I usually say I'm on my way to an interview, can you tell me really quickly? Then if it's interesting, I'll make an appointment to call back, etc. Usually that forces them to get to the point fast which is good either way. - Robert Scoble
How about saying nicely "I've got 15 seconds because of X. What's up?" Then you can be courteous, and give more time if necessary. People usually feel better if you give them more time, rather than cut them off. Psychology. - Mitchell Tsai
Giving them a very brief window is best. Better if implied than stated, the best ones will find it. - Alex Hammer
I tend to be more frank and say something like "I'm busy... tell me what you want and I'll tell you if I have time to talk right now." - Kenneth LeFebvre
via Alert Thingy
I think it's rude to call me and ask that question. Are they trained to do that at PR Newbie Camp? What is more annoying is when someone calls to find out if I got their email. If your email had prompted me to contact you, I WOULD HAVE DONE IT BY NOW. Gah. - Theresa Carey
I'm enjoying an older model, but never had luck with the software it came with, nor can I delete videos while it's connected. Have they fixed all that? - Karl
I've had zero problems using the mac software to edit and upload to flickr - Ben Clemens
I just drag the AVI files off the Flip drive to my Mac. You could even upload them directly to Flickr from the Flip. - Andy Baio
Interesting; never heard of the Flip. How's the quality look? - Benjamin Golub
I also could never get my Mac to read my Flip. I have an older version. Even Parallels couldn't see it. A PC could. - Jeff Bonforte
Strange, worked perfectly for me. Plugged it in, USB drive appeared, copied files over. Video quality is excellent for the price, 640x480 resolution. - Andy Baio
Chris Pirillo is a master. 140 characters would be a very long email from him. - Jack Carlson
I'm less annoyed by long e-mails (and admittedly guilty of writing them too often myself) and more frustrated by untargeted mailings (which, okay, I'm also sometimes guilty of). Don't e-mail a team when a custom-selected smaller group of recipients will do. Don't e-mail a group when an individual will do. And when something is urgent or confusing or complex: pick up the damn phone! :) - Adam Lasnik
