It's Just A Messaging Service (Part 5)

Since I quit my job it’s probably going to be considerably difficult to write an up-to-date blog about the happenings at a messaging service. I figured I better write down my memories of working there while they are fresh and before I seek counselling. I estimate there will be another three/four blogs regarding the calls I had to endure for a year and half. When I finish I’ll just find something else to complain about.

13. ‘Put me through to voicemail…’  Despite every caller being told that it’s just a messaging service some people continue to be baffled by the concept. Most people would say they understand how it works then asked to be put through to voice mail or asked me repeatedly if I was an answering machine.

After the usual greeting this is how the conversation went…

Caller: is this answering machine?

Me: it’s a messaging service

Caller: so you’re a machine…

Me: no I’m a person

Caller: oh, can you put me through to voicemail?

Me: I can’t but I can take the message and get them to call you back if you like?

Caller: so you’re an answering machine?

Me: it’s a messaging service.

Caller: you’re no use to me *hangs up*

14.  Sometimes explaining things doesn’t help.

Me: Your name, number and message please?

Caller: where’s Tom?

Me: it’s a message service

Caller: so you don’t know where he is?

Me: no sorry I don’t. I don’t actually know Tom, it’s just his answering service. I take messages and send them to his phone so I don’t actually know him.

Caller: oh alright…is he in Melbourne?

Me: yeah I don’t know.

14. Zero is the number. We are told to repeat all numbers. Zero is the number. O is a letter. They are different.

Me: what was your number there?

Caller: oh, three, three…

Me: so zero, three, three…

Caller: No! No! NO! It’s oh, three, three.

Me: alright.