[random_upvoter]

I never understood why a telephone gets precedence over somebody who made the effort to come to you in person.

[dazc]

Because after 6 or 7 rings the person calling you will go away, while the person who has come to you will, usually, stand and wait.

I agree with the sentiment though, that it does often give the impression of being bad mannered.

[dazzawazza]

Just let them go to voice mail. If it's important they'll leave a message.