FREEDOM from The Phone
I’ve never liked the phone, ever since my first job was answering one at a travel agency. My last business had 10,000 customers so the phones were busy. Luckily the business was also very profitable, so I had plenty of staff to answer them for me.
Phones are unnatural forms of communication, body-language is completely eliminated. But my main gripe against the phone is that they prevent productive work. You have no control over when the phone will ring, and when they do, it will interrupt whatever you are doing in the real world.
I dislike the phone so much that when my previous business was left with only one full-time employee, I didn’t want to have to answer it, and closed the business down.
My home phone is now very quiet in comparison, but the few calls I receive are usually unwanted sales calls. I have always been ex-directory, but I have put a phone/fax number on all my websites…….
I have had a moment of inspiration this morning…..I don’t have to answer it!
I have an answer phone, so if anyone wants to get in touch with me they can leave a message.
Even better, I don’t have to hear the phone ringing!
I discovered that the answerphone works even when I unplug the phone. Great !! Total silence if I want, though actually I prefer to have music or the radio playing all day.
I am in contact with most of my friends via Internet chess and fantasy football sites, so it won’t make any difference to them. If they’re really desperate to speak to me they can always use my mobile.
YIPPEEE !! ……INSTANT FREEDOM


Marathon Runner, Drinker and Artist, Blogging for Pleasure and Profit.
Hi John
Must be why you like cycling then! no phones just the noise of the trafic and mother nature!
Mobile phones are a bug bear in my business too1 always ring when your busy! I just use the excuse I couldnt here it because of the machinery I was using, then call back when I have some free time!
All the best
Nick
Peace and quiet is why I like cycling, running and walking Nick. I can't understand people who go for a walk in the countryside, and take their mobile phone with them!?? John[Reply]
Hi John, I like the new look to your posts. You can see more of them when you land and have the choice to continue reading or move onto the next post. Has it helped the bouncing?
Onto the phones: I thought i was the only one that didn’t like them, i’ll show this post to my wife and let her see that I’m not alone.
Unfortunatley with my mum being ill I can’t unplug them, in case of emergency. So i just have to try and work through them, but that is easier said than done.
Take care John,
Regards, Barry
I prefer the extracts as well Barry, thanks for the tip. Bit early to check the bounce rate, but it must improve.
JohnI think disliking phones is a 'Venus and Mars' thing. Women like talking, men don't.
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Hey John,
I agree with you wholeheartedly about unplugging phones.
After spending many years in the hotel business where we were forced to answer our phones 24/7, I am glad that our home phones seldom ring. I thought I was turning into a hermit but I see by your post that I’ll have company there, anyway.
Good to be able to read your thoughts, mister. Keep thinking and writing!
Barry Williams
I definitely think this is a male thing Barry. Let's face it, we just don't want to talk to anyone - especially complete strangers!
John[Reply]
Hi John,
It seems that we have something else in common. Although phones obviously have their benefits, they can be a bloody nuisance, especially when it’s a sales call.
Even though I am on the telephone preference service I still get these calls, especially from abroad, where the service doesn’t apply. They are trying to sell me holidays/property/investments. Sometimes I say, “sorry but I died 3 months ago” and some brain dead call centre staff even say “I’m sorry to hear that, sorry for troubling you”!
Others, I don’t even speak to, I just put the phone down.
Regards,
Bill
I was getting a lot of 'robot' voice calls, when I just put the phone down within the first second. But they had still disturbed my work for no purpose......... I didn't realise there were so many other anti-phone people like me!
John[Reply]
You bring up some interesting ideas and I can definitely use some of that. Keep up the good work!
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John McNally
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May 20th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
If you can effectively manage the phone, you gain a LOT of time.
John
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SomeThat’s helpful info tx. Anyone heard anything about a good search engine marketing firm that will not rip you off??? I have got so much SEO to do and no where near enough time….. Need to outsource!
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John McNally
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May 20th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
I prefer doing everything myself. I have more control – AND it’s cheaper!
…I recommend the website builder XSite Pro for SEO. It analyses your website, and produces a “To Do” report, to make it Google friendly.
John
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great post as usual!
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John McNally
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May 20th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Thanks Mark, Glad you liked it.
John
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This website post presented me a full load of thoughts, thanks for sharing
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It's a pleasure Issac. Glad you liked the post,
call back any time.John
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I am new to blogging and actually loved your site. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking you out. Thanks for sharing your blog.
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I hope the Panama family enjoy my new posts as well. Call again anytime.
John
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Bookmarked your website. Thank you for sharing. Definitely worth the time away from my workload.
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Almost anything is better than working!
John
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