JDV [--'-@] Home - Comments

JDV: Nuisance marketing calls

nospam@example.com (JDV) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:41:46 +0100

We don't appear in the BT directory, though I must say I wonder why! We did opt to keep the number that the property had, rather than have a new one in the interests of expediency, and the fact the property had sat empty for a few months, which is normally enough time to get it off the lists.

It would not surprise me if the number had been picked at random: I'm sure these companies attempt to place calls to a huge list of numbers: remember that what they're selling is hardly age-dependent, normally. I would doubt that BT would sell our number, as surely they abide by Telephone Preference? I have just renewed that service and have made sure to add the house number, though it was already added when I requested BT Privacy At Home. I would suggest that any other readers do the same: http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/tps/

GAJC: Nuisance marketing calls

nospam@example.com (GAJC) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:22:29 +0100

Indeed nuisance calls are just that; a nuisance. That said, if one keeps one's fixed line number ex-directory, they should dry up. But something here seems not to be right; knowing you as I do, I can't believe your number would not be ex-directory, and, therefore, can only assume that it is down to BT farming out your number to these simpering vultures. I can't recall receiving a single nuisance call in the past 10 years (roughly since we simultaneously left BT and became ex-directory). As you say, though, the reason you can't report it is at least partly due to the revenue it undoubtedly brings the customer-focused champions of privacy that provide your telephonic communications service. It may also be, at least in part, and rather depressingly, that the majority of people simply wouldn't use it; if you've just had your time wasted answering the phone to a nuisance call, you're unlikely to want to spend yet more time dialling a number and reporting the nuisance.

It would certainly be interesting to know if it's just a BT phenomenon; it certainly doesn't seem to be a problem with Virgin or C&W.

GAJC: Yes, I'm still an ENFP

nospam@example.com (GAJC) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:43:39 +0000

It seems I'm still an ENTJ. Just like good old Maggie Thatcher, god rest her soul.

No. Wait. She's not dead...

JDV: Yes, I'm still an ENFP

nospam@example.com (JDV) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:41:59 +0000

Challenges for me:

- Choosing among many possibilities
- Setting realistic boundaries
- Establishing priorities
- Correctly assessing resources
- Maths...

MIRRORBALLS: Reply from Empire Cinemas

nospam@example.com (MIRRORBALLS) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:35:13 +0000

This is clearly taken from template customer response letter 3a. He makes no attempt to address your specific questions, especially the entirely valid one about credit card booking charges.

We hope you were not bought-off by the insulting offer of "guest tickets" to make you go away quietly.

George Cook: Complaint to Empire Cinemas for botched Avatar 3D foyer experience

nospam@example.com (George Cook) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:56:52 +0000

How bizarre. Can't think of a single sensible reason to have the box office closed on a Saturday night (and I have to say, even on nights when I haven't been going to the cinema, I've never seen it closed on a Saturday). Presumably there is some ilk of extenuating circumstance at work, but even so, not a particularly good effort.
Out of interest, was it a particularly late showing? If so, then I suppose that might present us with some sort of a reason for the lack of staff, but still...
Next time I'm in there (whenever that might be) I shall note with interest the staffing levels etc. I don't remember ever noticing a lack of staff before, but then I suppose it's very much down to the luck of the draw and individual experience; as are most things.

GAJC: The last post? (no trumpets, please)

nospam@example.com (GAJC) — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:58:43 +0100

Well returned, sir. Next time you wash your hair in the sea, please inform me in advance, that I may witness, and possibly photograph, the act. I would gladly pay for such an opportunity. Yet again, however, an interesting typo - unless, of course, Mihaela did actually ask you for a life...

Manda Panda: The last post? (no trumpets, please)

nospam@example.com (Manda Panda) — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:31:38 +0100

Wow! Almost made me cry... You really do make the most of every experience and you're a real role model for me. Glad to hear you had such an amazing time, and I loved looking at the photos. Can't wait to see you very, very soon. All my love xxxx

Mum: The last post? (no trumpets, please)

nospam@example.com (Mum) — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:29:31 +0100

My dear intrepid traveller son, what an adventure. The best part for me though is that you arrived home safe and sound. May you have a long and happy life in which to see much more of this big wide world, meet many more of its inhabitants, and continue to be a blessing to us all. With love. xx

Mummmmmy: From wine to fine (beach weather)

nospam@example.com (Mummmmmy) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:56:34 +0100

Dear Eldest Son,
How thankful am I that I knew nothing of this adventure as I myself was flown from the Northernmost part of Norway to dear old blighty via Oslo on Wednesday.
M

Rory: Finding a great place to sleep in your car in a city

nospam@example.com (Rory) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:05:34 +0100

James,

Lil bro seems to have a point...

Good to hear you're having a good time!

Rory

Lil bro: Finding a great place to sleep in your car in a city

nospam@example.com (Lil bro) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:19:59 +0100

Alternatively, If you've already experienced sleeping in a car for a few nights, find a nice little hotel, safe in the knowledge that you've ticked off that little box on "life's to-do list"...

GAJC: Since Saturday...

nospam@example.com (GAJC) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:05:14 +0100

Good lord, Mr. J! You certainly have been interfering with the natives. The mere concept of a gay bar made entirely of mirrors containing a shower makes me want to go and put on a vest and beat some hedgehogs to death with a shovel in a markedly heterosexual way. I am, however, pleased to hear that they still have horse-drawn conveyances for hire in Bordeaux. I had thought such things had died out long ago in favour of minicabs and the like. Very pleasing indeed, but a little worrying to hear that they refer to them with feminine nouns. Although you could, of course, have meant "handsome".
It seems that your sojourn in la belle France is going well, and you are certainly experiencing some excellent meteorological conditions for this time of year. I await the next instalment with eager anticipation, and a little trepidation.

GAJC: A view of Bordeaux, the summer's a-glow!

nospam@example.com (GAJC) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:10:08 +0100

I'm glad you didn't abandon Angoulême altogether. I was surprised when you declared it uninspiring in your previous post, but cheered up no end by your discovery of the quaint town centre, peopled by musical eclecticists. Bordeaux should be enough to keep even you occupied in various ways for a couple of days, but really, you should have reported back by now. You haven't been kidnapped by the locals and forced to take part in a ritual gréve, have you...?

Manda: A view of Bordeaux, the summer's a-glow!

nospam@example.com (Manda) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:43:57 +0100

Errrr... James? Think we're due an update! I'm feeling a bit like a soap addict who has just found a blank screen on TV instead of Hollyoaks. Hope you're well, bro! xxxx