Brabe Asks

via e-mail...

"so the gov has made a law about telemarketing and have made the do not call list but they have made a few exceptions:
-Registered charities (calls made by them or on their behalf)
-Political parties
-Calls made for the purpose of public opinion surveys
-Newspapers of general circulation (for subscription solicitation)
-Businesses with whom you have an existing business relationship (e.g. businesses from which you have purchased goods or services within last 18 months)

I think you dont ever get telemarketing calls and i rarely get them, but every one i have ever gotten in my whole life falls into these categories. so tell me, what is the point???"

Spage replies...

You know, one of the MPs who spoke to us in Ottawa was the woman who put forth the private member's bill to institute that very do not call list. She fought hard for it and had a team of public servants helping to hash out the policy. It was modelled after the American version that is currently in effect. She says that after all that (and this was in 2004), it was never made into law. I see that it has finally received royal assent but obviously not in the same form she (and the Commons) sent to the Senate...I wonder what her reaction is today?

You are right, I've never gotten telemarketing calls on my cell, but that will change as I start to use it as my actual public telephone. Of course, I do get unknown callers from time to time and I simply do not answer those calls and they don't leave voice mails so I'm not sure what other kind of solicitation is going on out there. I'd hazard a guess that a lot of credit card companies, competing phone and cable companies, etc. who are not on the exceptions list would be culprits.

To be honest, the only exceptions on that list that irk me are the newspaper and charity ones. But I'm not surprised that they would be on this list either. Newspaper subscription solicitation being permitted is disgusting, why the media barons' unsolicited sales calls should be treated any differently is beyond me. Same goes for the registered charities - they are essentially just doing sales calls too, but we as citizens are supposed to feel that soft spot and respect for all charities no matter what they are trying to accomplish. This is also hogwash.

I have less issue with political parties, public opinion surveys (depending on who administers them ie. StatsCan or miscellaneous BizRate types?), and obviously companies with whom you already do business because you have an existing relationship with them. When it comes to political parties contacting people I think instead of people having a knee-jerk reaction to it, they should realize that this is a prime opportunity to communicate directly with your government or, those trying to be your government, and let your opinions be heard. Hate the political party that called you? Tell them why! Political parties are in the business of representing their constituents and if they don't know what you think and feel how will they know what you want? Love the political party that called you? Tell them why! If you don't they won't know that they're doing anything right! This is along the same reasons that I don't wholly disparage public opinion surveys - I mean, if one called to ask you about your opinion on new legislation, would you think that it would be a good time to voice your discontent over the national do not call registry? These are your opportunities to shape the world you live in without ever leaving the comfort of your ass-indented chesterfield. Have people become so angry and lazy that this is unacceptable? It's not like they're not trying to sell you war bonds or anything!

So what is the point Brabe? Well, it's certainly better than nothing, it starts the ball rolling and can always be updated and amended, it at the very least addresses a major complaint by the public, and it gives me blog fodder - and that's what's really important right?