Moments of Permanence - We should be clear on certain things: Names, identity, and why certain people need to shut up hard

From: elspethdixon Date: June 15th, 2009 03:44 pm (UTC) (Link)

I have a similar problem at my office, with multiple instances of the same name. There's a Joe Smith* Jr and a Joe Smith III.

Person on phone: I'd like to speak to Joe.
Me: Which Joe.
Them: Joe Smith.
Me: There are two Joe Smiths. Do you want the older one or the younger one?
Them: Joe Smith, Jr.
Me: Transfers them to Joe Smith Jr.
*two minutes later*
Them: *calls back* That wasn't the Joe I wanted. I wanted the younger one.
Me: The younger one is Joe Smith III *transfers*

It's like "Who's on First" via telephone.


*not actually his name

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