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Why does it take so long to leave a voicemail?

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Has anyone noticed that the standard greetings on voicemails are getting longer and longer?

What happened to the good old days when voicemail greetings were like this:
You have reached "XXX-XXX-XXXX". Please leave a message. [BEEP!]

This is an example of one voicemail greeting I painfully listened to recently:
You have reached "XXX-XXX-XXXX". The person you are calling is not available. If you would like to leave your call back number press 5. If you would like to page this person press 9. At the tone, please record your message. When you are finished recording you may hang up or press # for more options. [BEEP!].

Do people really need detailed instructions everytime they want to leave a voicemail? It seems like people need instructions on how to use an answering machine about as much as they need instructions on how to put on a pair of socks. Almost everyone knows how to do it. I agree that usablility is important but all of the different options being explicitly laid out to me each time I want to leave a message seems like overkill.

How much time everyday do you waste listening to the options on how you can leave someone a voicemail? I would guess that I lose a minute a day to this. Over the year that adds up to 6 hours I cant get back.

Does anyone actually use any of the options that are given by these greetings or do most people just wait through the entire greeting and just say a few quick words?

Thoughts on this?

Comments

  • Anonymous
    September 13, 2005
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    September 13, 2005
    Don’t forget to add to that the issues with those who do not know how to set it up well. Far too many people I know have messages that sound like “Hi this is ____ I’m not around, leave me a message and I’ll get back to you <click> Is not available. To leave a voice message, press 1 now, to leave a numeric page, press two now.”

  • Anonymous
    September 13, 2005
    I actually once heard a voicemail that was very brief, how did they get this?? It just said, this is __________ name and please leave a message.
    Help me get this on my phone, thanks.

  • Anonymous
    February 06, 2008
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    September 18, 2008
    Great post, really helped me understand, thanks!

  • Anonymous
    October 15, 2008
    Really great information, has given me an idea for a blog of my friends.

  • Anonymous
    October 16, 2008
    The thing is this just doesn't really do it for me, prefer something a little less... mainstream.

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  • Anonymous
    February 10, 2009
    after the patch it worked just fine.

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    October 05, 2009
    Operator from T-Mobile called and offered me a FREE DISPOSABLE CELL PHONE for 6 months. My friend and cousin both call the number and were able to get the same deal. (no strings attached) it really works. Apparently they want you to give the free number out to your friends so you will sign up after 6 months but you can also let it expire w/ no out of pocket cost. TRY IT while the promotion last. CALL 386-848-8837.