I did not set out to write an enjoyable, well-crafted narrative satirical sci-fi short, complete with escalating story arc and subplots of political intrigue, possible murder-for-hire solicitation (and more!) nor did I really expect my reply to put an end to the incessant sms spam I'd been receiving for a decade+; I just wanted to amuse myself as a distraction from more pressing matters.
i got one phone call (which is not their normal m.o. in my case) a few hours after sending my reply. I knew it was a follow-up to my text reply story when he said "I'm the one who contacted you at.. the company you are at .." sounded like he was trying to read what to say based roughly on paraphrasing my text. I interrupted with just the word "no." and hung up.
I have not received a single sms soliciting a loan in over two weeks now!
It could certainly be that, which would possibly lend some credence to the idea that "mass over-response" could be a viable solution to spam, wouldn't it?
He may be underestimating the potential market for insect and cephalopod derived personas. Lonely Cronenberg/Lovecraft fans are the tip of the iceberg. Dress one up in a suit and you might find them in the pages of FT or WSJ in short order.
I did not set out to write an enjoyable, well-crafted narrative satirical sci-fi short, complete with escalating story arc and subplots of political intrigue, possible murder-for-hire solicitation (and more!) nor did I really expect my reply to put an end to the incessant sms spam I'd been receiving for a decade+; I just wanted to amuse myself as a distraction from more pressing matters.
How well did it actually work? Do you have some responses from scammers?
i got one phone call (which is not their normal m.o. in my case) a few hours after sending my reply. I knew it was a follow-up to my text reply story when he said "I'm the one who contacted you at.. the company you are at .." sounded like he was trying to read what to say based roughly on paraphrasing my text. I interrupted with just the word "no." and hung up.
I have not received a single sms soliciting a loan in over two weeks now!
Hmm, might be "this number responded with a lot of text, probably some other soliciting/advertising agency, better drop it".
It could certainly be that, which would possibly lend some credence to the idea that "mass over-response" could be a viable solution to spam, wouldn't it?
Yeah. On the plus side - at least you got a nice copypasta from it!
thank you!
He may be underestimating the potential market for insect and cephalopod derived personas. Lonely Cronenberg/Lovecraft fans are the tip of the iceberg. Dress one up in a suit and you might find them in the pages of FT or WSJ in short order.
I hope so. And thanks for reading it that far!