Is it MC Shan or is it MC Ren?

NYC or LA?

Ben Stiller or Will Ferrell?

Most alums live in the Eastern time zone. The top eight states that students arrive from are located in the Eastern time zone. So, most calls ring bells along the seaboard.

But that's if alums have moved back home or near home. Look, callers already know that it ain't where you from, it's where you at. (I think it's next to the Jimmy Valvano quote.) And where you're at tends to be more exotic than where you're from. Also, don't forget the alums who are from way out yonder and remain in those parts post graduation.

The point is that, as more students come from California, Nevada, and wherever Utah is, we will be calling more alums who might not give you the right time if you ask for it. This is particularly disconcerting because dinner time in New York is still work time in Los Angeles. What's more? There's also this state that is some six hours to the left.

We can't shrink the Earth. The treadmill would be too expensive. But we can shrink the distances. But it won't be us who does it. For Phonathon, there is very limited chance that we will talk to West Coasters between six and nine unless we catch them (doing nothing) at work. I think this is going to be one of the drastic changes that occurs in Annual Giving over the next ten years. People in general will have better understandings and controls over their time and money. That's good since that is what callers require. Tax deductability will be a pro. Forms won't have ink. And time zones will be as restrictive as no-call zones. (Yeah, we've got the annoying Verizon guy.)

Soon, those prospects will get in touch with us. They'll be starting the conversation...and ending it too. But until then, I'm not sure what to do. Just keep at it I suppose. Let them know that we know they're there, all the way over there. And keep them close. Make sure that the Ignite Nites outnumber the earthquakes (easier said than shaken).

And realize that there are some we just won't reach on the phone (this goes for all time zones). But that doesn't mean we won't reach them.