(206) 676-5548

It's Seattle Opera soliciting for donations for their annual fund.

I attended my 1st opera on Sunday, got a call on Wednesday

I get calls from them all the time.  I don't think we're here just to complain about them, but to help inform others, like ourselves, who generally only answer the phone if a) We know who is on the other end, or b) They leave a message with a sound enough reason for us to call them back.The days of picking up on the first ring went away about 20 years ago when answering ma****es came into existence.  Now with Cell-phones, u can be called anywhere at anytime.  I've donated to the Opera several times and for many years, but if you'd really like to build that relationship, leaving a message won't hurt.  I get more annoyed by people who call without leaving a message.  With today's technology I can screen EVERY call immediately, depending on how busy I happen to be.  I certainly don't need to be interupted while having drinks with friends or dining with a companion.  I know you'll call back later, but isn't it simpler to just leave a message?  I might be more inclined to pick up next time you call if I know you are first.

Seattle Opera, like all other nonprofits, reaches out to patrons to fill the seats and raise money.  They aren't a part of the Federal Do Not Call list (because they are a nonprofit), but they maintain their own internal 'do not call' list like other arts groups in the city.  As a fundraiser I can tell you that no one gives money because someone left them a message; the field is all about conversations and relationship-building.  So if don't want to be called, by all means, pick up the phone and tell them that! Doesn't it seem that you are needlessly wasting energy griping about so****ing online that you have the ability to c****e? No nonprofit wants to anger their patrons, so let them know that you don't want a phone call and move on with your life-

I've received 3 calls in 3 days at work.  All calls came in after I had gone home for the day.  Left no message

They call me all day at work, in the evening and throughout the weekend at home. I used to give them money via mail soliciationa and I used to be a season ticket holder, too. I understand that only 50% of their budget is covered by ticket sales, but how much are they spending on telemarketers who won't leave messages?

Yup, Seattle Opera. Just curious though. If they left no message, how do you know that they called to solicit donations?

This is the Seattle Opera, calling to solicit donations.

No message - no nothing.

They called late in the evening to solicit donations.  Left no message.  Called back next day.  Annoying!