"The Federal Trade Commission is considering a rule change to the Telemarketing Sales Rule to allow "pre-recorded message telemarketing." Robo-calling, as it's called, is a cheaper, but no less-annoying remix on traditional telemarketing. The seller uses pre-recorded messages instead of live operators (saving millions in labor costs) and leaves messages on your voicemail instead of calling directly. This, of course, puts the onus on the receiver to call back and ask not to be contacted further. We all remember how well that system worked in the past.

Under the new rule, even households who had previously signed up for the Do Not Call Registry would be subjected to the onslaught of "answering machine spam". Admittedly, only companies with whom you have an "established business relationship" would be allowed to contact you, but we've all seen how that definition can be stretched to absurd lengths.

The source of the proposed rule change is the Voice Mail Broadcasting Corp, who have an interesting client list. Right now, the matter is in the hands of Allen Hile of the FTC's Division of Marketing Practice. Mr. Hile has provided a way to let him know how you feel about it, or you could call him direct at (202) 326-2181. The comment period on the regulation ends January 20."

I do not want additional calls at home whether they are live or Memorex. I put myself on the state and national Do Not Call registries so I would not have to endure sales calls. One more reason to consider going cellular only...

Comment here if you want to stop the proposed change. I did.