Time To End Phone Books?
The questions coming in to Texperts can be, and are, on any subject under the sun, but I spend a reasonable portion of each shift answering directory enquiry type questions. Whilst researching the answer for one of these questions I came across the 192.com ‘I don’t use phonebooks anymore’ campaign
192.com asked the UK public its opinion on the 75,000 million tonnes of phonebook waste generated every year.
The results of the UK phonebooks survey included:
4 out of 5 survey respondents backed a petition to make phonebook delivery in the UK optional.
My initial thought was that it was a PR campaign to make people switch to online directory services, which it probably is. But then I realised not only can’t I remember when I last used a phone book, I have no idea where they even are! The Good Human blog has many people in a similar situation.
A lot of customers use Texperts for “enhanced” directory enquiries, requesting a map, directions or opening hours along with the phone number and address. At home I use the internet to find that information for myself, and when out and about the Texperts. Phone books simply don’t give enough information, but while companies keep advertising in them rather than investing the money in their websites do we have any choice?
