I customize my ringtones based on the relationship I have with the caller. Family gets one ring. Friends get another. Everyone else gets a third, more garrish, ring (I may have to add a fourth distinction when I start my new job in a few weeks). I do this for two reasons. First, I can make a snap judgement without looking at my phone as to whether the call must be answered or can safely go to voicemail. Secondly, I like to think that my brain gets a crucial headstart in preparing me for the the ensuing phone interaction. Like an early warning system, the different ringtones send a nearly sub-conscious signal to my brain that I need to cheer up, relax, or otherwise modify my demeanor to address the incoming party. This is purley conjecture, but I like the notion.

These classifications closely mirror three of my most central identities: that of son/brother, friend, and stranger)

Why doesn’t my phone allow me to have different voicemail greetings based on these identities? I have had the same bland professional voicemail greeting since I was 22. I have done this because my mom, best friend, and boss always end up with my new cell phone number. And would you rather get laughed at by your friend for your long, boring, professional message or have an uncomfortable chat with your boss about how “yo” is probably not an acceptable greeting for clients?

My phone already allows me to make these distinctions between my various relationships when it comes to ringtones. I don’t need separate messages for individuals (but how cool would that be!). I just want different messages for a few of the distinct relationships that we all have.

That way, I could say “love you” to my mom, “peace” to my friends and “thank you for your call” to the masses.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 29th, 2006 at 10:35 am and is filed under My Life, Requests, Telecommunications. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.