I’m sitting outside enjoying an absolutely beautiful Spring day (and a day off). I am sitting on our swing as I write this, and had briefly considered bringing out our “landline” (it’s actually VOIP). I decided against it, but it got me thinking about the ways I keep in contact with people. As best as I can see it, here are the my rankings of ways to be in communication with me (from worst to best):

• Call the church office: I’m not there, and if I am I’m usually trying to study.
• Send mail to the Church Office: Unsolicited mail from people or organizations is vertically filed. In my mind, if it was important, they wouldn’t have mailed it.
• Send mail to my house: See above.
• Call my home phone: The only reason I have one is because the kids don’t have cell phones… yet. If you leave a message I’ll listen to it (on my iPhone, but it’s not going to be a high priority.
• Send me a bulk e-mail: I probably should read it, but I probably won’t. Again, in my mind, if it was important it wouldn’t have to go through others. I manage some small mailing lists, I’m actually conflicted about running them.
• Call my cell phone: For emergencies, give me a call. If I tell you I want an update and you best communicate through a phone call, call me. Understand, however, that I won’t answer the phone if I’m busy doing another task – voice calls tens to suck away my energy.
• Send me a direct e-mail: I will respond. I’ll wait to respond at a time of my convenience, but I’ll get there… eventually.
• Call my Google Voice number: I give that number ti anyone who asks, and will even listen to voicemails (if only to see the hysterical transcription). Google Voice doesn’t suck up my minutes, follows me from phone to phone, and I can set it bounce it around on a schedule (even right to voicemail).
• IM me: I’m friends with Church members on Facebook for that very reason. If you see me online with an “available” status, that’s a great way to get in touch. If I can’t talk, I’ll let you know.
• Text me: I actually need to remember to publish my Google Voice number, but anything texted to me on it will be processed quickly. I know a lot of people have my cell, but I tell most to go with Google Voice because it’s free.

So there you have it, my Spring cleaning of preferred communications methods. Let it be known, however, that my preferences meet others half-way. I have quite a few people who are comfortable with only voice calls or email at Central, I will, gladly meet them on a plane they can inhabit. For all others, this list is there to help you (and me).

– Posted using BlogPress from my iPad