When you are at home, which mode of communication do you prefer?

[j.griff]

I'm choosing email, because it's much easier to type clear thoughts out while still talking to the DC and interacting with them, than to try and communicate with someone via phone or in person while simultaneously trying to school/direct the DC. :001_smile: At least, that's easier for *me*.

[Jennifer in MI]

Phone or email.

If it's someone I know well (my sister, mom, best friend), I prefer the phone. Anyone else, I prefer email. I always get a little nervous when I have to make an official phone call (disputing a bill, for example) because I'm worried that a child will make a scene in the background! But, those I know well won't care!

[Whisperlily]

For some things, and some people, I agree.

I like to talk with one of my friends via IM. I can walk away, talk with my children, make dinner, and never lose my train of thought. Sometimes our conversation takes a whole day to complete, because we both walk away at random times for an undetermined amount of time.

Some people, the phone is the only way to go. ;)

[Jenny in Atl]

Wow, all are about equal... I did not expect that. I find I enjoy e-mail/text better than the phone these days. I like in person conversation better than the phone. Funny how one's preferences change over time.

[Canada_Mom]

I have to say phone, even though email is a lot easier. Too many things are lost in translation in the written word and I've had a few people misread what I am trying to say since it is difficult to show sarcasm and other emotions on email.

[Mom2jnb]

Email is easier and I can say what I need to without worry of "losing it". I have terrible ADD and if I am not able to purge my thoughts I am completely frustrated.

I prefer phone though if I need an answer quickly!!!!

Alison

[Diana in OR]

For some things, and some people, I agree.

I like to talk with one of my friends via IM. I can walk away, talk with my children, make dinner, and never lose my train of thought. Sometimes our conversation takes a whole day to complete, because we both walk away at random times for an undetermined amount of time.

Some people, the phone is the only way to go. ;)

That's why I don't like IM--it drives me crazy! :auto::willy_nilly:Being a mom, it's hard enough to complete a conversation without creating the scenario.

[j.griff]

LOL, I hate the IM "chat" feature on gmail- I can't stand that dinging sound it makes when someone messages me, so now I just don't sign into chat any more.

[Audrey]

I like it best for business expediency. I absolutely LOATHE the phone. It's almost never someone to whom I actually want to speak. Grrrrrrrrrrrr... telemarketers. http://freesmileyface.net/smiley/Battle/hit-with-club.gif (http://freesmileyface.net)

[beansprouts]

I like text messaging or email because I can answer at my convenience (though voice mail works well also if I am too busy to talk on the phone). Email was in the past my favorite, but nowadays I get busy and don't check email sometimes for days. I am cell only now and always have my phone on my person, so that is the most reliable way to reach me. I voted for text.

[Jean in Newcastle]

I can talk on the phone and sort laundry, put laundry in the washer etc., cook. . . I can't do other forms of communication and multi-task like that!

[NancyinCA]

I really like email the best. I don't get caught in tangents, I just answer the question and move on.

[gardenschooler]

Phone only for dh and the kids, but email for everyone else. But most of my friends prefer the phone, so we do that. It's just harder for me to talk on the phone, because it takes my undivided attention.

[Doran]

During the day, phone calls are distracting and take up too much time. Email is precise, quick, to the point. And, I can do it day or night, whenever it suits me. But....I slow on the uptake with the lesson that not everyone is the same way. It's unfair of me to feel slighted or annoyed when email doesn't prove an effective mode of communication for the other party (which is often the case, I find). I'm so comfortable with email that the phone actually feels odd to me sometimes. But, I'm sure it's the other way around for many.


Doran

[nestof3]

Email. I am not overly fond of the phone, though for old friends and catching up, I prefer it because I can talk faster than I can type.

But for the day-to-day, I prefer emails because people get to the point and don't chat about the weather, about what they ate for breakfast, and so on.

Emails are within my control more too, so during the day, that's better.

Caller ID has been the best thing, because my husband's customers call a lot. They don't expect to talk to him b/c they know he's working, but they just want to leave a message, so I let the voice mail pick up. I then write down the messages later in the day.

[Dayle in Guatemala]

I like to e-mail, but, sometimes it's better to talk to someone by phone. It depends on the nature of the communication!