Chapter 1: The Struggle with Spam Calls

As I sit down to write, the thought of uninstalling the phone app crosses my mind. While I usually manage to brush off minor irritations, the barrage of spam calls I receive daily is pushing me to my limits.

It’s astounding how many unsolicited calls flood my phone. I get that these spammers might be doing a job they dislike, but that doesn’t make their calls any more tolerable. Each day, I take pleasure in disregarding as many of these calls as I can.

In fact, just as I began drafting this blog post, another spam call came through, a perfect example of this persistent annoyance.

I’m not interested in calls from Texas, especially when I don’t even know anyone from there. If you were to ask me where Desoto, Texas, is, I’d have to guess wildly.

The sheer volume of spam has made me numb to legitimate calls. The only people whose calls I’ll answer are those saved in my contacts.

Being busy is an understatement. I manage two blogs daily, alongside proofreading and editing contributions for my publication, Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs. With a growing team of over 250 writers and nearly 1,000 followers, my schedule is packed. I strive to publish submissions promptly, but spam calls are not on my agenda.

We're nearing the milestone of 1,000 followers for BBB, which is exciting yet time-consuming. I prefer to keep my focus during writing sessions, which I require to be completely quiet. This is likely why my dog, Libby, enjoys lounging beside me while I work; the serene environment suits her napping habits perfectly.

Spammers rarely leave voicemails, despite my message stating that I'm either busy or unavailable, encouraging them to text me for a quicker response.

I favor texts over calls. Unless it's someone I genuinely care about, I prefer not to engage in phone conversations. My days are filled with writing, family, my dog, and evening downtime. I simply don’t have the time for lengthy chats about someone’s day while I’m focused on a show.

If the conversation could be brief, I might feel differently. However, I’ve been trapped in too many long-winded calls with people who just go on and on. Most of us have friends or family who fit that bill.

In various aspects of life, we often spend too much time on trivial matters. I’d much rather cut to the chase. While I do care, my writing responsibilities take precedence over the latest gossip or complaints about life’s challenges.

I genuinely want to help, but if it’s going to be a lengthy story, please email me instead. That way, I can respond when I have time. If you have something to share, consider submitting it to my “Dear Jason” column, which is currently open for ideas for Volume 4. If you missed Volume 3, be sure to check it out below:

Dear Jason, Vol. 3: Weekend Edition

Come tell Uncle Pro All Your Problems

Ultimately, I’m just venting. I won’t actually uninstall the phone app from my device. For me, my phone functions more as a mini tablet than a traditional phone. However, it would be strange not to be able to make or receive important calls.

With family nearby—my wife, kids, and aging parents—I need to keep the phone app active. In case of an emergency, I want to ensure I can be reached.

Yet, the spam calls have to stop. Maybe I should answer them just to have some fun. In the past, I’ve blasted music when picking up spam calls, especially while driving. It might go something like this:

“Hello, may I speak to Mr. Porvencheeo?”

“GIMME FUEL, GIMME FIRE, GIMME THAT WHICH I DESIRE!” in my best James Hetfield impression, cranked to the max.

The funny part? They usually hang up before the song finishes.

P.S. As I was editing this blog, I received my fourth spam call. I might seriously consider this strategy.

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