The Deerhunter Knows

Watergate reporters relied on Deepthroat for inside information. When it comes to AT&T insider matters I have the Deerhunter. I can not tell you any more.

In February I needed a new office phone. The Deerhunter said not to buy an AT&T phone. I did not listen, and went to Staples and got one for $29. The fact that the box said made in China did not scare me. I plugged it in. I got a humming sound. The Deerhunter said, “I warned you.” I took it back to Staples and got a replacement. I told the clerk to be sure to call the AT&T Quality Control Department. He said, “yeah sure.” The replacement phone lasted 8 months before it quit working. I did not tell the Deerhunter. He reads my Blog and is now smiling I am certain.

The old AT&T used to make great phones (Western Electric I think). In the old days the phone man came out in a truck and installed them. Home owners were forbidden to do anything. The phone worked when they left. In 1948 my mom in Detroit got a shiny new black rotary dial phone. When touch tone phones became popular I suggested that she should replace the old phone. She said, “if I want advice I will ask for it.” The old phone was still working when she passed away several years ago.

I am beginning to sound like my father when I say things seemed to work better in the old days. The Deerhunter told me AT&T does not make phones anymore they just put their logo on the box. The phone, like a lot of things, is turning out to be disposable appliance. Slowly but surely so is my PC.

UPDATE. In my Blog, “Wire Wars,” I told everyone that the courts in Connecticut would not allow AT&T to distribute TV signals over their phone lines. The Deerhunter told me he knows for sure that they will win the dispute. On October 31, Judge R.F. McWeeny ruled that AT&T is clear to go. The Deerhunter was right again. I think I will call my cable company and tell them the good news!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Comments

[Susan K. Smith]

As the daughter of a former New York Telephone (original baby Bell prior to the AT&T break-up) cable splicing foreman and niece of a former switchman, I can attest to the 'old' superior quality of their phones. Quality was drilled into employees and it is sadly missed by those of us who aren't even able to have service from Verizon or BellSouth, but some start-up company! Not only was quality #1, but so was safety. Can't tell you how many Bell safety films I watched growing up! If you really want a good pair of scissors, try to get an pair from an old Bell Company employee - even those are superior! You are right, Chuck - Western Electric did make the phones and those days are so long gone! On another note, I hope your bluebirds are hunkered in for the winter. Cold has finally come to us down here in KY! All the best,

Sue

[Roger Thornhill]

Ah, those old ATT/Bell Labs/Western Electric phones--bakelite beasts with braided brown cloth covered wiring that were so heavy they could beat an intruder senseless.

Ah, the rotary dial -- a complex amalgamation of precision machined components, complete with jeweled bearings and an airpressure controlled speed governer.

Yes, they don't make 'em like they used too -- and that's a good thing as this boatanchor would cost probably $500 today.

As far as digital phones go, if you stick with Sony or Panasonic you'll be ok.
I agree that branded ATT phones are junk.

And although I'm no fan of Chinese goods, stay away from US made GE branded home appliances. They have the worst maintenance record but are the cheapest in price.

I guess you get what you pay for.....

Roger Thornhill
Retired Electronics Technician
www.commentator.vze.com

[italian office furniture]

Hi, I agree with you. Really this blog is very informative.