Press Zero if you want us to see you coming

Ever got angry with a robot phone system and started pounding the zero, thinking that it might be the undisclosed option for an operator? It's worth a try, of course, but the call centers already have your number. The Consumerist reports they even have a word for these attempts: Zero Outs.

VOIP-News has a complete rundown on PBX-penetration strategies to make the people to whom you give money start talking to you. The cheat sheets are dialahuman.com and gethuman.com.

I recommend engaging the robot in normal conversation. This honors the ludicrous pretense its owner is trying to maintain, namely that such "conversations" are a convincing and acceptable substitute for the real thing. Why? Because it won't be able to understand you, and typically will put you through to someone who can. The worst approach, I find, is to give into anger and yell at it in a loud, even, mildly frustrated tone, as one might to a tourist: this is exactly what it likes.

(Photo: Maximolly)

[#1 posted by dculberson , April 28, 2008 8:12 AM]

Re: The picture: I do not want a free job! I require payment at my job!

[#2 posted by Fnarf , April 29, 2008 1:15 PM]

I've found at several places that shouting HELP HELP HELP works.