I feel the need to vent just a little today. Venting is okay once in a while, isn’t it?
Call Waiting: A service whereby someone on the telephone is notified of an incoming call and is able to place the first call on hold while answering...
I don’t think the words ‘call waiting’ and ‘service’ should be used in close proximity to each other.
Call Waiting is a simple, effective way to let someone know that this person’s time or what he/she has to say is not really as important, or as valuable, at that moment, as whoever else may be calling.
It happened to me today. I got a call and we began a conversation. Suddenly, I was told there was another call coming in and a hasty good bye was said. Two minutes later, the phone rang again- it turned out a telemarketer had trumped our conversation. I was angry. I wanted to hang up, but I didn’t.
Let me clarify. When I engage in a conversation with someone who initiated the call, I consider it rude for that person to put me on hold while they answer another call that comes in (especially in the first few minutes—if we’ve been chatting for an hour, that’s another story). Does every call that comes through have to be answered right now? I’ve never liked being a slave to my telephone, and I think Call Waiting reinforces that concept.
But maybe I’m just a little sensitive about this. Of course, there ARE good reasons to use Call Waiting. I just can’t think of very many. I think it’s a ‘service’ that is mostly abused.
I never use our call waiting option. (I guess not actually taking the time to learn which buttons to push to make it work, ensures I don’t use it!)
What do you think? Is call waiting valuable to you?
free photo courtesy of morguefile.com
We got rid of ours. Didn't use it much. But I don't think I am quite as averse to it you - maybe depends who I am talking to. I don't remember being interrupted very often for it, to be honest.
ReplyDeleteI like your line not wanting to be a slave to your phone; that's why I don't carry my cell phone when I go a lot of places unless I'm walking the dog alone or driving alone because I don't want to be a slave to it, feeling I have to answer it if I'm shopping or what not.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have call waiting. I'd be like you, there are those few times it could be of benefit, school calling with sick child, that type of things, but otherwise me personally I think it is a nuisance :)
betty
We got rid of ours mostly because I ignored it when it happened because I think it rude to say to a friend may I put you on hold, you get enough of that with business type calls...we even got rid of voice mail and got an old fashioned answering machine for 20.00! Cheaper than what they charge you! Most people today don't even know what a busy signal is anymore!
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