A while back I decided to put my phone number on my website. It is in the right sidebar. I actually think it is kinda slick because it is using the vcard MicroFormat so that some browsers allow readers to save my contact info directly into the address book on their computer.
I didn’t expect to get many calls, but I have gotten some. When I put it up there I was expecting the following possible scenarios:
- “Hello, Mr Miller. This is Sprint Customer Care. We really apologize for being douchebags and wonder if there is any way we can earn your business back?”
- “Hi, this is Richard Walton from Super Duper Venture Capital. We have noticed that you have brilliant ideas and a very keen business sense. Would you be willing to be our Entrepreneur in Residence?”
- “Jackson! It’s your long lost friend John! How the hell are ya?!?!…..”
- “Is this Jackson Miller the Republican politician from Virginia? Oh, it’s not? Too bad, I wanted to call and tell him that he was a xenophobe and a bigot.”
- “This is Apple Computers. Take down your post about how to extend the iWork trial period or we will quit selling you cool computers, phones, media devices, operating systems, and accessories.”
It is true that many of my ideal phone calls are unrealistic, but I can only get those calls if my number is listed.
I have gotten some interesting phone calls lately though. Just now I got one from a guy who also saw the grim reaper and wanted to commiserate about the experience. A few weeks ago I got a voicemail from a woman who wanted to sell me her idea. Note: I am horrible about returning voicemail. Send me a TXT message instead.
I do think that having my telephone number listed on my website is a good thing. I am kinda looking forward to the next random call I get. Note: If you think it would be funny to call me right now with some random BS comment pretending to not be yourself, it actually would not be very humorous.
