Automated Calls: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Automated call providers, politicians, telemarketers, the general public -
everyone has something to say about automated calls - here's what you need to
know

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Websites, blogs, news articles,
radio station call-ins... these are but a few of the ways the public has
vented their frustration with automated calls. In today's society where the
average consumer is exposed to approximately 3,000 ads daily, it is no wonder
that people want to escape being targeted while in their own home. Yet many
claim that the use of automated calls is not only an expression of free
speech, but a bona fide means of notifying and communicating with the public.
Some state that although consumers complain about automated calls, they
also reject other forms of customer contact. "There's a lot of negative hype
surrounding automated calls, but the other side of the story is often
neglected", says Chris Kolker, founder of GOP Calls (http://www.GOPcalls.com)
and a veteran in the automated call industry. "People get frustrated with
automated calls, but also dislike bombardment of direct mail, TV commercials,
and radio ads."
There are many benefits to using automated calls versus other media
outlets. Quick turnaround, micro-targeting, interactive communication, and
captive audience to name a few. Cost is one major factor that encourages robo
call use. It costs approximately 88% less to call 15,000 voters using GOP
Calls' services, than to send 15,000 direct mail pieces. Impression rate is
another factor supporting automated calls. GOP Calls typically reaches 85% of
consumers, whereas most direct mail vendors experience a 66% impression rate.
There exists legitimate and even urgent causes demanding this form of
media (e.g. reverse 911 calls enable communities to alert large percentages of
their population instantly). While there may be justified reasons to use
automated calls, there are organizations that abuse this media form. For
example, a "push-poll" is used to influence a voter's views under the pretense
of a legitimate poll.
"Consumers are protected from most automated phone solicitation through
the national do-not-call registry," notes Kolker. Exempt organizations
include those involved in political, charitable, and survey work. For about
$25 yearly, consumers can further filter calls through Privacy Manager which
requires "unknown" callers to identify themselves.
SOURCE GOP Calls

Brandon Gregoire, Director, Public Relations of Dialing Services,
+1-575-623-3660, ext. 303, brandon@dialingservices.com, for GOP Calls