Digital Life: Revisiting the value of voice mail
Paste BN columnist Steven Petrow offers advice about digital etiquette.
Two weeks ago, I responded to a letter writer who asked, "Why don't people listen to their voice mail anymore? Some messages are just too long or important to communicate in a text." My answer: "Unless you're my mom or dad, or you're one of my two friends without a smartphone, I really, really do not want to listen to a long-winded voice mail from you."
As soon as my answer was published I started hearing from readers. While many of you agreed with my advice, just as many didn't — and I sure got an earful. Well, not really an earful, since you all e-mailed me — but my inbox overflowed with your angry missives.
Let me apologize. I noted in my answer that the topic was a "hot button" for me and indeed it is; but according to many of you the tone of my advice was "condescending" and "rude." I hear you and I'm sorry.
Several of you also went to great lengths to explain to me why you disagree. Here are some of your e-mails:
• "We have old, old flip cell phones, (+ no signal where we live). No way am I going to text anyone, just takes way to long. Call me old fashion, but I want and will leave voice mail."
• "You can't leave a text message on a business phone."
• "I don't have time to text complex messages. I totally disagree with you. This is just inconsiderate and fits with where society is headed and you are enabling them."
Ouch!
Still, many of you, like this fellow, wrote to say that you agree with me:
• "You nailed it my man! I have recited those exact reasons and surprisingly others still leave voice mail. But what struck home the most was your accurate portrayal of the obstacles in leaving/retrieving a voice mail."
In my defense, I also noted this point in my original answer: "If you have friends or family members who aren't members of the digerati, call their landline and leave a voice message." So now, I'll amend my advice this way: Communicate with people in the manner they prefer. It's more polite and you're more likely to get a response.
Finally, among your e-mails, this one is my favorite: "I agree (with you), but I still love the voices of my sweet, young grandchildren singing 'happy birthday' to me. Cannot get that in a text." Well, said, Grandma.
Agree or disagree with my advice? Let me know in the comments section.
Submit your question to Steven at stevenpetrow@earthlink.net. You can also follow Steven on Twitter: @StevenPetrow. Or like him on Facebook at facebook.com/stevenpetrow.