Has You Under Surveillance
(Someone knocks on my door.)
Person #1: “Hello, we are here to complete the survey as explained in the letter.”
Me: “What letter? What are you talking about?”
Person #1: “We sent a letter explaining that we would be around to ask you questions about your household.”
Me: “I received no such letter and I’m not interested.”
Person #1: “We sent the letter. We need to ask you these questions.”
Me: “Who are you?”
Person #1: “We are with [Government Agency that is NOT the census].”
Me: “Interesting. No.”
(I close the door. The person rings the doorbell several times but I go back to watching Judge Judy or whatever. The next day I do, in fact, find the letter. It is from this government agency and it explains they are collecting information on demographics in my area. It also says quite plainly that my participation is optional. The next week, I get a knock on the door.)
Person #2: “Hello, we are here to complete the survey as explained in the letter.”
Me: “No.”
Person #2: “It is very important that we collect this information.”
Me: “No.”
Person #2: “We sent a letter explaining why we need this information.”
Me: “Yes, I found the letter. It said my participation is optional. I opt not to assist you.”
Person #2: “But we really—”
(Door closed. A few days later I get a letter, registered mail, explaining the need for me to participate in this survey. However, the last paragraph again says it is optional. Even if it wasn’t, I will NOT cooperate. The next week the doorbell rings.)
Person #3: “Hello, we are here to—”
Me: “Stop. I have explained twice before that I have no interest in participating. The letter clearly stated this is optional. Do you understand the definition of optional? Get off my porch.”
Person #3: “We just need to know how many kids live in the household.”
Me: “You are absolutely out of your mind if you think THAT is the one question I would answer. Do not return. Do not send someone else. Do not waste government money on registered mail. The answer is no. No. No. N. O.”
(Tax dollars at work.)
Question of the Week
Have you ever met a customer who thought the world revolved around them?
