Press 1, Press 2 , Press 3...

I just found it interesting that today when I called a magazine inquiring about an individual's title for an internship I was given the riggamaroll with the automated phone system.

It was amazing that when I called to speak to an editorial assistant, there was at least a 5 minute spiel on how to contact whomever one wanted to contact by Pressing 1, 2, 3, etc...I had never heard a message so long before. The recording had also directed folks to the website for further information and finally after a breathless and painstaking message the final option, if you managed to stick around long enough was to finally speak to someone by pressing option 9.

First off, I felt really bad for the young lady that had to rattle all that off. It seemed to be a never ending soliquoy and after a while I forgot why I was even calling. Next, I realized how technology has moved us further and further away from talking to people. Instead, you get a message jam-packed with info. I noticed that more companies are opting to do things this way, I suppose to avoid answering questions which is what customer service is for, right?