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From: nam2254%dsacg2.dsac.dla.mil@dsac.dla.mil (Tom Ohmer)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: Answering Machine Messages
Message-ID: <11763@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 5 Sep 90 17:23:39 GMT
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Organization: Defense Logistics Agency Systems Automation Center, Columbus
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 622, Message 10 of 12


 From article <11671@accuvax.nwu.edu>, by wagner@utoday.com (Mitch
Wagner):

< In article <11620@accuvax.nwu.edu> Randal Schwartz <merlyn@iwarp.
< intel.com> writes:

< # If I'm a thief, I now know you probably aren't home, so I can
< # look up your address in the book, and rob you.

< VERY good point. I am changing my answering-machine message forthwith.

I did this, just the other day.  I NEVER pick up my phone when it
rings.  At home, that is.  My outgoing message used to be:

"Hello, you have reached 239-9519.  I'm either screening my calls, or
I just can't come to the phone right now.  After you hear the tone,
please leave your name, day and time of your call, and a message.  You
will have about 30 seconds.  Thank you."

Now it is:

"Hello, you have reached Tom at 9519 in Columbus.  When trying to get
me to answer your call if I am able, or when leaving a message,
include your name, as voices are not easy to identify on the answering
machine speaker.  Also, include the day and time.  Thank you."

I realize that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to spend a
little time and figure out what my full number is.  I'm just not
handing it out anymore.  Any comp.dcom.telecom.outgoing.message.gurus
care to improve on this?

Tom Ohmer @ Defense Logistics Agency Systems Automation Center,
            DSAC-AMB, Bldg. 27-6, P.O. Box 1605, Columbus, OH  43216-5002
UUCP: ...osu-cis!dsac!tohmer   INTERNET: tohmer@dsac.dla.mil
Phone: (614) 238-8059   AutoVoN: 850-8059   Disclaimer claimed


[Moderator's Note: How about this one for a succinct, to-the-point
announcement: "This is a recorded announcement. For your convenience,
this line is answered at all times by an answering machine. You will
never reach anyone direct at this number. At the tone, leave your
name, telephone number, a brief message and the time of day that you
called. If it is convenient for me, and I wish to do so, I will return
your call." Nothing left to the imagination, is there!  Another
machine here in Chicago I've called comes right to the point. It
answers, "You know what this is, what it is used for, and what to do
next." (Beep)   PAT]