How come providers don't answer calls?

[marylander1940]

7 hours ago, d.anders said:

The question isn't necessarily about "answering" a ringing phone, it's about returning or acknowledging a customer's contact. At least that's how I see it. I find it hard to believe that anyone would expect a busy massage therapist, a doctor, a hairdresser, or a nail salon technician to readily be available to take calls while they are working on customers. However, I do have to laugh when I read about guys here who go to the HE types and complain they were on their cell phones during the service.

 

Yes, they can't always answer the phone or reply to a text message on time but eventually they'll have free time to do it without engaging in endless texting. I know folks that even during an overnight they go to the bathroom and reply "I'm busy tonight, I'll text you tomorrow". 

 

8 hours ago, d.anders said:

 

Millions of Americans do not have $400 for an emergency, probably because they are paying $400 a month for their smartphone bill, and they are addicted. They complain about $7 eggs but cannot give up their phone addiction.

 

$400 a month in phone bill seems exaggerated with so many plans that we have nowadays. If someone pays that much he should simply talk to friends or google to find a reasonable price. 

8 hours ago, d.anders said:

 

My days of caring about modernity are gone, except when it comes to my health care. I recently had a stand-up MRI, and I was thrilled by the ease of service. I ended my Cable TV service during Covid, and I thought that would surely be the end for me. It wasn't. Apart from my age and my health concerns, I've never been happier. My flip-phone service only costs me $100 a year. Considering I rarely use it, or remember to turn it on, I still think I'm overpaying for a cell phone. LOL.

Actually Covid-19 was a good time to enjoy modernity, specially things like zoom, streaming, etc.

A flip-phone phone is good but not for Uber, google maps, and other apps about transportation that have improved our lives.

Try YouTube and Pluto TV, they're free and plenty of have plenty of free movies. 

[+ ApexNomad]

26 minutes ago, marylander1940 said:

Yes, they can't always answer the phone or reply to a text message on time but eventually they'll have free time to do it without engaging in endless texting. I know folks that even during an overnight they go to the bathroom and reply "I'm busy tonight, I'll text you tomorrow". 

 

$400 a month in phone bill seems exaggerated with so many plans that we have nowadays. If someone pays that much he should simply talk to friends or google to find a reasonable price. 

Actually Covid-19 was a good time to enjoy modernity, specially things like zoom, streaming, etc.

A flip-phone phone is good but not for Uber, google maps, and other apps about transportation that have improved our lives.

Try YouTube and Pluto TV, they're free and plenty of have plenty of free movies. 

Pluto TV has Dynasty. 

[+ ApexNomad]

31 minutes ago, marylander1940 said:

Yes, they can't always answer the phone or reply to a text message on time but eventually they'll have free time to do it without engaging in endless texting. I know folks that even during an overnight they go to the bathroom and reply "I'm busy tonight, I'll text you tomorrow". 

 

$400 a month in phone bill seems exaggerated with so many plans that we have nowadays. If someone pays that much he should simply talk to friends or google to find a reasonable price. 

Actually Covid-19 was a good time to enjoy modernity, specially things like zoom, streaming, etc.

A flip-phone phone is good but not for Uber, google maps, and other apps about transportation that have improved our lives.

Try YouTube and Pluto TV, they're free and plenty of have plenty of free movies. 

The writing here is just superb. The level of shade, as the young ones call it, is a different level. This scene never grows old.
 

 

[d.anders]

50 minutes ago, marylander1940 said:

A flip-phone phone is good but not for Uber

I've never needed to order an Uber. I thought the gays banned Uber? All is forgiven now? LOL. Can't afford those rides. Can no longer afford NYC taxis. The ever-rising maintenance payment on the co-op is killing me.

Like I said, I'm not a phone guy. My flip-phone works for emergencies. I'm glad every guy has his face in a phone. It gives me chance to stare longer without anyone noticing.

[mike carey]

The word of the day for 19 Feb 25 is 'antediluvian'!

[Oakman]

This entire thread: “Why doesn’t my Victrola gramophone play podcasts when I wind it up?” 

[d.anders]

9 hours ago, Oakman said:

Why doesn’t my Victrola gramophone play podcasts when I wind it up

I do hate that Apple killed iTunes, and the iPod. Dealing with music sucks now.

[KeepItReal]

8 hours ago, d.anders said:

I do hate that Apple killed iTunes, and the iPod. Dealing with music sucks now.

I don't know what you mean. My iTunes and iPod works just fine. I see iTunes updates being downloaded all the time and all my music is still there.

[d.anders]

15 hours ago, KeepItReal said:

I don't know what you mean. My iTunes and iPod works just fine.

Better not upgrade your equipment. iTunes was finally discontinued for new Mac computers in 2019. iTunes only works now with older Operating Systems. My former Apple machines died, and I was more-or-less forced to upgrade. There went iTunes. There went the iPod. There went all the music I purchased on iTunes. There went all the days and hours I spent making Playlists. Apple ruined my music hobby, which I treasured. Now I hate Apple. (The hate has been developing for a very long time.) 

Some guys here love to praise the merits of modernity and new tech. I was there once. After you get beat down by expensive tech changes, and you begin to lose a lot of meaningful stuff, after spending lots of money and time, the attitude can change. I no longer want to be owned by a tech company. I want to give as little money and time to them as possible. I know it may be difficult moving forward, but my hate fuels my determination.

I'm sorry if folks think this thread went off-topic, but, with talking about texting, it all seems quite relevant to me.

[+ ApexNomad]

I can’t believe this thread is 3 pages. Why don’t they pick up? BECAUSE THEY’RE BUSY! Either with a client, buying groceries, or taking a shit. If they don’t pick up and you feel so aggrieved, find another one.

[mike carey]

2 minutes ago, ApexNomad said:

I can’t believe this thread is 3 pages. Why don’t they pick up? BECAUSE THEY’RE BUSY! Either with a client, buying groceries, or taking a shit. If they don’t pick up and you feel so aggrieved, find another one.

GASP! Cutting to the chase, careful or you'll be declared PNG. [No, not the country.]

[ericwinters]

44 minutes ago, d.anders said:

Better not upgrade your equipment. iTunes was finally discontinued for new Mac computers in 2019. iTunes only works now with older Operating Systems. My former Apple machines died, and I was more-or-less forced to upgrade. There went iTunes. There went the iPod. There went all the music I purchased on iTunes. There went all the days and hours I spent making Playlists. Apple ruined my music hobby, which I treasured. Now I hate Apple. (The hate has been developing for a very long time.) 

Some guys here love to praise the merits of modernity and new tech. I was there once. After you get beat down by expensive tech changes, and you begin to lose a lot of meaningful stuff, after spending lots of money and time, the attitude can change. I no longer want to be owned by a tech company. I want to give as little money and time to them as possible. I know it may be difficult moving forward, but my hate fuels my determination.

I'm sorry if folks think this thread went off-topic, but, with talking about texting, it all seems quite relevant to me.

Agreed. I turned away from apple when my 64gig ipod failed and I lost hours and hours of ripped music. 

[studchaser]

Depending on the scene a provider offers(domination etc) alot of clients can get free kicks just talking to the prospective provider without ever intending to meet. Texts keeps the convo streamlined with a record of wxpectations and things agreed to/not agreed to. 

 

Also some providers are not open about this so you may be calling them around family/friends/co workers etc so once again text is more convenient.

[ReynST]

On 2/18/2025 at 3:46 PM, d.anders said:

 ... Can't afford those rides. Can no longer afford NYC taxis. The ever-rising maintenance payment on the co-op is killing me.

...

Just out of curiosity, how much do you typically expect to pay a provider?

[d.anders]

13 hours ago, ReynST said:

Just out of curiosity, how much do you typically expect to pay a provider?

I no longer have expectations. I'm at the age when you learn to expect "no thanks," and everything else becomes a surprise. A lot of younger guys don't want to deal with old men on a budget. The reality is not fun for me, but I get it. There was a time in my bathhouse days when I ignored older men. I've learned to send photos. If one can accept the visuals, and respect the gesture, then we move on to price. I wish I didn't have to negotiate, but it is what it is. Luckily for me, I've always found someone willing to accommodate. For whatever reason, I can still catch a straight guy with an open mind, and talk him into reducing his price. If you have talent for pleasing another man, I can still be a good, loyal customer. If I found the right guy, I would deny myself some other small pleasure to make the service work within my budget.

[LookingAround]

To answer the OP question why don't providers answer phone calls? Because it's 2025 and no one talks on the phone anymore. Too many nuts call for kicks and are time wasters. Get down to business with a text. 

[Lotus-eater]

On 2/18/2025 at 2:02 PM, d.anders said:

I suppose the day will come when flip-phones will no longer be manufactured, then I will have no choice. Maybe then the iPhone will be available with pre-pay, since I absolutely do not want a monthly plan.

It's pretty common for flip phones to have basic texting.

You can also match your current $100/year with discount cell providers like Tello ($9/month) and US Mobile ($96/year prepaid) if you only get 1-2GB of data per month.

[d.anders]

3 hours ago, Lotus-eater said:

It's pretty common for flip phones to have basic texting.

Yes, one can text on my flip phone. I was shown once how to do it, and I nearly threw the phone in the street. My fingers and small keys don't work.

3 hours ago, Lotus-eater said:

You can also match your current $100/year with discount cell providers like Tello ($9/month) and US Mobile ($96/year prepaid) if you only get 1-2GB of data per month.

My flip phone service is surprisingly good. I fear switching providers. I also don't want to lose all my built up credits.

[Rod Hagen]

All of you are wrong about your preferences, phone is better because it's faster and all questions are answered at once AND  importantly with CarPlay you can keep driving, and with AirPod Pros your hands are free for putting away groceries, maybe sweeping the kitchen, or petting a dog, or texting other people.

All of you are not wrong about the fact that despite me being right, phone calls are dead.

[Jiminy]

I never answer calls anymore because of scams. All it takes is one answer for them to start bombarding me with more calls because they know from that one interaction that the number is legit. It's also a nuisance stopping what you're doing to give your attention to a call. Would you want someone in a middle of a session with you to stop what they're doing to answer someone else's call?

While I agree it's easier for a transaction to be done over the phone, I think this mostly works for companies with call centers who are designed to answer calls.

Texting is better IMO because it adds a layer of privacy and you have the option to reply at your leisure. Sure it's not fun to wait for a reply but I think that the fact that I didn't get a reply for a while means it's not worth pursuing. It's also easier to filter yourself through text.

 

[ReynST]

I don't answer calls from numbers I don't know. ... My phone won't even ring for them.

If you need to speak, please text me and ask if it's okay to call

[d.anders]

3 hours ago, ReynST said:

I don't answer calls from numbers I don't know.

That only works up to a point. I have caller I.D. too, and boy do I use it. However, a lot of heath care providers are calling from a cell phone these days, and you can't predict how that number will appear on the cell's screen. There is often no name attached. The last thing I want to do is miss a call from one of my doctors or their assistants. I also can't afford to miss a call from a government agency or a goddamned insurance company. Wait until you need someone, and you have to sit on hold for over an hour before they pick up. Pure torture.

There is no easy, simple answer anymore because this issue inevitably is about time and money. Most of us realists know that many guys in the biz don't take the business seriously at all. They're in it for a minute, or completely on their own terms. They don't care about a customer. They don't want to spend one minute more on the business than they have to. They just want extra money, and they want it easy, as little effort or investment as possible.

I prefer the privacy and convenience of email, but that is growing more and more complicated. Not only do you need an internet connection, you have to create an account. Many of the popular services are now requiring I.D. confirmation, which makes it difficult to create an alias account. It's also an extra step. With the end of privacy, and respect for it, and the growing cost of internet hosting ads, it's difficult to imagine where this business is headed.