As general rule of thumb, do you let other people make decisions for you?
I don't like it. I get this bristling feeling inside. Words start ricocheting around in my larynx. If I open my mouth, "You're not the boss of me!" will come out. It might spew forth with might or it might be barely audible. Invariably, I hear, "What did you say?" Experience kicks in at that point. I quickly evaluate the temper, power and size of the speaker and respond appropriately. You know, like, "I said, sounds good to me honey."
But you know what? I really don't like software that makes decisions. Earthlink is really irritating me. Earthlink has instituted a powerful blocking mechanism for its email subscribers. With the click of a keystroke, Earthlinkians can now say, I'm sorry Wayne, but I only accept mail from people I have approved." I'm a guy who likes approval - so I don't approve of this.
"You're not the boss of me!" It roared from my throat as though I had the power to type a lightning bolt through the keyboard. I hammer the keyboard expecting a non-lethal sort of tazing to zap this Earthlinian and gently tell them that I am a decent human being merely trying to help them. Of course, the fingers viciously drumming the keyboard have no power at all.
This is when you start talking to yourself. "I'm a hard working Realtor. I've helped a lot of people. I don't deserve to be treated this way." I'll let you in on a secret - Sales people are kinda' big into Pity Parties. I continue, "Lots of people are moving to the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. This year, Ann and I have helped people from Georgia, Tennesse, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and California. And we got to know them all through email. These Earthlinians would love me too - if they would just let us email them."
But nooo...with a keystroke Earthlinkians can activate software that decides to erase any evidence of my personality and expertise. I totally understand the need for Spam control. I use Norton to protect myself from the evil among us. I permit Norton to sequester suspicious email. I think everyone should do it. But I get to check those squestered emails before they are sentenced to the Black Hole of cyberspace...because occasionally, useful email gets tagged as evil.
My point: I decide.
The Earthlinkian automatically sends me an AutoResponse form. It is the most remedial of forms. "You visited our web site. We will send listings of homes in the Lake Norman area. Will you send us your criteria?" That's about all I can say in the form. Doesn't that sound warm and friendly?
Here's my plea; all you Earthlinkians, please re-take control of your email. When you decide to shop on the Internet (call it surfing if you want) for a Plasma TV, or a Chevy Blazer, or a home in the Charlotte area...of course sales people are going to contact you. They want to help you get what you want. Let our emails get through. If you don't see any value in our services, get rid of us.
Ann and I are easy to get rid of...just reply to our email and say, "Leave me alone." You'll never hear from us again. It's that easy. You can do it...you don't need Earthlink making all your email decisions.
Well, I gotta' go my wife just said, "One football game a week is plenty - you don't need to watch any more." "Hey, you're not the boss of me!" See it's easy to take control. "What did you say?" "I said, sounds good to me, honey."
Cya' when you are ready,
Wayne
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