Legislating the sound of silence: The Do Not Call Registry turns five

By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji, Chelsea Merz

Thursday, June 26 2008

Friday marks the fifth anniversary of a law responsible for recovering some peace and quiet in your life: The National Do Not Call Registry. The Takeaway listens to what we've been missing.

Telemarketing calls have been rare at my house in the last 5 years. When someone does call, my mantra is always the same: "I never do anything like this on the phone. Good-bye." Very few have thought they had a come-back worth trying. If someone does, I feel entitled to hang up while they're talking and I do.

Posted by Evelyn C., 8:33 p.m. Thursday, June 26 2008 Permalink

My Work Place Telemarketing Experience: I work at a mental health crisis clinic. Telemarketing calls will come in on one of our crisis lines. After their opening line, I'll say (in a very serious tone) "You've called on a CRISIS LINE. Please remove this number from your list." Most are all apologetic and immediately hang up. The "die-hards" will try to continue, at which point I announce: "This line needs to be clear for CRISIS CALLS" and I hang up.

Posted by Evelyn C., 8:40 p.m. Thursday, June 26 2008 Permalink

I'll be honest; I didn't think adding my number to the Do Not Call Registry would actually prevent telemarketing calls, but it has. I registered my cell phone some time ago, and I can't remember the last time I've received a telemarketing call on that line. What a relief!