Advice?

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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:39 pm

Ok, been working on a lad about a week now. I've managed to get him off script, and things look very promising. He's agreed to help me, Paul Atreides ,wealthy owner of a spice import business in the US, open new trade opportunities in West Africa. He's going to introduce me to his friends, who just so happen to know a cinnamon grower in Burkina Faso, which is exactly what I told him I need to purchase!

I see a LOT of potential here. Everything from taste tests, spice samples, photos of vacant lots all over town (for the new store's location) and so forth. But all that is well into the future.

In the short term, I have to take a trip in rl and will be away for 2 days. I will have no internet access in that time. I don't want to lose this guy so early, so the question is whether you think he'll lose interest or get suspicious if I tell him I'll be away from the office and unable to talk for 2 days. I am an important businessman, after all, so what's a good excuse for the cell phone blackout?

In reality, I don't currently have a way of talking to him on the phone that I'm comfortable with (privacy), or else I'd let him call me.

So, thoughts?

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:46 pm

You won't be keeping your phone on, since you'll be at important meetings for the entire 2 days, or you'll be out of cellphone range, looking at some land out in the desert, or you kept your phone on all the time, and never heard it ring once, why is he lying about trying to call you? etc etc.

He's a lying cheating scumbag, so no lie from you is too black.

Meanwhile, you could sign up for a free UK number somewhere like http://www.datacalls.com
and either redirect it to your mobile or use a SIP phone on your PC,

Or: get a cheap sim card and stick it in an old mobile. Your baits will be immeasurably more successful, and more fun, with phone contact. Make him pay for the calls of course!

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:49 pm

You could always tell him you will be in remote parts of South America researching spice opportunities. There appears to be plethora of a rare medicinal spice along the Nile River..
Or if you want to PM me I would be happy to play your assistant until you get back.

ETA: Oh I misread your email I thought it said 2 weeks. I have ignored lads for a lot longer than 2 days. As long as he is smelling a payday he will keep interest.

Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:02 am

Just go do your real-life thing for a few days, and don't tell him anything. When you get back you just say you got called away for an emergency.

YOU control the bait, not him. Just do your thing and tell him afterwards. If he complains, then give him a slap. You have a business to run and don't need his permission to go away.

He can wait two days. I say make him wait 2 days and don't worry about it.

And honestly--I've tried it both ways (i.e., telling my lad I'll be away or another lad afterwards). I find it harder to tell him in advance. If I don't tell him and I get a good email from him, I can always say I just got into the hotel and checked my emails, and say it was an emergency. And go from there.

I don't tell them first anymore. I know you really won't have internet access when away, but I'd make him wonder for two days where you are.

Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:34 am

Ok. Thanks guys.

Ignore it is. In the meantime, I'll definitely obtain a baiting-designated phone number for future use.

This is so much fun. Very Happy