Letters to the Editor
(Re: Loose Cannon: Cold Calls, Direct Newsline, Monday, Mar. 10, 2008 [http://directmag.com/opinions-columnists/loosecannon/loose-cannon-cold-call-0310/]):
This is really an amazing story. I am wondering if you might ask an attorney about it, and if AT&T has any liability in this matter, if in fact Sue is attacked after trying to get help from them.
I often wonder about the voice messaging prompts we get even in small companies. I think they are annoying and many people abandon the calls because of them.
I was calling my doctor the other day, and got the ten questions…about which department I wanted (a small group of internists), and after I pressed the button, and waited…I got a commercial for their practice, and their location, and the hours they are open (closed from 12 to 1:30).
Never did speak to anyone about an appointment, as I’m working on a campaign with a tight deadline. Instead, over the weekend I searched for a new doctor on United Healthcare’s website. I called this morning for an appointment and lo and behold a real person answered. I like this doctor already.
As far as Sue is concerned, I hope she’s okay. I’d have the police call AT&T to trace the call….maybe they can sell the cops the wireless service. At least though on TV, they usually get the trace.
My creative director, Mike McCormick, just passed my office and he says, “Pay a lawyer $100. to send a registered letter to the President of AT & T today”. Mike says they’re shielding a criminal.
Your column sure got us angry this morning!
Lois K. Geller
President
Mason & Geller Direct
Hollywood, FL
* * * * * * *
I read your report on Susan’s experience with AT&T. They are the worst and deserve the full wrath of the press. If you have ever had to do anything other than send them, a check, you will never forget the experience.
AT&T, I assume from the people I have spoken to, is one of the companies outsourcing jobs overseas and getting tax benefits for the insult. But there is clearly no internal quality control for their service, or what masquerades as service. Put the heat on them.
Dick Gary
Chairman
The Gary Group
Santa Monica, CA
* * * * * * *
Absolutely spot on. All of my recent dealings with AT&T have been uniformly unhelpful experiences. I must say that everyone I spoke to was quite pleasant and friendly while telling me they couldn
