It got me thinking about how much solicitation I field every week by well-intentioned marketers trying to make a buck. I am not opposed to being asked to buy a service or membership, but I also don’t hesitate to say “no” to something I don’t want or will ever need. Free consultation for new windows? No thanks, I’m good. Set of kid-friendly encyclopedias? Nope. I got internet. Eighteen-pack of microwave popcorn? Not today, but you’re getting closer.
On a good day, I feel proud and accomplished when I get asked to participate in or purchase so many things. They want me! They really do! They need my business! I am doing my part to keep the economy going! I actually have some power here! On a bad day, I want to crush the solicitor’s soul with a snide comment, fistfight, or just plain old rude hang-up.
This was a bad day.
Of course I didn’t have anyone to rail against right in front of me, so I did what any sane person would do: I called AARP. I wanted to know just exactly WHY I was sent such a hateful letter, one which threw me into such a fit of denial and indignant disbelief. Mostly, I wanted to stop any and all future solicitations to their one-foot-in-the-grave association. I called the toll-free number on the offensive correspondence and hit all the appropriate buttons on the telephone (very few, it turns out) to get to a “live” customer service agent to give the poor unfortunate soul a piece of my very young mind.
But what in the world am I buying that puts me on a shortcut to Old Timeyville?
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