It's no secret we live out in the boonies.  We have a house phone. Our phone allows for people to leave a message.  While not on a separate machine with a tape, it works just the same as Jim's did on the Rockford Files.  In order to hear the message, there is no need to phone anywhere, just press one button and listen.  Pete checks our phone periodically throughout the day for missed calls and messages. I love when messages are like the one Jim had here.  Concise information and enough detail you don't have to call back unless you happen to want to.

Then there is voicemail, which is on every cell phone and many home phone services.  All of these devices that have voicemail, also tell you when you've missed a call.  I hate voicemail!  If I miss a call on my cell and I know you, I am definitely going to call you back.  Unlike the messages, if I want to hear a voicemail, I have to place a call and go through prompts.  Then nine times out of ten I'm going to need/want to call the party back as well.  To top it off, if I am at home, the only way I can place these calls on my cell at the house is to go outside.  Once the voicemail icon pops up on my phone there is no way to know if you have one or ten unless I phone in.  It all just seems like much ado about almost nothing to me and way more trouble than it is worth.

For business purposes, I can see voicemail's benefit.  But I have little use for it in my life.  Most of the younger set I know never even bother to set theirs up and simply just return the missed calls they want to.  I think they have the right idea. 😉

What about you, is your voicemail set up on your personal cell phone? If so, do you listen to voicemails or just return the call?  Do you live in an area where all cell functions do not work inside your home?

Barbara In Caneyhead