Survey $ays

Phone rings at 10:58 AM on a Wednesday:

Hello?

Yes, Mr. Nielsen, I'm call from [some damn survey company] and I'd like to get your response for a survey?

Sure, how many questions are there?

Oh, it's a short survey. It won't take long.

Ok, well the cost is $20 per yes/no question with a $50 minimum. Questions that have multiple answers like "from 1 to 10" are $25 each. Surveys that run over 15 minutes have surcharge of $100. How would you like to pay for that?

I'm sorry, did you say there is a cost?

Yes. You value our opinion for your survey, right? Well, we also value our time and the feedback that helps companies in oh so many different ways. We can take VISA, MASTERCARD, and PayPal Mass Pay.

I'm sorry we can't pay you anything for taking the survey.

Oh, ok. Well, I'm sure you get paid for giving the survey and someone is getting paid for running it, right?

Yes...

Then it would only make sense that the most important participant of the survey process, me, should also get paid for taking surveys, no? I mean without me, you've got nothing, isn't that true? Yet you think you can call me up in the middle of the day, ask me to spend my time and provide valuable information at no cost? Does that seem right to you?

Well, we don't pay anyone for taking the survey.

Yes, this is because we live in a world where those that own and maintain the thing of value, never get any respect of credit for what they have. And I completely understand, don't get me wrong. So that is why I choose to withhold the information your company wants at this time.

So take me off your list until such time as your company is willing to PAY for the valuable information they receive.