A small appplication for a mobile handset that allows a "maximum duration" to be associated with numbers in the phonebook.

When an incoming call from the number is answered, the timer starts. When the timer expires, the call is automatically dropped.

The caller then has to redial.

Eventually they will either learn not to ramble and get to the point, or give up calling; a win-win outcome.
-- 8th of 7, May 12 2010

Alternatively... Hang up yourself?
Sorry. Your call is important to us <snigger> #bang!#
-- Jinbish, May 12 2010


An app would add that element of consitency and repeatability that's so important for these situations.
-- 8th of 7, May 12 2010


Could it be "retro" imitating a pay-phone? That is: 3 minutes, and again 1 minute before the limit, a recorded voice is heard by both parties asking you to deposit additional coins in the slot, followed by sound of change rattling in the coin- box. The third time, the recorded voice is heard, and, before the coin-rattle, the call's cut off.
-- mouseposture, May 12 2010


Except this is for incoming calls. Maybe a "low battery" beep ...
-- 8th of 7, May 13 2010


//Except this is for incoming calls// Drat. Still, it wasn't going to fool anybody anyway: who uses pay-phones these days? It's less a deception, and more a way to blunt rudeness with humor. If it's deniability you want, the "low battery" beep is much better.

But, does the caller normally hear the low-battery beep on *your* phone? Shirley you'd want to imitate the characteristic beep of *their* phone. Would require research. Might be feasible.
-- mouseposture, May 13 2010


Ah, good one, [21Q]. Mae it sound like a network problem ...
-- 8th of 7, May 13 2010



random, halfbakery