I think (not that it matters) that telemarketing should be "Opt In" only.
I am *SO TIRED* of getting calls (illegal calls, I might add), on my unlisted business line (I have an 800 number that redirects to it), with "You're almost out of time to renew the warranty on your vehicle!" or the other night "We're calling to confirm your installation date and time on your satellite dish."
The pre-recorded ones are the worst... if you press any button during the speech, it hangs up on you. Poof. If you wait to hear what the "proper" choice is, and then talk to a person, and don't immediately cooperate, they hang up on you.
Example:
(Recording) "Don't panic! But you're nearly out of time to renew the warranty on your new vehicle. Bla bla bla press 1 to talk to a live person to extend your warranty now!"
(Me) 1
(Person) "Hi! What is the year and make of your vehicle?"
(Me) "I'd like to ask what company you work for."
(Click)
....
(person) "... year and make of your vehicle?"
(me) "Take me off you"(click)
Now, according to U.S. law, a business is not allowed to cold-call you unless there is a prior business relationship.
AND, a business is supposed to allow for clear instructions on how to "opt out".
Neither of which happen.
OR, businesses take a *REALLY* loose interpretation of "prior business relationship"... like "We've called them before", or "We sent them a flier". Hardly what one would consider a prior relationship.
It's upsetting, really...
Just my 2¢
"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."
--Greg