I have no doubt that there’s a special place in hell for all of the political candidates and their consultants who decide to robo-call me a dozen or more times prior to an election. I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me, it’s the definition of counterproductive.
Now, to be completely honest, it’s all my fault. I chose to be listed in the phone book and I choose to vote every time I have the opportunity. I’m a super-voter and, in primary election season, I am like an eight point buck in crosshairs.
But know this, each and all of you who have authority over these kinds of decisions. I am voting ONLY for candidates who don’t bother me with phone calls virtually every day. I am NOT voting, specifically, for ANY candidate who doesn’t get this. This, for me is a bona fide deal killer. I don’t care what you’re running for and I don’t care if I otherwise love you and all you stand for. Bother me like this, and I’m going the other way. That’s a two vote swing; the one you lose and the one the other candidate gets.
I already get your unsolicited direct mail and e-blasts. I already see and hear your paid ads, thanks to the media. I see your yard signs and your billboards. I don’t need or want you to call me. And not to put too fine a point on it, I really don’t want your volunteers to call and treat me like they know me or care about me by being cheerful and friendly. It gets them and you precisely NOTHING.
“Hi, there. This is “Perky Person” and I’m a volunteer with (insert name of candidate who is not getting my vote here). Is this Mr. Brewer?”
“No. This is the gate attendant at the eighth circle of hell and you now get to officially abandon all hope. Congratulations!”
These calls are more than simply annoying. hey interrupt my rest and recharge time after working all day and they often distract me from some other activity in which I have chosen to engage.
Seriously, I’ve never thought unsolicited telephone calls were a wise marketing choice. Nobody enjoys being tele-marketed. Nobody. You’ll never convince me that these calls actually drive people to vote FOR someone, but I’m pretty darn sure I’m not the only person who will affirmatively vote AGAINST someone who consciously chooses to purposely and continually annoy me.
So, once again, PLEASE STOP!
Tags: political candidates, primary election, robo-call, super-voter