I was a member of BMG’s mail-order music service for a couple of years and then decided to cancel. After an eerie silence for a few weeks, the calls started coming. I saw “BMG” in the callerID, so I ignored the calls for a few weeks. This clearly was not working. Then I started answering the calls and stated that I was no longer interested in the service and that they should stop calling me. The calls kept coming until I had the following conversation:
BMG Rep: Hello, I am calling to present you with a special offer since you have been such a valued customer.
Me: Sure, how do I sign up?
BMG (startled disbelief): Great, let me just confirm your address of . . .
Me: Actually, I have a new address now (might as well get rid of those pesky mailings while I’m at it)
BMG: OK, go ahead with the new address.
Me: 201 North Main Street, Barrow, Alaska
BMG: B-A-R-R-O-W?
Me: That is correct. It is actually the northernmost town in the United States.
BMG: Wow, it must be beautiful there.
Me: No. It is just very cold and dark right now.
BMG: Oh, (long pause) I’m sorry. Well, I have you set up to receive 12 free CDs. . .
Me: Wait, these are CDs I am getting? I don’t have a CD player anymore.
BMG: (longer pause) I see. Well, did you know that you can also play CDs on your computer?
Me: I don’t have a computer either. We only have power for 1 hour a day.
BMG: Oh. . .OK. Well, if you ever get a CD player. . .or computer, please be sure to give us a call.
Me: I certainly will. Good-bye.
It has been over a month now and not a single call or mailing.
My sincere apologies to the kind residents of Barrow, Alaska. I hope I have the opportunity to visit your town some day. Until then, please hold my mail.
