Discussions

Does anyone still actually use these things? I can't imagine why I'd ever use it: most people have cell phones as their primary number these days (and therefore are unlisted), and for any business, it's far quicker for me to search for them online than it is for me to go hunting for them in a phone book.  
 
Mine went straight from the front step to my recycling bin.  
 
IMO, if you're a local business, you're way, WAY better off spending your money on a good web presence than you are throwing your money away on a phone book ad.  
 
Edit: Also, apparently you can opt out. It's too late for this year, but if you're so inclined, you can remove your address from the next round here: https://delivery.yp.ca/optouts/address  
 
Personally, I think opting out is a good idea: not only will you (hopefully) save a book from being printed, but the more people opt out, the more obvious it will be that phone books are a dying enterprise.  
 
Edited by pudds, 2015-10-27 09:14:24

I have to disagree. I'm actually quite happy to get a phone book. It works in a pinch when you can't pull out your smart phone and just click away. Plus, contrary to your opinion, not everyone has a smart phone or is computer literate.  
 
That being said, from an environmental perspective I can see why a new one every year may not be useful or the best idea.

I'm just going on the amount of times that people come on here asking "where can I buy. ..." or what's open..." that not a lot of people even bother to use (or keep?) a phone book any more;OR ... . they're lazy?!  
Lots of people still have a land line as well as a cell & many,especially very old don't use a computer.

MDG said "I'm just going on the amount of times that people come on here asking "where can I buy. ..." or what's open..." that not a lot of people even bother to use (or keep?) a phone book any more;OR ... . they're lazy?!   Lots of people still have a land line as well as a cell & many,especially very old don't use a computer. "

I'm not sure a phone book would answer very many of those questions.

Does anyone know where I can get one

i disagree with how many people actually use the phone book still, while there is some people that dont have a smart phone or a PC my bet is the majority of people do, not saying we should get rid of the book all together but, maybe they should go to a order or pick up if you want one system or at least advertise you can opt out  
 
i will be doing the opt out but prior to this every year i find a book at the door we obviously dont use, by the time we find it i couldnt use it anyway

I use it all the time.  
 
Very useful for finding phone numbers in rural manitoba. Many listings you can't get on the internet. Not only does it provide phone numbers it also lists the accurate address including section / township specifics.  
 
Very useful.  
Especially for those in rural areas.  
 
 
Not everyone lives in the city with lightening speed internet.

 
Yes, I advertise in the local phone book.  
I often wonder about "return on investment"  
 
 
That being said I would use the phone book 40% of the time to look up a phone number or search a business.  
 

Briar said "Does anyone know where I can get one "

There's one in my recycling bin

For the link, I just opted out. Been meaning to do that for a while.

Glad to know there's an opt out option. I can't even remember the last time I used a phone book. It's likely been at least 3 years, if not longer.

I agree that rural Manitobans probably use their print phone books more often than someone in a city. Kind of funny story....my husband called the RCMP about someone's livestock....the young RCMP officer that called him back said that he had been unable to find a listing for the owner on his app....my husband proceeded to look up the number in the print phone book and provided it to the officer.

I have a smart phone and Internet and I still use a phone book. Where I live cell service is crap so can't use that and there are times I don't have access to the Internet when I need it, like at work. Using the phone book just seems easier sometimes. I use it fairly regularly, more for businesses than people.

Haven't used a phone book in YEARS! I opted out, thanks for the link!!

but dont the rural guys that can not get lighting speed internet(btw that includes me lol) pick their phone books up at the post office or other general site? which would be great, people who want them get them but mts doesn't waste money printing to many or delivering them just to be tossed, IMO they should go to a pick up method everywhere

My husband was just on the computer and needed the spelling of a company name. He left the computer, went into another room and looked it up in the phone book. I was like 'you're on a computer, have a blackberry and ipad beside you... and you get up and leave the room to look in a book??'  
 
I don't get it. I can't remember the last time I looked in a phone book.  
 
 
 
Edited by Artemis68, 2015-10-27 14:38:22

pudds said "Does anyone still actually use these things? I can't imagine why I'd ever use it: most people have cell phones as their primary number these days (and therefore are unlisted), and for any business, it's far quicker for me to search for them online than it is for me to go hunting for them in a phone book.     Mine went straight from the front step to my recycling bin.     IMO, if you're a local business, you're way, WAY better off spending your money on a good web presence than you are throwing your money away on a phone book ad.     Edit: Also, apparently you can opt out. It's too late for this year, but if you're so inclined, you can remove your address from the next round here: https://delivery.yp.ca/optouts/address     Personally, I think opting out is a good idea: not only will you (hopefully) save a book from being printed, but the more people opt out, the more obvious it will be that phone books are a dying enterprise.     Edited by pudds, 2015-10-27 09:14:24"

In response to pudds, Vibrant Directories are far from dying out! To be clear, the book you received yesterday is produced by our competitor - Yellow Pages Group (YPG) and it is evident that they are struggling. At a time when most standard telephone directories are experiencing a downturn, our independently owned and operated LARGE PRINT directories are proving to be the “little engine that could” in the province of Manitoba. The Phone Book Company celebrates its 20th Anniversary and we are continuing to grow and expand into new territory!  
 
You point out that people with cell phones as their primary numbers are unlisted and therfore not in the phonebook . However, you many not realize that a huge portion of those people contact our office directly by telephone or online at www.phonebookonline.ca to include their cell phone numbers in our book at no extra charge. They realize the value of having their contact information listed in our directory. They realize that when it comes to people trying to reach them - the ordinary calls (people they meet at meetings, neighbours, old friends, possibly hospital or emergency calls, etc, etc.) will make it so much easier if they are listed in the official resource on record.  
 
I know it was only your opinion pudds, but again marketers and agencies alike consider directories to be one of the most cost-effective means of advertising for any business - HANDS DOWN! Telephone Directories are a fundamental component of any successful branding campaign. They are the most cost-effective vehicle to ensure brand retention because it is visible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. In addition, and in comparison to our competition, our book features some 50 MORE pages of advertising and we boast a 94% renewal rate - making PBC Directories the obvious choice on who’s who and what they are selling.  
 
I love that you included the opt out link, because I think thats very important. We have been diligent about our footprint since the very beginning back in 1995. We continue to promote recycling our books wherever possible and we have even joined forces with a local earthworm farmer whose worms seem to have a taste and multiply faster when fed our paper :-) Thank You so much pudds for your thread, it gave us an opportunity to clear up some of the misconceptions surrounding telephone directories and maybe even open a few minds. This fiercely independent company of 14 very passionate individuals pride ourselves on the publications we produce. We talk to our customers, We monitor their progress and we adapt to meet their changing needs. We know our book is loved far and wide. You can visibly see it in almost every office, back seats of cars and even combine cabs throughout this wonderful province. Our readers begin calling months before each publication asking when ours will be coming out - So please know we The Phone Book Company and publishers of LARGE PRINT Directories for Western Manitoba and Pembina Valley/Portage/AND STEINBACH in 2016 - are not dying and far from dead! We are very, very much alive and relevant!

never use them at all anymore. I don't even have one in my office at work - phone or computer to look everything up.

I still use mine, but probably not a yearly update is needed. I usually keep the old one in the car, though I have a cell its not a smart phone so keep it there for emergencies if need to look up a number.  
 
Use the one at our cabin as no internet there.  
 
I know lots of seniors who don't have computers so think they are still needed, even if it's not provided for everyone.  
 
Also use it all the time at work to confirm address/phone number as don't have (not allowed) to use internet or smart phone

I use the business directory lots. It is set up by region/city and services. It gives a larger picture of wharves available locally in my opinion.  
 
White pages are not as relevant but handy if you are near the book and your landline is what you are closest to.

I actually use my LARGE PRINT phone book all the time! I don't have a cell phone, and rarely find what I'm looking for online, especially if I'm a little fuzzy on what I'm trying to find, LOL.  
 
The large print ones actually has a really good business directory. I use it all the time.  
 
As for the one that just showed up yesterday... I will likely just pitch them in recycling. I couldn't tell you the last time I used that particular brand of phone book!

the phone book all the time, that is with smart phones and computers lying around everywhere, it's still quicker.

Options:  
Opt out  
 
maybe the yellow page company should take preorders  
 
Maybe there could be a place to drop off unused/unwanted books.  
 
(Unfortunately you the original poster threw yours in the recycle meanwhile another person is asking where can u get one.... Funny how that works)

I don't have a smartphone and have been left standing in front of the few and dwindling phone booths left in Manitoba trying to remember a number. Now I have a pay-as-you-go phone and a phone book in the car.

PhoneBookCo said "    pudds said "Does anyone still actually use these things? I can't imagine why I'd ever use it: most people have cell phones as their primary number these days (and therefore are unlisted), and for any business, it's far quicker for me to search for them online than it is for me to go hunting for them in a phone book.     Mine went straight from the front step to my recycling bin.     IMO, if you're a local business, you're way, WAY better off spending your money on a good web presence than you are throwing your money away on a phone book ad.     Edit: Also, apparently you can opt out. It's too late for this year, but if you're so inclined, you can remove your address from the next round here: https://delivery.yp.ca/optouts/address     Personally, I think opting out is a good idea: not only will you (hopefully) save a book from being printed, but the more people opt out, the more obvious it will be that phone books are a dying enterprise.     Edited by pudds, 2015-10-27 09:14:24" In response to pudds, Vibrant Directories are far from dying out! To be clear, the book you received yesterday is produced by our competitor - Yellow Pages Group (YPG) and it is evident that they are struggling. At a time when most standard telephone directories are experiencing a downturn, our independently owned and operated LARGE PRINT directories are proving to be the “little engine that could” in the province of Manitoba. The Phone Book Company celebrates its 20th Anniversary and we are continuing to grow and expand into new territory!     You point out that people with cell phones as their primary numbers are unlisted and therfore not in the phonebook . However, you many not realize that a huge portion of those people contact our office directly by telephone or online at www.phonebookonline.ca to include their cell phone numbers in our book at no extra charge. They realize the value of having their contact information listed in our directory. They realize that when it comes to people trying to reach them - the ordinary calls (people they meet at meetings, neighbours, old friends, possibly hospital or emergency calls, etc, etc.) will make it so much easier if they are listed in the official resource on record.     I know it was only your opinion pudds, but again marketers and agencies alike consider directories to be one of the most cost-effective means of advertising for any business - HANDS DOWN! Telephone Directories are a fundamental component of any successful branding campaign. They are the most cost-effective vehicle to ensure brand retention because it is visible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. In addition, and in comparison to our competition, our book features some 50 MORE pages of advertising and we boast a 94% renewal rate - making PBC Directories the obvious choice on who’s who and what they are selling.     I love that you included the opt out link, because I think thats very important. We have been diligent about our footprint since the very beginning back in 1995. We continue to promote recycling our books wherever possible and we have even joined forces with a local earthworm farmer whose worms seem to have a taste and multiply faster when fed our paper :-) Thank You so much pudds for your thread, it gave us an opportunity to clear up some of the misconceptions surrounding telephone directories and maybe even open a few minds. This fiercely independent company of 14 very passionate individuals pride ourselves on the publications we produce. We talk to our customers, We monitor their progress and we adapt to meet their changing needs. We know our book is loved far and wide. You can visibly see it in almost every office, back seats of cars and even combine cabs throughout this wonderful province. Our readers begin calling months before each publication asking when ours will be coming out - So please know we The Phone Book Company and publishers of LARGE PRINT Directories for Western Manitoba and Pembina Valley/Portage/AND STEINBACH in 2016 - are not dying and far from dead! We are very, very much alive and relevant! "

I checked your website, but I do not see an opt out link. Is there one available that you can provide?

In response to Pudds request of providing an "opt out" link for Phone Book Company LARGE PRINT Directories on our website - we see no need. For us it has never been an issue. Our telephone books are eagerly anticipated, welcomed, and sought-after. However, if you Pudds or anyone else would like "opt-out" - please do not hesitate to contact our office at 204-727-2389 anytime

PhoneBookCo said "In response to Pudds request of providing an "opt out" link for Phone Book Company LARGE PRINT Directories on our website - we see no need. For us it has never been an issue. Our telephone books are eagerly anticipated, welcomed, and sought-after. However, if you Pudds or anyone else would like "opt-out" - please do not hesitate to contact our office at 204-727-2389 anytime "

i just cleared out all my phone books as i was de-cluttering, i noticed that 4 of them were your large print books, honestly, im no more inclined to use them as the other type of phone book, I have never ordered one either so i could see a reason for an opt out option because im not likely to phone but it will just end up in the trash, wasting you time and money ...unless you are getting paid anyway and dont care, but that says a lot about your company

PhoneBookCo said "In response to Pudds request of providing an "opt out" link for Phone Book Company LARGE PRINT Directories on our website - we see no need. For us it has never been an issue. Our telephone books are eagerly anticipated, welcomed, and sought-after. However, if you Pudds or anyone else would like "opt-out" - please do not hesitate to contact our office at 204-727-2389 anytime "

That's the one I use! When will they be delivered, thanks!

I also keep the current telephone book in my home and the previous years in my car for emergencies. Perhaps if you are not interested then just leave a note on your mailbox...please no telephone books. That's what home owners used to do when I helped my daughter deliver flyers.

Our Distribution Dates For Our Western Manitoba Directory (currently in production) are starting March 2016 and distribution for our Pembina Valley/Portage/Steinbach Directory will be October 2016.  
Thank You So Much For Asking.