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Re:Greetings by jacquesm on Sunday September 20, 2009 @07:56PM (#833749)
Bollocks. If someone gives you a businesscard with their phone number on it it is an open invitation to call at a later date. That's what it's for, it's not a collectible.

Otherwise keep two sets of cards, one with your phone number on it and one set that has just email or IM information on it.

It is really bordering on the arrogant to assume that someone is reading your blogposts in order to figure out what they can or can not do with the contact information that you gave them.

If you think you are too important to be bothered by 'mere mortals' you might as well stop handing out business cards.

And god forbid someone actually wants to talk to you. Just imagine, where do these people get the guts to do that.

Re:Greetings by calambrac on Sunday September 20, 2009 @09:09PM (#833824)
I completely agree that you shouldn't be handing out business cards with your phone number if you don't want calls, but regardless, I stand by the belief that phone calls should be reserved for people you actually know want to be called, and I don't think a business card with a phone number gives you that knowledge.

I don't think this is arrogance, it's just a social norm that I personally think is pretty well established at this point. An actual phone call has a level of formality/familiarity to it at this point, and I think it's just rude to presume you can unilaterally breach that. Everyone's time is valuable, and it's kind of a dick move to try to take that time from someone (regardless of who they are) just because you want to give your pitch to a stranger.