Today started out great. The air is really cold, but the sun
is shining and the world looks bright. We chatted over breakfast then K went
off to work. The dogs and I set out for a long walk. It was bitter cold out in
the wind, but we managed to get into the trees often enough to make it a
pleasant morning. After the walk I got all my daily chores done, made lunch,
chatted with K about one of my books then went for the mail.
Bang, that’s where I got hit by the sleeze bags. Ok folks, I
know some of you work in advertising, but personally, there are places I would
not go for I like to sleep at night. In my mailbox, and most others with grey
hair, was a long brown envelope, very official looking, with this message on
the outside.
Attention: Canada Pension shortfall. Important information
inside. Please read carefully.
Ok, that shot my bright mood all to hell. I went home and
putter around a bit before opening the envelope. Inside was a huge guilt trip about how the
government pension would never pay enough to cover half the expense of a
funeral. If I don’t buy their insurance package, my family will be forced into
poverty to pay for my death expenses. I had a serious tantrum; I even used
several bad words. My older brother would have been proud.
I wonder how many older folks get suckered by this crap. I
know companies have a right to advertise. Fine. Put your goram name on the
envelope so folks can know what you are all about. Preying on the weak,
helpless, or confused is a pretty low way to make a profit. My gods, society has made an industry of
preying on the grieving. $10K for a casket? Are you serious? $1K for the last
ride from the church to boot hill? No way.
I am a Viking, all I want is a cardboard box and a hot fire.
Take my ashes home and set me on the mantle; talk to me once in a while. If my
ghost pisses you off, bury the ashes in the compost heap, but please, do not
waste a lot of money on a fancy funeral or a massive monument. Why? Because
here is where it all ends up, a moss covered stone, standing alone in an
overgrown field or a dark forest.
That’s my rant for today, thanks for listening. I feel
better now.
What sets you off? What one of your pet peeves?
Check out my book on reincarnation, It's called Second Chance. (It's a romance.)
Posts
I hate that kind of advertising as well. I always get them about extending the warranty on my car, which drives me crazy. It is sad how much a funeral costs these day, really sad. And the last thing we need is people taking advantage of that fact!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kara. This stuff burns me too. sigh Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteAs rants go, Prudence, yours is mild-mannered. I'm spitting mad at the moment and had hoped your vent would prove cathartic for me. Alas, now I'm peeved with certain advertisers--and am still mad.
ReplyDeleteHey Pat, sounds like you've got a blog rant brewing. Sit to the keyboard, girl, let it out.
DeleteI understand your rant, Pru ... but honestly, I wish I was little cunning about marketing ... if I was, I might be able to actually afford something those sleezebags are trying to sell me.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, we're in the market for repeat customers. You can't get 'em by craft 'cause they won't come back. We have to be up front with our customers. I like it better this way, I sleep better at night.
DeleteYou tell 'em, Pru. Must make sure my Nan (90 years old, sharp as a tack) didn't get that "charming" piece of direct mail, or if she did, that she gives it a good look!
ReplyDeleteIt is truly deceptive and a real guilt trip. Tell her to watch out for that scam. Hugs to you and Hayley.
DeleteYou are so right! The one that bugs me is the phone calling in the evening. I know it is someone's job so I feel sort of bad for the individuals doing the calling, but it's just so rude! Don't call me at home at 8:00 at night to try and sell me something! That's my time!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there, Emma. I've had those calls at 11pm before. I know the calls are coming from India or somewhere, but they should teach their employees about time zones. You can't sell stuff to folks who are mad at you.
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