[clug] [OT] why "Do Not Call" register?

[Michael Cohen]

On Thu, Aug 23, 2007 at 10:31:55AM +1000, Robert Edwards wrote:
> Seems to me that the "Do Not Call" register (in the news recently
> because some naughty phone marketer is ignoring it) is set up all
> wrong.

Seems to me that nuisance calls are just like spam email, its difficult
to stop them. Phone call charges these days are so cheap (the call
itself is free and the indian on the other end costs a few dollars/hour)
that the cost of mass calling makes it more attractive (just like how
spam works vs the cost of mass mailing). If only a few % were to buy
what you are selling, it makes it worthwhile.

I wonder if it would be easier to make it more complex for telemarketers
- while lowering the cost for those who you do want to talk to. For
  exmaple, set up asterix to say something along the lines of "To talk
to Michael please press 1", and then ring. I dont think many
telemarketers would bother (heck - many customers of banks, etc dont
bother with that sort of thing).

Just an idea,
Michael.