The other day, someone sent me a warning about how cell phone companies are going to put together a national registry of cell phones and sell them to telemarketers. Working for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, I already knew that most of this was false (and that friend should have known better, since he used to work there with me). However, a follow-up from his source (with a huge apology) led to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) web site. The FTC states the following direct quotes on its web site (which is listed at the end of this blog):

• FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent.
• The federal government does not maintain a national cell phone registry. Personal cell phone users have always been able to add their numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry — the same Registry consumers use to register their land lines — either online at www.donotcall.gov or by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222 from the telephone number they wish to register. Registrations become effective within 31 days of signing up and are active for five years. There is no cut-off date or deadline for registrations.

Snopes also has a good article on this. It further explains that some of the wireless providers created a consortium and hired a consultant to produce a wireless subscriber directory. Two of the providers, US Cellular and Verizon, have always opposed such a directory, and Alltel and Sprint PCS have since pulled away from the project (mostly due to bad press and government regulation).

FTC article: The Truth about Cell Phones and the National Do Not Call Registry

Snopes article: Celling your soul

In case you are still wondering if e-mail is merely conversational or something that can be held against you, the State of Wisconsin’s states that e-mail can be used against an employee. Remember that the next time you send out something that could incriminate you in the future.

I think this is a good time to reiterate my view of whether or not e-mail is conversational. I always believed that it is not, simply because it is written. Most people use it as such, though, and don’t realize that it reflects your character. Writing a message quickly and sending it with a few typos shows carelessness. Taking the time to review your message and ensuring its clarity demonstrates consideration and competency.

I think that this is especially appropriate now because there are many college students that are entering the job market for their first times. I hope they recognize the importance of double-checking their written and electronic documents before sending them off to potential employers. A list of typos on a résumé or cover letter can make the difference between getting an interview. Even when you type up and e-mail your thank you letter after an interview (which is acceptable today), a poorly written note can cost you your position.

And since I’m on the subject of writing, I just want to point out that writing things clearly are more important today than ever, especially with all of the technical devices available today. Most consumers today will not tolerate poorly-written instruction manuals when they’ve paid hundreds of dollars for a device. And a 10-page manual is less desirable than a single-page quick-install sheet. When a boss tells you that he or she wants a single-page summary of a specific topic and you feel compelled to turn in a 10-page paper, expect to rewrite it. That’s the real world, dude.

http://enterprise.state.wi.us/home/email/email_Mgmt_Trnng.htm