Podcast Summary
Human error leads to confusion and frustration during crisis situations: Double-check information before sharing it publicly, especially during crises, to prevent embarrassing consequences and maintain public trust.
Even in the most serious and critical situations, human error can lead to unexpected and embarrassing consequences. In this case, various organizations across the country inadvertently provided a phone sex line number instead of the intended COVID-19 help hotline. The mistake was made multiple times, leaving many confused and frustrated. Despite the apologies from the organizations, the incident highlights the importance of double-checking information before sharing it with the public, especially during times of crisis. The incident also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of human error and the need for robust error-checking systems.
Domestic abuse hotline leads to misdirected phone sex line: Phone services need to ensure security and reliability, especially during crises, and users should verify sources before sharing sensitive info over the phone.
The promotion of a domestic abuse and sexual assault hotline in Florida led people to a seemingly random and misdirected phone sex line, which later turned out to be a recording for a medical alert device company. The confusion surrounding the origin and intent of this phone number led to a series of investigations, revealing that the number had been taken over multiple times, each time leading to a different service. The incident raises questions about the security and reliability of phone services, particularly during times of crisis when accurate information is crucial. It also highlights the importance of verifying sources and being cautious when sharing sensitive information over the phone.
Primetel's control over 1-800 numbers makes it a 'formidable force' in the telecom industry: Primetel, owning 25% of all 1-800 numbers, is a secretive company with significant influence in the toll-free number industry, known for acquiring businesses for desirable phone numbers.
Primetel, a company in the toll-free number industry, owns approximately 25% of all 1-800 numbers and is known for being incredibly secretive. This company's extensive control over toll-free numbers, which are highly valuable for businesses, has earned it the nickname "the black hole." Despite its significant influence, encounters with Primetel are rare, and information about the company is tightly guarded. Bruno Tabby, a colleague of the reporter, revealed that Primetel is a behemoth in the industry and has acquired businesses solely for their desirable phone numbers. The company's ability to secure such a vast number of valuable 1-800 numbers sets it apart as a major player in the 1-800 business, where obtaining numbers can be challenging. The secrecy surrounding Primetel adds to its allure and mystery, making it a formidable force in the telecommunications industry.
An unexpected job opportunity leads Evelyn to the mysterious Primetel: Evelyn's unconventional start at Primetel reveals the enigmatic figure behind the conglomerate, adding to the intrigue surrounding her and the company.
The woman behind the powerful conglomerate Primetel, a mysterious figure shrouded in secrecy, was discovered to have a long history in the industry, starting from an unexpected job opportunity involving romantic fantasies in the late 1990s. Evelyn, a woman who had worked for National a one and Primetel for over 25 years, shared her experience of initially responding to an ad for romantic fantasies, only to find herself auditioning for a role in a company that was not what she expected. Instead of a typical workplace, she walked into a pawnshop-like office with an old man supervising. Despite the initial surprise, Evelyn's experience highlights the enigmatic nature of the woman behind Primetel, adding to the intrigue surrounding her and her company.
Innovative pawn shop owner offers voicemail services to the underserved: In the early 1990s, a pawn shop owner provided affordable voicemail services to those without traditional phone lines, paving the way for his expansion into the telecommunications industry
Richard Cohen, the owner of a pawn shop in the Diamond District of Philadelphia named National Watch Exchange, saw an opportunity to make money by providing voicemail services to customers who couldn't afford traditional phone lines. This was in the early 1990s when having a phone required an address and a bank account, making it inaccessible for many people. Cohen bought a voicemail system and rented out phone numbers to his clients, allowing them to receive messages but not make calls. This was a cheap alternative for those with shady dealings or multiple aliases. As more people paid for this service, Cohen may have realized he could expand his business further, leading him to potentially discover Primetel and co-own it. Cohen was described as a collector, particularly of Steiff teddy bears, which he referred to as his "babies" or "children." Despite his reclusive nature, he was always on the hunt for valuable items. This innovative solution to a common problem marked the beginning of Cohen's empire in the telecommunications industry.
Philadelphia's First Successful Dating Line Innovator: Innovator Richard Wagner transformed a personal voice mail system into a successful dating line, overcoming opposition by shifting to a toll-free number company with Sandra Kessler.
Richard Wagner, a man with a knack for innovation, created a personal voice mail system and transformed it into Philadelphia's first successful dating line in the late 1980s. He later expanded the service beyond the city limits and faced opposition due to the increasing popularity of 900 numbers, which were often used for adult content. To circumvent this issue, Wagner partnered with Sandra Kessler, a robot collector and business genius, to establish a toll-free number company called a WESBORG. This shift allowed the dating line to continue operating legally and successfully. The story highlights Wagner's ingenuity and Kessler's business acumen, as well as the evolution of phone services and the challenges they faced in the late 20th century.
Unexpected success of ResBorgs for chat lines and phone sex services: Despite meticulous planning, underestimating market demand can lead to unexpected success for entrepreneurs, even in seemingly unsexy industries.
The creators of ResBorgs, a system designed to provide businesses with 800 numbers, underestimated the entrepreneurial spirit and the demand for these numbers. What they thought would be a small pool of large companies using the service, turned out to be over 300 independent businesses, primarily for chat lines and phone sex services. Sandra and Richard, for instance, started their own ResBorg, Matt Resbog, and made a significant profit by selling access to these numbers. The unexpected success came despite the designers' meticulous planning and failure to anticipate the market's response. The most intriguing part is that these businesses thrived in a seemingly unsexy environment, with phone sex operators working in a call center setup, complete with decorations and incentives. The operators even had to adopt stereotypical characters based on the customers' chosen race, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Discrimination and Isolation of Phone Sex Operators: Phone sex operators at America's Hotels Talk Line faced discrimination, isolation, and a lack of trust from management, creating a dehumanizing work environment.
The phone sex operators at America's Hotels Talk Line, particularly Danielle and Thelma, faced discrimination and isolation in their workplace. The default character for callers was a white woman, which deeply affected Danielle's self-esteem as a black woman. The operators were purposely kept away from the rest of the company and were not privy to important information. Additionally, the company's business model involved intentionally misdirecting calls to the phone sex line, leading to confusion and embarrassment for callers. This created a dehumanizing work environment for the operators, who were treated as second-class citizens. Despite being the best phone sex operator, Danielle was allowed to break the rules and create her own default character due to her exceptional performance. However, the lack of trust and transparency from management added to the overall isolating and demoralizing atmosphere of the call center.
The Value of Ordinary Toll-Free Numbers: Companies like Priametel discovered the value of seemingly ordinary toll-free numbers due to misdials and controlled millions, creating confusion and frustration for users. Despite advancements, their strategy remained effective.
In the past, many companies undervalued ordinary-looking toll-free numbers, assuming only those that spelled things were valuable. However, companies like Priametel, run by Sandra and Richard, discovered that these seemingly ordinary numbers were actually gold mines due to misdials. With the help of advanced technology, they were able to grab millions of phone numbers, some of which were still in use but had been forgotten or abandoned. This created a lot of confusion and frustration for people who found their phone lines redirected to unwanted services. Despite the advancement in technology and changing trends, Priametel's strategy remained effective, and they were able to control valuable phone numbers through various means, including missed bill payments. The downfall of National A1, a company hit hard by free internet porn, serves as a reminder of the significance of these seemingly insignificant phone numbers and the power that controlling them can bring.
Primetel's Deceptive Toll-Free Numbers: Primetel misled consumers by renting out their inactive phone numbers to businesses, creating fake services to maintain them, and confusing callers with misleading recordings
Primetel, a telecommunications company, was using misleading tactics to monetize their vast collection of phone numbers. When they couldn't compete with free online porn sites, they started renting out their numbers to businesses for various services. However, to maintain their numbers, they needed to appear as if they were actively using them. As a result, they created placeholder services like America's Hottest Talk Line, which was not a phone sex line but a recording that hung up after a short message. My producer and I, determined to uncover the truth, called numerous toll-free numbers with the prefix 739 (known for adult services) and found America's Hottest Talk Line. I recorded a message and was soon connected with a caller. It turned out that the women leaving messages were not phone sex operators but regular people looking for specific types of partners. The experience showed me that Primetel's tactics were not only misleading but also confusing to consumers.
A hotline for companionship and entertainment: The phone line, initially seen as a phone sex service, became a valuable resource for people seeking human connection and companionship.
The phone line, known as America's Hottest Talk Line, is more than just a hotline for a filthy chat. It serves as a source of companionship and entertainment for people who are feeling lonely, such as Jean, an elderly woman living in a nursing home. Despite her difficult circumstances, she found solace in the conversations on the line, which helped her cope with her isolation. The line, which was initially seen as a phone sex service, turned out to be a valuable resource for people seeking human connection. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest innovations can be the most impactful. Additionally, the story highlights the importance of social connections, especially during challenging times, and how technology can be used to bridge the gap of isolation.
A Wedding Reception to Look Forward To: Jean eagerly anticipates celebrating with family at a wedding reception, showcasing the team's dedication and hard work behind Reply All's success.
Key takeaway from this episode of Reply All is the excitement and anticipation of Jean, who is looking forward to celebrating and partying with her family at a wedding reception. This podcast episode, produced in 2020, was brought to life by a dedicated team including Alex Goldman and Emanuele Giocci as hosts, Thea Benin and Anna Foley as producers, Tim Howard and Bethel Hovde as editors, Rick Kwan and Hayley Shaw as mixers, and a team of interns and producers. The show's unique sound is created through original music by Breakmaster Cylinder, fact checking by Michelle Harris, and additional music production by Mariano Romano and Luke Williams. Special thanks to Therese April and other contributors for their support. You can listen to Reply All on Spotify and other podcast platforms. The podcast's success is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of its talented team.
