Re:Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity En...
by ShabbyDoo on Wednesday July 16, 2014 @12:30AM
(#8040571)
I learned that panhandlers, at least in Chicago, interpret polite negative responses as opportunity and will continue to bother me. So, I have taken to saying flatly, "Not happening." It's not so rude or demeaning that I inadvertently pick a fight, but it's blunt enough to let them know that they're just wasting their time with me.
Re:Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity En...
by netnichols on Wednesday July 16, 2014 @06:43AM
(#8041412)
When I'm in a place where these folks will follow you around, I turn as robotic as possible and answer once (or maybe twice to make things perfectly clear) with a simple "no". I try to leave no room for interpreting playfulness or agressiveness.
Re:Tech Blogger Tries To Cancel Comcast Service, Hilarity En...
by thatthatis on Saturday July 19, 2014 @11:37AM
(#8057743)
It's an interesting line to try to find: the least rude way to shut down a solicitation with one sentence or gesture.
I've found a hard stare and a subtle "no" gesture with my head generally does the trick with street solicitors.
"Can you cancel my service?"
"I won't be answering any of your questions, just cancel my service".
"Cancel my service or transfer me to someone who can"
The use of worlds like "Please" and "I'd like to" just tells them that you'll indulge their scripts and tactics. It's not rude to steamroll a system intentionally designed to make it hard to cancel.