That's my reasoning, and I've been a telemarketer. It's only embarrassing on that side because you don't know they've hung up half the time, so you keep going in your spiel. So I say "I'm going to hang up now, thanks" first.

I recall getting a telemarketer call several years ago where the person was obviously reading a script with my first name peppered throughout. He mispronounced my first name something like 30 times during his fast-paced spiel. I do not have a name that is difficult to pronounce. 2 syllables (3 if I want to be fancy). I have never had anyone mispronounce it unless they were not a native English speaker or were really small children. It would be like mispronouncing Heather or Melissa.

Not this guy. I actually listened to his whole spiel because by the 5th different mispronunciation, I had to hear the rest. I was openly laughing 30 seconds in.

For ita (don't know if you've seen this yet): [link]

I need networking advice. My sister is applying for a job (administrative assistant at a magazine). A friend of mine from high school is art director of a sister magazine and used to work on this magazine.

It seems obvious that I should get in touch with the high school friend - but what do I ask her for?

damn Polgara. where can I get one?

Information. Your friend may or may not know more about the job than is posted. If she does have her share it so your friend can tweak her resume, cover letter and interview to be a better fit.

Regardless, you friend knows the company culture from having worked there. What aspects of her skills and personality should your sister emphasize to be a good fit with the company culture. What are the things that your sister should avoid saying? Especially what stuff that that might be good things to say some places would be total gaffes in this company?

Okay, I didn't click 46 times to read the business jargon. What is "unwrap the kimono" supposed to mean?

Two independent parties are going to do a deal. To move the deal forward, you've got to give the other party confidential information. It came up a lot during Enron, e.g., [link]

Thanks, Typo, those are excellent suggestions. I started the email and my mind went blank.

Don't forget an open ended close. "Is there any other information you feel comfortable sharing that might help my sister demonstrate shes is a match?" Something on those lines.

"unwrap the kimono" sounds both sexist and rascist, even if it isn't.

I'm pretty sure it is, sexist and racist I mean, given that it sounds like someone who just wants to fuck with something.