[CHsurfer]

I want a phone service that automatically charges the caller a small amount ($1-$2). I can waive the charger for known numbers. Each time an unknown caller calls, I get an SMS right after the call to waive the charge for this and all subsequent calls or to proceed with the charge.

[ct0]

Just block all unknown callers with "should i answer" and change your voice mail to prompt the caller to leave a VM or send a text for an immediate response.

[toast0]

Get a phone number from alaska? In bulk, those numbers may be more expensive to call, but probably will be allowed in consumer level minutes or unlimited plans subject to nebulous fair use clauses.

[JudgeWapner]

perfect application for blockchain: the phone doesn't ring without being on a safelist, or from a key that is obtained from buying $0.50 of some shitcoin. by default, the micropayment goes back to the caller's wallet 5 minutes after the call. but if you press the SPAM button, the blockchain is instructed to hold the payment in the receiver's wallet.

Any given person only needs $2-3 in reserves in their wallet, to make at most 4-5 outgoing calls, before their fees are refunded. Then a nominal fee for the miners.

[everdev]

Or just a feature to whitelist numbers, block all others.

I've gotten some helpful calls from neighbors though whose number I didn't have saved.

[awj]

We see that every once in a while with email, where someone decided to sign up for an email list but also wants to charge $1-2 for "unsolicited" delivery.

Just set your phone on permanent DND w/ exceptions. It's literally the same thing, except you're not going through annoying contortions to "stick it to" someone that is probably a robot...

[vageli]

Get a 900 number.

[lemcoe9]

And how would you expect to collect on any of that?

[jrockway]

I think it's easy, right? Forward your number to a voice that says, "to call me, please type your credit card number on the keypad. a charge of $2 will apply." If they pay, you connect the call. If they don't pay, the call disconnects. Easy.

Nobody will call you, of course, including spammers.

[SketchySeaBeast]

Why not just not have a phone line, instead of inexplicably paying for a service to not have a service?

[jrockway]

I think the point is to send a message.

[SketchySeaBeast]

And that message is "Don't call me."

[13of40]

How about "Please press 7 to prove you're not a robot."

[dhimes]

or:

"Please enter the result of 7 modulo 5 to prove you are somebody I want to talk to."

[towndrunk]

My wife would never be able to call me. :)