Please Don’t Call Here

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Posted in Proposals 2009

Describe your idea:

A free registration web site where you can state your personal preference for stopping politicians, religious groups and sales people from calling at your house.

The user could print window signs or order online (a way of providing some funding perhaps) stickers or other preference indicators.

After some time there could be developed a code of practice such that unsolicited callers would be required check the database before knocking the door.

What problem does it solve?:

Reducing the number of unwanted intrusions into one’s privacy, and also making older people feel safer in their houses.

Type of idea: A brand new project

2 Comments

  1. >stopping politicians

    I’m not sure we should be encouraging people to opt-out of society like that.

    And how far does it go?

    When I’ve been campaigning door to door on local issues such as policing, tree felling or new developments I’ve come across lots of notices on people’s doors and letterboxes. I’ve often wondered if my note – for example letting people know about a public meeting counts as junk mail or a circular; or if I, because I’m campaigning or trying to alert people to something might be seen by some as a sort politician of sorts.

    That said I think it would be fantastic if it was possible to do more to protect vulnerable people from pushy and exploitative door to door sales people and others coming to the door; but can’t see how that would be possible without creating a list of addresses which would make a good list of targets for those with criminal or exploitative intent.

    In order to make people feel safer in their houses – I think we need to improve society – education’s a good tool for that – and we ensure the legal system works and is accessible and policing is appropriate etc. I don’t think this proposal is the solution, or even part of the solution, to the problem identified.

    As for “Reducing the number of unwanted intrusions into one’s privacy”; generally I don’t think that’s a problem in relation to personal callers. Someone coming up and knocking on your door isn’t typically an “intrusion into privacy” its an important and normal part of living in society.