Pat Pilcher lists 20 things she/he (?) finds annoying in today's world, and how you can fight back with technology. Sadly, the answer in many cases would appear to be that there is no real answer, and some of his/her suggestions would only make things worse. It might be hard on the ego, but the old adage that "a soft answer turns away wrath" could be a better response to some of her/his pet peeves. But here are a few other responses that could help:
Telemarketing calls: Some ladies I know have come up with this plan. When called by a survey company, they say: "Before I spend 20minutes answering your questions, will you spend 5 minutes listening to me?" Then they give a quick outline of their faith. Because I have done studies in market research, I have found another way to amuse myself is to start asking questions about methodology and survey construction, etc. The questioner often gives up in frustration.
Bad drivers: You can call 555 on your cellphone to report a really bad driver. Otherwise, it's probably better to curb your temper (and no, I don't find that easy). It's better to lose the race than to wind up a very bad statistic.
Heavy traffic: Change your radio station. I listen to the Concert Programme on heavy days, and it really does soothe the nerves.
Unfriendly staff: I have found a handwritten letter to management a very effective tool (and it can produce a nice freebie, as well). By the same token, I like to write a letter of thanks when I get really good service.
Unwanted electronic advertising: If you are getting spam email, I would definitely suggest changing your email provider. All the good providers have fairly good filters in place now.
Bad service providers: I had a real run-in with Telstra a couple of months back. I carefully documented the situation, and wrote a long letter, to which I did get an apology. I also discovered that if you front up to their office in person, while there's no-one there to help you, you get priority in the phone queue on their office phone.
Parking: We all know that Auckland and Wellington parking is outrageous. So plan ahead, leave earlier, and park and ride. (Or cycle. Or move to a civilised city, like Christchurch.)
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As well as asking questions about methodology and survey construction - which most telemarketers know nothing about - you could always say when that nice person is a foreign accents says " Hello, cood I pleeze talk at Mr D.... "Oh hello, are you a telemarketer?" They`ll say " Not really" then I ask "Well what are you ringing me for, then".
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