Comments on: Michael Geist, Canadian internet hero

By: Dee

Dee — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:29:56 +0000

For the record, Gordo, our ‘Murican Do Not Call registry has decided our registration will NOT expire. Go to http://www.donotcall.gov for a link to an excellent article about it. I’ve been signed up for a couple of years now and definitely appreciate the difference. Even considering the exceptions, the volume of irritating phone calls is waaaay down. Heck, I remember one time getting a call from a telemarketer during (gasp!) Monday Night Football!

By: Gordo

Gordo — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:34:10 +0000

Ahh, good to know, Jim. That’s Geist’s point about our legislation as well: far too many exemptions. Airlines are exempted, for heaven’s sakes. His site takes care of all the company types that are not covered.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:30:16 +0000

The main problem with the U.S. version of do-not-call is not the five year period (it is very quick & simple to re-register — although legislation has been proposed to make it a permanent list as well) — the main problem is the exceptions they put in. The list does not apply to any company with which you have had a business relationship (your bank, insurance company, credit card company, stock broker, real estate agent, on-line store, etc., etc.) — also does not apply to charitable organizations — and also (worst of all) does not apply to any political candidate or party.

In addition, there are companies that simply break the law.

By: Gordo

Gordo — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:58:00 +0000

In this case, not checking the site and answering anyway = mistaken, Ken.

One of these days, I’ll bend your ear about how Canadian banks expect to comply with PIPEDA and STILL process credit card transactions in the US where the information is subject to Govt scrutiny.

By: Ken

Ken — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:49:50 +0000

I wasn’t mistaken – I just didn’t check out the website He’s using existing legislation, as opposed to trying to get a jump on new legislation.

And yes, I am passingly familiar with PIPEDA. That being said, more importantly I pay attention to my employer’s database. We have a way to track the “do not call” requests on our own, and should I have a need to contact a client for a telemarketing purpose, I can check their profile. If they’ve updated it, and requested No Calls, then I don’t call them.

Our clients are really good about that – they do a good job letting us know if they want to be contacted.

Ken’s last blog post..Who am I?

By: Gordo

Gordo — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:31:39 +0000

That’s where you’re mistaken, Ken. A legitimate request, as generated by this site, is enforceable under PIPEDA. As a banker, I know you’re familiar with it. I just added the enforcement instructions above.