Initially, I considered this bluster to be a factor of everyday life and likewise; have accepted it as a common ground amongst my peers. But let’s not stray from the point too quickly! When you hit up your friend, neighbor, or coworker and hear the statement, “Hey! Leave a detailed message and I will return your call as soon as I am able,” from their voice mail greeting, why do you insist on not keeping up with your end of the arrangement.
Naturally, one might question my tact and logic behind the question, “keep up with your end of the deal,” but it is very simple. When you call my personal cell phone or land line, you typically hear something to the effect of, “You have reached the voice mailbox of Justin Shattuck and I am currently unable to accept your call; however if you would leave me a detailed message including: your telephone number, name, best method for getting back in touch with you; and any other important details concerning your call, I will get back to you at my earliest convenience.”
Seems simple enough right? I am asking you for a specific amount of information and I am giving you a nice outline for educating yourself during future phone relationships that end up with your petty self in their voice mail box. You are likely receiving my voice mail because I do not wish to speak to you — in fact I am actually busy is unlikely. But, let’s for the sake of argument simply say that I am busy. So what do you do? It is supposed to be as simple as you leaving me your damn name, phone number, email address, or even a postal address to write you back. If you left me a message stating that the best contact method to reach you was via snail mail, I would respect that. (more…)
