Dear Melody:

Not only am I on the Do Not Call registry, I also have a phone anwering machine and can hear who is calling - if it is someone I want to talk to, I pick up. If not, THEY hang up if it is a live person because they want to talk to someone with a wallet.

I don't have Caller ID - don't want the expense when my phone answering machine does the screening very well!

Yes, it would be more satisfactory to be able to answer the phone, but each time the phone rings, I can stand and listen and if I wish, pick up. This way I don't have to keep saying "no, I"m not interested". I pay the phone bill and I chose whether to answer the phone or not! My friends and family always leave a message, as do clinics, etc. Anyone who really wants to reach me personally doesn't have a problem with my method.

Shirley H.