Public Service Announcement - How To Deal With Campaign Workers

[Least Original User Name Ever]

If you get a phone call or someone knocks at your door asking for your feelings and which person you prefer in a race, just answer the question.

If you don't answer the question, you'll get called until you do, or until you ask to get off their list.

[t-bonham@scc.net]

Least is completely right. (Except about asking to get off the list -- the list is that of voters, so you are already on it to stay.)

After all, it takes less time to just answer their questions, and then they will stop calling (until the night before the election, when they will remind you of that). Frankly, it's a little flattering that they included you in the small group to be pursued so ardently.

[aruvqan]

And my response will ALWAYS be that I have a right to vote in private, and my decision on who/what to vote for in the upcoming election is *private* and will stay *private* and I will *not* tell anybody including my husband what my voting history is or will be, and that they can make a notation *not* to come around again asking as I will *not* answer and it is a waste of their time. I have all the political people in my town conditioned not to bother knocking on my door.

[t-bonham@scc.net]

Originally Posted by aruvqan

And my response will ALWAYS be that I have a right to vote in private, and my decision on who/what to vote for in the upcoming election is *private* and will stay *private* and I will *not* tell anybody including my husband what my voting history is or will be, and that they can make a notation *not* to come around again asking as I will *not* answer and it is a waste of their time. I have all the political people in my town conditioned not to bother knocking on my door.

Guess I've never been that ashamed of who I was voting for.
Heck, I usually have yard signs or bumper stickers for them.

[flickster]

an automatic, "Remove me from your call list"

[MsRobyn]

Originally Posted by aruvqan

And my response will ALWAYS be that I have a right to vote in private, and my decision on who/what to vote for in the upcoming election is *private* and will stay *private* and I will *not* tell anybody including my husband what my voting history is or will be, and that they can make a notation *not* to come around again asking as I will *not* answer and it is a waste of their time. I have all the political people in my town conditioned not to bother knocking on my door.

But don't waste five or ten minutes of some poor pollster's time lecturing them about your right to vote privately. Just say, "I'm not interested; please don't contact me again."

[aruvqan]

Originally Posted by t-bonham@scc.net

Guess I've never been that ashamed of who I was voting for.
Heck, I usually have yard signs or bumper stickers for them.

The political sign that I put in my yard at voting time has a picture of Chief Tammany, and words stating Tammany: Vote Early, Vote Often!

I don't care how popular or unpopular the candidates I plan on voting for are, I have absolutely no interest in informing people of my choices. I have seen more arguments over religion and politics. I am not playing that game.

[Steve MB]

Originally Posted by MsRobyn

But don't waste five or ten minutes of some poor pollster's time

Eh -- they waste my time; I waste their time. Usually I just put the phone down and let the cat talk to them if he's so inclined.

[furt]

Originally Posted by MsRobyn

But don't waste five or ten minutes of some poor pollster's time lecturing them about your right to vote privately. Just say, "I'm not interested; please don't contact me again."

Why not? They felt free to waste aruvqan's time by calling in the first place.

Personally, I prefer to get myself put in the "insane" file: "I'll be voting Obama because I am a pro-life, opposed to Affirmative Action and want to start WWIII, just like him. Also, the gremlins told me to."

[Chronos]

Usually I just put the phone down and let the cat talk to them if he's so inclined.

That's what I used to do when a caller asked for the "head of the household".

[zoog]

I love Caller ID - if I don't recognize the number, it goes to the machine. Even more so during an election season. If they come to my door, they get a very curt "I'm not interested" and a door shut in their face. Pollsters, religious folks, sales, I couldn't even tell you what they were there for. The conversation doesn't last long enough.

[Pleonast]

Originally Posted by zoog

I love Caller ID - if I don't recognize the number, it goes to the machine. Even more so during an election season. If they come to my door, they get a very curt "I'm not interested" and a door shut in their face. Pollsters, religious folks, sales, I couldn't even tell you what they were there for. The conversation doesn't last long enough.

Yep, that's exactly what I do on all accounts and I don't feel bad about doing it.

Although, when Arnold was doing robo-calling, I would always listen instead of insta-deleting the message. It was just so cool to hear his voice on my answering machine.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Originally Posted by Pleonast

Yep, that's exactly what I do on all accounts and I don't feel bad about doing it.

Although, when Arnold was doing robo-calling, I would always listen instead of insta-deleting the message. It was just so cool to hear his voice on my answering machine.

That doesn't stop the calls, though. Again, it's much easier to just say who you're voting for or just to ask to be taken off the list.

furt, the reason is just extra. Your declaration of whom you're voting for is more than enough.

[gonzomax]

They are not interested in your personal feelings. They are compiling statistics and trends. Don't take everything so personal.

[AirFarce1]

Originally Posted by MsRobyn

But don't waste five or ten minutes of some poor pollster's time lecturing them about your right to vote privately. Just say, "I'm not interested; please don't contact me again."

At least when I keep them on the phone for 10-15 minutes, they're not bothering someone else, like LOUNE

[Pleonast]

Originally Posted by Least Original User Name Ever

That doesn't stop the calls, though. Again, it's much easier to just say who you're voting for or just to ask to be taken off the list.

Eh, the calls stop by themselves. I can't say they bother me much.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Originally Posted by Pleonast

Eh, the calls stop by themselves. I can't say they bother me much.

Well, then answer the questions quickly and promptly.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Least Original User Name Ever

Well, then answer the questions quickly and promptly.

Fuck that. DON'T ANSWER THE QUESTION. The ubiqitous use of polling (and push polls in particular) is a large part of the downward spiral of politics in this country. Maybe if we all band together and deny them their poll data, politicians and parties will have to go back to, you know, telling us what THEY believe, instead of what their polls tell them we want to hear.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Fuck that. DON'T ANSWER THE QUESTION. The ubiqitous use of polling (and push polls in particular) is a large part of the downward spiral of politics in this country. Maybe if we all band together and deny them their poll data, politicians and parties will have to go back to, you know, telling us what THEY believe, instead of what their polls tell them we want to hear.

You've got it all wrong. You get asked these questions so time doesn't get wasted. In a campaign, there's only so much time and only so much money to go around. If you get a call, it's because there's a reason. You might have donated money, you might have some kind of demographic that some candidate thinks that you're supportive of them or their issue or so forth. You're talking about polling. I'm talking about people volunteering/working for a campaign, making calls or knocking on your door because you're a targeted individual and because they want to get your feelings on the candidate/issue.

[Paul in Qatar]

"Sorry, I can't vote, convicted felon."

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Originally Posted by Paul in Qatar

"Sorry, I can't vote, convicted felon."

Nice try, but in Michigan, you can vote, Mr. Felon.

It's like a kid trying to pile lie up on top of lie, where if they just say what's expected or even known, life becomes much easier.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Least Original User Name Ever

I'm talking about people volunteering/working for a campaign, making calls or knocking on your door because you're a targeted individual and because they want to get your feelings on the candidate/issue.

If I'm that valuable, then they can pay me for my time.

[t-bonham@scc.net]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

If I'm that valuable, then they can pay me for my time.

That is illegal in Florida. And in most states.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Originally Posted by t-bonham@scc.net

That is illegal in Florida. And in most states.

Right. Buying votes is frowned upon.

Again, we're quickly approaching the point where it takes more time to whine about the process than to actually do it and be done with it.*





*Battleground states in hotly-contested elections notwithstanding. I know, you get pummeled by calls. Again, it's the nature of the beast. All parties want to get the questions finished and done accurately and quickly.

[MsRobyn]

Originally Posted by Steve MB

Eh -- they waste my time; I waste their time. Usually I just put the phone down and let the cat talk to them if he's so inclined.

For what it's worth, I told the local Organizing for America group to bugger off. I'm not willing to waste four hours every week calling people who don't want to be called and being abused for the privilege.

[Oakminster]

Originally Posted by Least Original User Name Ever

I'm talking about people volunteering/working for a campaign, making calls or knocking on your door because you're a targeted individual and because they want to get your feelings on the candidate/issue.

They can want whatever the Hell they want. I am not obligated to give it to them, and if they happen to catch me in a bad mood, they'll get an earful. Once they intrude into my space, they get whatever I feel like dishing out. I'll at the very least be sure to say plenty of insulting things about whatever candidate they're supporting.

[gonzomax]

Originally Posted by Oakminster

They can want whatever the Hell they want. I am not obligated to give it to them, and if they happen to catch me in a bad mood, they'll get an earful. Once they intrude into my space, they get whatever I feel like dishing out. I'll at the very least be sure to say plenty of insulting things about whatever candidate they're supporting.

Yes indeed, what a fine maturity that shows. Unloading in someone because you are in a bad mood. What do you have against manners? These people want something from me, not only am I not going to provide it, I will abuse them for asking.
I can be polite and say "no thanks ,I am not interested in participating".

[Oakminster]

Originally Posted by gonzomax

[
Yes indeed, what a fine maturity that shows. Unloading in someone because you are in a bad mood. What do you have against manners? These people want something from me, not only am I not going to provide it, I will abuse them for asking.
I can be polite and say "no thanks ,I am not interested in participating".

I got nothing against manners. In fact, I find it damned rude to intrude into my life with bullshit. Political bullshit, sales bullshit, poll bullshit, it's all bullshit. If you don't want to get bit, don't rattle my damn cage.

[Pleonast]

Originally Posted by Least Original User Name Ever

Well, then answer the questions quickly and promptly.

Or, I can ignore them and not be bothered at all.

[t-bonham@scc.net]

Originally Posted by Pleonast

Or, I can ignore them and not be bothered at all.

Except that, as several posters have pointed out, they will keep calling you until you stop ignoring them.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by gonzomax

Yes indeed, what a fine maturity that shows. Unloading in someone because you are in a bad mood. What do you have against manners? These people want something from me, not only am I not going to provide it, I will abuse them for asking.
I can be polite and say "no thanks ,I am not interested in participating".

I want you to send me $100. NOW or I'm going to continue bugging you until you send it to me. After all, you have an internet connection, I must have some right to bug you for time or money, right?

[gonzomax]

Originally Posted by Oakminster

I got nothing against manners. In fact, I find it damned rude to intrude into my life with bullshit. Political bullshit, sales bullshit, poll bullshit, it's all bullshit. If you don't want to get bit, don't rattle my damn cage.

Apparently you and manners are strangers. Your childish temper is nothing to proclaim.

[Pleonast]

Originally Posted by t-bonham@scc.net

Except that, as several posters have pointed out, they will keep calling you until you stop ignoring them.

And as I stated before, ignoring calls does not bother me. That's the whole point of caller ID and an answering machine; ignoring calls is simple and painless.

[Civil Guy]

I'm sorry, I don't have time to talk to you.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by gonzomax

Apparently you and manners are strangers. Your childish temper is nothing to proclaim.

Hey gonzomax, where's my $100?

[gonzomax]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Hey gonzomax, where's my $100?

Do you really think that is the same thing? I do not.

[Zakalwe]

Well of course I don't think it's the same thing, but it's based on the same principle.

I have a phone line. I pay for it. I have it for my convenience. Okay so far?

Now. Some people have decided that because I have a phone line, it's in THEIR interest to call me on it. Repeatedly. Seeking information that is valuable to them. Yet they offer me no compensation for providing this valuable service. In fact, providing this service actually COSTS me time. Still okay?

You're saying that we should just give in since it's easier to spend the time satsifying them than it is to continually frustrate their desire to spend my time. Agreed?

You have an internet connection and I've decided that it's in my interest for you to pay me $100. Now you have a decision to make. Is it going to be easier to give me the $100 or to keep ignoring my requests? Because I will keep it up until you do.*

Now do you see the similarity? It's hyperbole to ask for $100 rather than 5 minutes of your time, but the point is to emphasize the principle.

*Not really of course, I have no intention of cyber-stalking you here or anywhere else.

[Really Not All That Bright]

I hope none of you people bitching about getting campaign calls have the temerity to complain about your elected officials. After all, if you don't have the time to tell them what you want, you can hardly blame them for listening to the people who do.

[Pleonast]

Originally Posted by Really Not All That Bright

I hope none of you people bitching about getting campaign calls have the temerity to complain about your elected officials. After all, if you don't have the time to tell them what you want, you can hardly blame them for listening to the people who do.

That does follow. If I want to say something to someone who I elected, I'll send them a paper letter or call their office. They chose that position, they must expect unsolicited opinions. That should not give them any expectation that a random constituent will want to answer unsolicited questions.

And of course, we all have the right to complain about our elected officials to whoever is willing to listen, regardless of what we do or do not otherwise do.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Really Not All That Bright

I hope none of you people bitching about getting campaign calls have the temerity to complain about your elected officials. After all, if you don't have the time to tell them what you want, you can hardly blame them for listening to the people who do.

This is exactly what I DON'T want. This is a goddamn representative democracy. I want them to tell ME what they're going to do. Then I'll vote for them or not. If I wanted a fucking windsock in office I'd elect Rasmussen.

[gonzomax]

Not a windsock. They actually want input to see what the people want. That does not make it policy. It is seeking information to make an intelligent decision. Politicians want their constituents to call and email them, but very few do. So they have people call to get more input. They are not trying to ruin your life with horrible and deadly intrusions. They are just trying to see what matters to you. If you enjoy taking out you anger and demonstrate your rudeness on people you do not know, instead of putting your views forth to those who can actually implement them, have at it. But don't bitch because you don't seem to be represented. You passed your chance up to let the pols know what matters to you be a jerk instead.

[Oakminster]

Gonzo, you're ignoring the provocation. I do not bother other people. Hell, I go out of my way to avoid bothering others most of the time. I will not knock on your door, call you on the phone, or send you junk mail. I expect you (generic) to do the same for me.

[Snowboarder Bo]

Originally Posted by Oakminster

Gonzo, you're ignoring the provocation. I do not bother other people. Hell, I go out of my way to avoid bothering others most of the time. I will not knock on your door, call you on the phone, or send you junk mail. I expect you (generic) to do the same for me.

You'll act like that until something comes up that you think is important enough to justify knocking on people's doors or calling them to make them aware of your issue, I'm sure.

It's all "a bother" until it's something people care about, then it's just "doing the right thing".

[Snowboarder Bo]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Now. Some people have decided that because I have a phone line, it's in THEIR interest to call me on it. Repeatedly. Seeking information that is valuable to them. Yet they offer me no compensation for providing this valuable service. In fact, providing this service actually COSTS me time. Still okay?

Nope. Stop hyperventilating for a second and make some sense.

No one who you have already talked to would call you again for those same opinions, would they?

So the "repeatedly" part of your annoyance is only that your phone rings. If you'd answer it and tell them something, anything, they wouldn't have to call your number anymore. They could check it off their list, even if all you said was "up yours I'm not interested" or "I'm still voting for Dewey!"

And if you don't see any value in your elected officials, and even the candidates, knowing what's on their constituents minds, then I'd say you have a long way to go to understanding what a participatory democratic republic should look and act like.

[Steve MB]

Originally Posted by gonzomax

Politicians want their constituents to call and email them, but very few do.

Those few are a reasonably good sampling of the voters who actually give much of a damn about this or that issue.

So they have people call to get more input. They are not trying to ruin your life with horrible and deadly intrusions. They are just trying to see what matters to you.

Nine out of ten times, by the time I've handed to call off to the cat, I've also ascertained that the "poll" is a push poll designed to generate a faux popular mandate for a predetermined position, not an attempt to ascertain existing public opinion.

[gonzomax]

Calling a person to give them an opportunity to have their voice heard is not provocation. It can be argued that you are lucky someone asked for your input. They don't call everybody. Those who get called get stronger representation than those who hang up or don't get called.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Originally Posted by Steve MB

Those few are a reasonably good sampling of the voters who actually give much of a damn about this or that issue.

Nine out of ten times, by the time I've handed to call off to the cat, I've also ascertained that the "poll" is a push poll designed to generate a faux popular mandate for a predetermined position, not an attempt to ascertain existing public opinion.

Not talking about polling. I'm concerned more with campaign calls from candidates seeking support.