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HoaxCall: A Web site for bullies who never grew up
Apparently, the owner of the Web site HoaxCall is unable to determine just what it is his site actually does. According to a press release, he needs help answering the following question: "Is HoaxCall.com the Latest Form of Cyber-bullying"
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Grow up.
In the release, founder Marc Waesche explains, "I created this site with the prankster in mind. I can remember doing prank calls as a child and wanted to give prank calls a high-tech makeover." Well, here's a thought. If something is funny when you're nine then chances are, it isn't when you're twenty-nine.
Here's HoaxCall's schtick. Pick a prank call scenario, then dial any phone number right from the browser. Listen as a pre-made audio clip plays for the person you've called, and wait for hilarity to ensue. The three options available at the moment are "The Annoying eBay Buyer," "You're on Air [sic]!" and "Yeah, Who's This Then?" Evidently, there are more coming soon.
Before dismissing the site entirely, I listened to two different scenarios and they were predictably bad, over-acted, and just downright silly. In fact, the "funniest" part of any call would be if someone was actually tricked into thinking they were talking to a real person other than a recording.
The only thing this Web site got right is that it won't let you dial the same number more than once every two weeks. I wasn't able to verify that claim, however. According to the FAQs HoaxCall collects phone numbers in a database and I wasn't about to offer mine up to them.
While the site is no doubt sophomoric, the most troubling thing about it is the glib references to the very serious issue of cyber-bullying. Well, that and HoaxCall's attempt to provide "an outlet for the prankster in each of us." I don't know about you, but I grew out of making prank calls right about the same time burp jokes stopped being funny.
Judging by the terrific sense of humor I see in Download Squad readers, I'd say you've grown up, too. So, who's up for some real fun?
Comments
8
Subscribe to commentsTeguh AdityaSep 23rd 2008 10:41PM
Yeah, you're right. As we growing up, something that cool/funny/awesome when you're nine, it isn't when you're twenty-nine (or twenty-two for me).
Except NES.
NES FTW!
:)
Clinton RRoD sept.3Sep 24th 2008 12:06AM
im doin it 2 get my friend not gonna work though
Dave A.Sep 24th 2008 1:18AM
The main problem I have with this website is that you can put in a cell phone number and force someone to pay just so they can be the unwitting victim of a prank call.
This is not only unethical but also illegal in the US, since it's an unsolicited call the recipient must pay for.
JeffSep 24th 2008 10:31AM
You are right - this is not exactly the best of sites. I understand it's fun - but it can just be used so wrongly....
So - my question is.... why give it facetime then and link to it?
Lisa HooverSep 24th 2008 10:35AM
Fair question, and one I struggled with before writing this post. In the end, I decided I wanted to call them out on this idea and also point out that online bullying is no laughing matter. I tried to be fair in this post, but I was actually really ticked when I got a press release that seemed to glorify cyber-bullying (believe me when I say I held back while writing this :-)
So, yeah, I wish I hadn't had to link to them, but I'd rather call them out then be quiet and hope people don't think crap like this is acceptable. Make sense?
SpecterSep 25th 2008 1:42AM
fair enough... its rather hilarious though
SpecterSep 25th 2008 1:44AM
fair enough... its rather hilarious though
JustinSaneSep 25th 2008 11:15AM
Prank calling is actually illigal in most places, so why hasent this site been pulled and the owner fined?