When we hold contests, there’s something in them for everyone. Contestants get the chance to compete against their peers and often get a free developer’s kit. The sponsors get to see what kinds of unique applications users can drum up with their products. We get to publish those ideas. And you, the readers, get to read about the inventive projects.

Some of the projects I find most interesting are those that provide solutions to everyday problems. Sure, the trailblazing blue-sky applications can stun you, but I’m just as happy reading about something I would likely use. Take, for instance, the Stealth Telephone Screener designed by Richard Wotiz (p. 10). Richard’s answer to the endless ringing by telemarketers impressed the judges enough to earn him Grand Prize in the Mad Dash for Flash Cash contest sponsored by Microchip. Technical superiority and practicality—that’s a winning combination.

Great ideas, like so many other things, start at home. The desire to combat the constant nagging of telemarketers is something we can all relate to. When you come home from work, it’s annoying to listen to multiple messages with nothing but dead air. The calls during dinner are a nuisance. Sometimes when you pick up the phone, you’re hung up on. It’s become such a problem that the states have stepped in. In fact, more than half the states have restrictive telemarketing legislation on the books and ever-expanding no-call lists. Apparently, the issue is right up there with campaign finance reform because now the federal government is cracking down on telemarketers. You, me, and everyone else will be able to sign up for the national no-call list starting this month. With a stiff penalty of up to $11,000 fine per infraction, it looks like telemarketers are on their way out.

Hold on though. Before rejoicing as you envision quiet dinners and telemarketers shackled in the poor house, you might want to take a closer look at the rules. The Federal Trade Commission lists the following groups as exempt: long-distance phone companies, airlines, banks, credit unions, insurance businesses, charitable organizations, political organizations, and surveyors. Oh, and any company that can claim an established business relationship with you can call you for up to 18 months after your last purchase, delivery, or payment.

But, have no fear! Richard explains how the telemarketing companies conduct their calls and the tricks they use to stay in business. Indeed, they can cleverly outsmart the gadgets on the market designed to detect and stop them. Richard looked at how the telemarketing schemes work, looked at the typical anti-telemarketing products, and then filled in the gaps. This may be the best invention I’ve seen in a while.

jennifer.huber@circuitcellar.com

Published: July 2003