This is the second part of streamlining the interruptions in your life.

As of January 1, 2005, the Do Not Call list went in to effect Adding your phone number(s) to the list prohibits companies with who you do NOT have a direct relationship (non-profits and political organizations are exempt) from contacting you for solicitation purposes You can register your telephone number(s) (cell phones too) so that unwanted calls are substantially reduced To register your phone numbers go to www.DoNotCall.gov or call 800-382-1222 Registration takes 31 days to take effect and numbers remain on the list for 5 years, at which time you should re-register So if you registered when the law started, it’s time to re-register.

Also in 2005, the Junk Fax Protection Act was enacted Each fax should include the option for you to remove yourself from that companies fax list, by providing you with a toll free number to call to get your number removed from their list.

Sometimes after all your efforts, you continue to receive unwanted communications, and you have made it clear to the company that you do not wish to be contacted and you have no relationship with them or a sister company and you continue to get contacted, you have the option of reporting the company to their regulatory agency For example, for calls and faxes contact the FTC to file a complaint.

The system is not perfect, but I personally have eliminated most unwanted mail, calls and faxes.