Might as well be talking to my vacuum cleaner

When is someone finally going to get it -- voice-activated phone directories aren't worth the time of day. In fact, they're an insult to time of day, which at least can be relied upon. Today I called a 1-800 number to contact a guy who had called earlier and left a message (This office has a live person directing calls -- very cutting edge) that I call him about an event coming up. His name is Pete Brewer. I called him back, at which point a monotone computerized female voice, not unlike the famed 10-second countdown voice used in oh so many Bond movies, advised that I say his name to be connected. I confidently declared "Peter Brewer." So how did I get connected to Ken Bestard? Repeat with me...Peter, Ken...Peter, Ken...Peter, Ken... nope, not even close. I tried again. Same result. The third time I called, I hung on and waited until I was asked for an extension which, fortunately, I had. Finally, Peter and I hooked up and all was right in the world. But I had patience, which most of us severely lack. How much business has Peter's company's lost because some computer hears Peter as Ken, or Jim as Patrick, or Adam as Eve, or Bonnie as Clyde? Ridiculous. For all our advances, a human voice still has a role to play.