i usually just set the phone down while they are talking. then i go back a few minutes later. if they are still there i just go do something else. its their time, and money. if there still there the third time, i just hang up. here in n.y. we can now be put on a list that will make it illegal for telemarketers to call us. it hasn't gone into effect yet but from what i hear thousands of people have already been asked to be put on it. its one of the few things our state government has done right for us. of cousre the people who call you asking you to vote for so and so will probably be exempt from this law .