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Help. Answering machine.
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Anonymous  #214997  Thu, 13 Apr 06 03:23 PM

Hi everyone.  I need help.  I want to change my my message recorded on my answering machine.  Does this sound right:

Hi you've reached_______we're not home right now.  Please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.  When leaving your message.  Please specify who the message is for, your name, your phone number and what your call is in reference to.  Otherwise, your call will not be returned.  Thank you.

Is this okay? Or does it need some changes?

Thank you
  
Clive  #215031  Thu, 13 Apr 06 05:54 PM

Hi,

Hi you've reached_______we're not home right now.  Please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.  When leaving your message.  Please specify who the message is for, your name, your phone number and what your call is in reference to.  Otherwise, your call will not be returned.  Thank you.

The part I've put in italics sounds much too peremptory, it's like you are giving me orders followed by a threat. It sounds rude. It sounds like you think I am stupid.

It's better just to say Hi you've reached_______we're not home right now.  Please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.  Thank you.

Best wishes, Clive
  
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Clive  #215032  Thu, 13 Apr 06 05:54 PM

Hi,

Hi you've reached_______we're not home right now.  Please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.  When leaving your message.  Please specify who the message is for, your name, your phone number and what your call is in reference to.  Otherwise, your call will not be returned.  Thank you.

The part I've put in italics sounds much too peremptory, it's like you are giving me orders followed by a threat. It sounds rude. It sounds like you think I am stupid.

It's better just to say Hi you've reached_______we're not home right now.  Please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.  Thank you.

Best wishes, Clive
  
Clive  #215030  Thu, 13 Apr 06 05:54 PM

Hi,

Hi you've reached_______we're not home right now.  Please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.  When leaving your message.  Please specify who the message is for, your name, your phone number and what your call is in reference to.  Otherwise, your call will not be returned.  Thank you.

The part I've put in italics sounds much too peremptory, it's like you are giving me orders followed by a threat. It sounds rude. It sounds like you think I am stupid.

It's better just to say Hi you've reached_______we're not home right now.  Please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.  Thank you.

Best wishes, Clive
  
Grammar Geek  #215071  Thu, 13 Apr 06 07:22 PM
Geez, Clive, you must have felt pretty strongly about this! 
  
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Clive  #215135  Thu, 13 Apr 06 11:21 PM

Hi,

No kidding!

I thought the system prevented duplicate (and triplicate) posts?

Clive

Clive

Clive
  
MrPedantic  #215170  Fri, 14 Apr 06 01:47 AM

I wouldn't say you're "not at home", Anon.

Why make it easy for the enterprising burglar?

MrP
  
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