Too Late, Trotsky

Telephone Survey

Me: Hello.
Survey Taker: Hello?
Me: Hi there!
Survey Taker: Hi, I'm with [survey company] and we're conducting research based on some magazines within a household. Is there someone within the household between the ages of 18-62?
Me: Sure.
Survey Taker: Okay...well what is your age?
Me: You're not supposed to ask a woman her age.
Survey Taker: Well it will only be used for research purposes...
Me: I'm 21.
Survey Taker: Okay, I'm going to list off some magazine titles and what I'd like to know is if you have read the title in the last 30 days.
Me: Mmkay.
Survey Taker: Reader's Digest?
Me: I'm 21. No.
Survey Taker: Better homes and Gardens?
Me: ...No.
Survey Taker: National Geographic?
Me: Yes!
Survey Taker: Okay, have you read the June 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping?
Me: No.
Survey Taker: Well what we'll do is send you a copy and you can read it before next Monday, May 31 we'll call you back and see...
Me: Why did you ask me what magazines I've read if you're going to send me one I don't read?
Survey Taker: It's just for research purposes.
Me: Have you guys ever thought about sending the magazines to people who actually read Better Homes and Gardens? Why ask people who don't like that magazine the issue when you know they don't read or like it?
Survey Taker: It's Good Housekeeping.
Me: Same thing.
Survey Taker: The survey does apply to all people.
Me: I disagree. I don't think it applies to people who don't like Good Housekeeping. Or magazines. And this is why print media is dying. ...Can I ask you a question? Have you read the June 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping?
Survey Taker: Thank you for your time.