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Telemarketers...grr!

Author	Topic
maclover5 LC Doctor/Hot Rodder Australia 5830 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 07:18:09 Had one ring up today. It shouldn't be such a big deal i know, but they always seem to ring when you're in the middle of an important task! (such as making lunch) Anyway, apparently this guy's with some heart institute, and he's telling me all this crap about how many people per year die from heart problems faster than i can say "I know, i know." Anyway, i try to tell him i have to go, but he wouldn't listen, and kept on calling me "madam", even though i'm a fricken GUY! Finally, i hung up. Y'know, i'm so sure that i don't sound like a lady on the phone, so why the hell do i get called one? Now to rig up a system based on an LCII with an AppleScript that says funny/weird things when activated by a telemarketer.... "I'm sorry, the robot you are trying to contact is unavailable. Please check the number, and try again." "AAAH! STOP THAT OR I'LL KILL MYSELF!" "BUT I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME? SCREW YOU! slap" "**** em" - Jobs in regards to customers Warrior maclover5 68kMLA Official 68kMLA Detective Number of 68ks Liberated: 7 Number of Contraband (PPC) Liberated from the Dumpster: 1
oldmacman Full Member USA 713 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 07:29:03 Telemarketers are usually not legit employers, either. A friend of mine took a summer job for a couple weeks working for a telemarketer. At the end of the second week, he came to the office, and found it locked with a sign that said it was out of business. He never got paid for any of the work he did, and he doesn't have any proof that he worked those hours. Official 68kMLA Music and NeXT Expert Macs Liberated: SE (2), LC, IIsi, PB 145b, Quadra 700 (2), LC 575, 6100 (2), PB 5300, PowerMac 5400/200, Performa 6400/180 PCs liberated from Windoze: 3
maclover5 LC Doctor/Hot Rodder Australia 5830 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 07:31:24 Thats evil. "**** em" - Jobs in regards to customers Warrior maclover5 68kMLA Official 68kMLA Detective Number of 68ks Liberated: 7 Number of Contraband (PPC) Liberated from the Dumpster: 1
cory5412 68KMLA Comrade-in-Arms USA 4679 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 07:50:24 The do not call list begins today as I recall... they should have a do not eMail, and/or do not IM me list as well Official 68k videographer Official MLA TourGuide Editor of the MLAgazine "I'm just a normal computer geek who somehow landed a social life"
redrouteone Junior Member USA 226 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 10:08:20 I had one call me at 8 in the morning on my cell phone the morning after I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled. Needless to say the pain killers wore off over night and I am not a morning person to begin with. I tore into her like a bear into a hiker. I kind of feel bad for being so mean as she was only doing her job, but then again I was not exactly in the best frame of mind. Hopefully it convinced her to go get a real job. --Eric ___________________________ I Took the Road Less Traveled, and Now Where the Heck Am I?
G4from128k Full Member USA 873 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 13:36:36 We have multiple lines and we can always tell when a telemarketer is calling because one phone rigs and then the other phone rings. When both phones ring, we answer neither. What I really hate is the new-found practice of leaving telemarketing messages on our answering machine. In the past, telemarketers had the decency to hangup when they got a machine, now they roll the call over to a taped message. We signed up for the no-call list. I don't know how much good this list will do, however. My understanding is that telemarketers are working overtime to call people that have signed up on the list. They have until Oct 1 to call them without penalty. And if the company can get you to sign up for something then you are a "customer" and no subject to the no-call restrictions. With so many exceptions and work-arounds, I'd bet the no-call list is not going to be a good as everyone hopes.. Maclover5, I would love to hear what you get setup on your LCII. I have looked into automated telephone systems that would force people to "press 1" if they want to complete the call. Most automated telemarketing systems could not handle the "press 1 at the tone" instruction and most telemarketing operators are pretty clueless too. But these systems are horribly expensive ($500 - $1500). It seems to me that with a voice-capable modem, touch-tone recognition software and a bit of Applescript, one could create a nice multi-box voice mail system. G4From128k by Day: Mild-Mannered Engineer and Trapeze(tm) Artist by Night: Colonel of Truth, Justice, and the Macintosh Way Reserve Officer in 68kMLA Cantankerous Coot Contingent
maclover5 LC Doctor/Hot Rodder Australia 5830 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 16:28:30 quote: The do not call list begins today as I recall... Yeah, but only in the US. quote: Maclover5, I would love to hear what you get setup on your LCII. I have looked into automated telephone systems that would force people to "press 1" if they want to complete the call. Most automated telemarketing systems could not handle the "press 1 at the tone" instruction and most telemarketing operators are pretty clueless too. But these systems are horribly expensive ($500 - $1500). It seems to me that with a voice-capable modem, touch-tone recognition software and a bit of Applescript, one could create a nice multi-box voice mail system I was just joking. Still, it'd be pretty awesome! And i believe that with a bit of AppleScript magic its damn well possible, too.... "**** em" - Jobs in regards to customers Warrior maclover5 68kMLA Official 68kMLA Detective Number of 68ks Liberated: 7 Number of Contraband (PPC) Liberated from the Dumpster: 1
Fedorenko Junior Member Australia 463 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 16:56:53 Remember Maclover5, there are rules that telemarketers have to abide by. Um, if you go the the Queensland Governement buisness sections, somewhere it will have the list of times ect that telemarketers can call you within. If, they call outside the legal times, any purchases you make, are void. Now thats a way to annoy them, the second they call outside of the time, agree to everything they say Good ideas usually are created by crazy people, go figure...
Derekcat Junior Member USA 342 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 17:01:55 Humm� didnt Gamba's site have a sound you could DL that's supposed to remove you from their dialing computers? If I open my window all the bugs will get in�That's just one more reason to use a Mac! Mac Portable LC \|\| SE/30 \|\|si \|\|ci Quadras: 660av, 950 PMs: 6100/G3/233, 6214CD, 5400/120, 7100/80av, 9500/G3/300 PB 5300ce SuperMac C600 180, 240
maclover5 LC Doctor/Hot Rodder Australia 5830 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 17:16:35 I dunno Derekcat, i'll take a look at it sometime when i have more time left online...my hour is up. Btw, thanks for that info, Fedorenko....i didn't know any of that. "**** em" - Jobs in regards to customers Warrior maclover5 68kMLA Official 68kMLA Detective Number of 68ks Liberated: 7 Number of Contraband (PPC) Liberated from the Dumpster: 1
G4from128k Full Member USA 873 Posts	Posted - 01 Sep 2003 : 18:22:49 quote: Humm� didnt Gamba's site have a sound you could DL that's supposed to remove you from their dialing computers? Yes they do! Its the three-tone sound you get (in the U.S. at least) when you dial a disconnected number. You record it at the beginning of your answering machine greeting. Supposedly the telemarketer's systems are programmed to automatically remove disconnected numbers based on if they hear those tones. The tones are fine, but are a bit obnoxious for legitimate callers. G4From128k by Day: Mild-Mannered Engineer and Trapeze(tm) Artist by Night: Colonel of Truth, Justice, and the Macintosh Way Reserve Officer in 68kMLA Cantankerous Coot Contingent
Gothikon Full Member Australia 537 Posts	Posted - 02 Sep 2003 : 02:16:37 quote: Telemarketers are usually not legit employers, either. A friend of mine took a summer job for a couple weeks working for a telemarketer. At the end of the second week, he came to the office, and found it locked with a sign that said it was out of business. He never got paid for any of the work he did, and he doesn't have any proof that he worked those hours. Sounds like the people I worked for, it's a long and humerous story but I can't be bothered recounting the whole thing now. Anyway, on day one I couldn't find anyone, turned out they hadn't moved in to their new office yet. When someone came in I asked if they had been there long. They said no but they used to work for them under their old name. Every day started with "This is our incoming call number for today" anyway I asked where the toilet was a couple of hours in to day 3 and as soon as I was out the door I ran and ran and didn't stop running til I got home! I think the only people that make any money out of these are the suposed managers.... -------- LC 2, LC 3, Q605, Perf 638, Colour Classic (160 603e) 6100, 7200, PTP 225 (Quad 604), PM 9600, G4 Cube
shaktiman Senior Member United Kingdom 1226 Posts	Posted - 02 Sep 2003 : 05:45:35 Telemarketers get no welcome here, We have Anglian windows phoning us, now we moved in about a year ago, the previous occupiers were in for about 5 years, we are on Anglians list because this house had Anglian windows put in about ..........................wait for it..................................8 years ago! & they just keep bugging us every few months & I say no & then 4 to 6 months later they call again. Get the LC answering machine maclover & patent it shaktiman Quadra 840av, prettymuchmaxedout8xcd drive os 8.1 128 meg ram, 500 meg hard drive 3 monitors 15" & 14" & 14"
cory5412 68KMLA Comrade-in-Arms USA 4679 Posts	Posted - 02 Sep 2003 : 05:54:57 PATENT!!! I need some patents... /me patents the human body.... i'm sorry sir, I can't say that I've recieved payment for the fee to use that design. Maybe you could use your LC630 for that it seems (dunno though) that it may be more "capable" for that kind of thingy... :-\ Official 68k videographer Official MLA TourGuide Editor of the MLAgazine "I'm just a normal computer geek who somehow landed a social life"
G4from128k Full Member USA 873 Posts	Posted - 02 Sep 2003 : 06:04:32 quote: We have Anglian windows phoning us, Windows! Just tell Anglian Windows that you use a Mac and therefore don't need Windows. Or you can tell them they have two choices: either 1) you can talk to the rep for an hour and then hang up without buying anything or 2) they can never call again. Another ploy is to tell them that you just bought brand new windows from a competitor - maybe that will get you off their list for another 8 years. Good Luck thwarting the evil telemarketer for he is a foul and slavering beast indeed. G4From128k by Day: Mild-Mannered Engineer and Trapeze(tm) Artist by Night: Colonel of Truth, Justice, and the Macintosh Way Reserve Officer in 68kMLA Cantankerous Coot Contingent
cory5412 68KMLA Comrade-in-Arms USA 4679 Posts	Posted - 02 Sep 2003 : 06:12:14 LOL! Maybe we could all start making our own 030 ~ish TelemarketerBoxen... I've got the IIsi somewhere Official 68k videographer Official MLA TourGuide Editor of the MLAgazine "I'm just a normal computer geek who somehow landed a social life"
Gothikon Full Member Australia 537 Posts	Posted - 02 Sep 2003 : 14:36:06 I seem to remember when my friend bought a 6400 when they were new it came with a telecoms pack that let you use the Mac as an answering machine / phone etc... could this do something? -------- LC 2, LC 3, Q605, Perf 638, Colour Classic (160 603e) 6100, 7200, PTP 225 (Quad 604), PM 9600, G4 Cube
Derekcat Junior Member USA 342 Posts	Posted - 02 Sep 2003 : 16:26:12 Our SuperMac C600 came with MegaPhone [use the computer as a phone/answering machine] is that what you meant? [I could post a copy on my HL server if you want it�] If I open my window all the bugs will get in�That's just one more reason to use a Mac! Mac Portable LC \|\| SE/30 \|\|si \|\|ci Quadras: 660av, 950 PMs: 6100/G3/233, 6214CD, 5400/120, 7100/80av, 9500/G3/300 PB 5300ce SuperMac C600 180, 240
cory5412 68KMLA Comrade-in-Arms USA 4679 Posts	Posted - 02 Sep 2003 : 19:07:09 lOL! I had a SupraExpress or someother modem that had an answering machine in it as well... I used to have a Microsoft Phone also! Official 68k videographer Official MLA TourGuide Editor of the MLAgazine "I'm just a normal computer geek who somehow landed a social life"
maclover5 LC Doctor/Hot Rodder Australia 5830 Posts	Posted - 04 Sep 2003 : 06:10:01 quote: Get the LC answering machine maclover & patent it Yeah, provided i get around to it in the first place! "**** em" - Jobs in regards to customers Warrior maclover5 68kMLA Official 68kMLA Detective Number of 68ks Liberated: 7 Number of Contraband (PPC) Liberated from the Dumpster: 1
G4from128k Full Member USA 873 Posts	Posted - 04 Sep 2003 : 06:24:38 quote: Our SuperMac C600 came with MegaPhone [use the computer as a phone/answering machine] is that what you meant?[I could post a copy on my HL server if you want it�] Yes. Thanks for the offer, but I have a copy of Megaphone, courtesy of Apple downloads. What I lack is a voice-capable modem and the time to figure out how to make it all work. I guess that makes me like maclover5 -- we both have more ideas than time. G4From128k by Day: Mild-Mannered Engineer and Trapeze(tm) Artist by Night: Colonel of Truth, Justice, and the Macintosh Way Reserve Officer in 68kMLA Cantankerous Coot Contingent
cory5412 68KMLA Comrade-in-Arms USA 4679 Posts	Posted - 04 Sep 2003 : 06:27:00 LOL, same here... I've got a whole lot to do, MLA related, school related and otherwise, and it's just not getting done a whole lot... Official 68k videographer Official MLA TourGuide Editor of the MLAgazine "I'm just a normal computer geek who somehow landed a social life"

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