) is obviously very apt. Cheers. I couldn't agree more with your telemarketing opinions.

[Cobra64]

You are correct. A telephone is not a right or a priveledge to anyone wanting to call you. If someone knocks on your door, you have the right to refuse entrance of that individual. In North Carolina, if someone tries to knock down your door, you have the right to shoot through the door. My Dad received so many telemarketing calls that he called the police for a trace. The found the perp and discovered that he was a criminal trying to discern when someone was home. The perp is in jail.

Of course, if I am home and a bad guy shows up, he will be a few ounces heavier with Pb fired from a Glock, Ruger or Sig... Beretta... gee, have to check the weapons inventory.