Crank Calling for Jesus

[Ian David]

A "family values" media watchdog group called the Dove Foundation hopes to clean up Hollywood by making vaguely sinister computerized phone calls to millions of people all around the country.

In recent months Dove has muscled its way to the very top of the www.whocalled.us annoyance call list with nearly 900 complaints from coast to coast. It turns out the non-profit is conducting a nationwide "survey" targeted determinedly at mothers and grandmothers, which it aims to present to those godless heathens running the entertainment industry.

"Never before has an opinion poll been taken of such a large number of people," Dove explains on its website. "We will present our findings to the studio heads, and to the national media. This is sure to make headlines in the news. That is why your participation is so important!"

And the best part is, to participate, all you have to do is answer your phone! And if you miss the call, Dove's computer will call over and over again! Several times a week! At 8:00 in the morning! It'll call your mobile phone! It'll call you if you're on the Do Not Call List!

The calls are characterized by someone asking for the "lady of the house," and inquiring whether there are any young children or grandchildren at home. (Nothing creepy about that). The caller is reportedly prone to hanging up on people who ask too many questions, or who complain.

The Dove Foundation is a Michigan-based non-profit with a half-a-million dollar budget and a slew of conservative celebrities on its advisory board, including radio personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger, movie critic Michael Medved, and Lisa Whelchel, who played Blair on the Facts of Life. It's known for reviewing movies and TV shows, and issuing a seal of approval to the few that meet its cleanliness standards. (Example, Rocky Balboa almost passed, "however, there is one GD uttered by Paulie in a fit of anger," the reviewer laments. "While many people might consider that term to accurately express the passion of the moment, Dove always draws the line at "'Biblical profanity.'")

More:
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/03/crank_calling_f.html


See also:

Attorney General's News Release
August 21, 2006

Company selling films will pay $70,000 over No Call complaints in agreement obtained by Nixon

St. Louis, Mo. — Two companies that market and sell films will pay $70,000 to the state of Missouri and develop a detailed plan to ensure future compliance with the state's No Call law according to a settlement secured today by Attorney General Jay Nixon.

The assurance of voluntary compliance, filed today in St.Louis City Circuit Court, was the result of a lawsuit Nixon filed in March against Feature Films For Families Inc. of Murray, Utah, and the Dove Foundation of Grand Rapids, Mich., alleging the companies conspired in a scheme to evade state No Call laws. Telemarketers from the Dove Foundation claimed its status as a charitable organization provided them with an exemption to the Missouri No Call law. In reality, the Dove Foundation was using that status to solicit sales for Feature Films For Families, a for-profit organization that sells DVDs and videos. The Attorney General's No Call unit recovered almost 300 complaints about the calls.

“Companies such as these that look for new ways to circumvent our No Call law are another illustration of how effective our Missouri law is,” Nixon said. “We always have been, and will continue to be, vigilant in protecting Missouri's consumers from unwanted telemarketers and will swiftly take action when there is a violation of the law.”

According to the agreement, the Dove Foundation and Feature Films For Families must pay $70,000 to the state Merchandising Practices Revolving Fund and obey all merchandising practices and No Call laws in the future. The respondents must also provide the Attorney General's Office with a detailed plan of practices and procedures they will implement in their businesses to ensure compliance with the state No Call law. They have also agreed to subscribe to, and remain current with, the Missouri No Call database.

Any future violation of the agreement by the respondents could result in contempt of court proceedings and civil penalties of up to $2,000 per violation.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to [e-mail] or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

More:
http://www.ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2006/082106b.htm

[orpupilofnature57]

1. 8th, Thou shall not bear false wittiness against thy neighbor ,or as

Jake Lamatta said " it defeats it's own purpose "

[Dr.Phool]

2. What ever happened to Crank Yankers?

I liked that show.

[xchrom]

3. these tapeworms have called my house here in cali -- i HATE it.