TY - JOUR T1 - I am extremely sorry (but not here) JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 489 LP - 489 VL - 55 IS - 515 AU - Neville Goodman Y1 - 2005/06/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/55/515/489.abstract N2 - Somehow, it was always acceptable that the speaking clock wasn't a live person. It doesn't make sense to have lots of people sitting around waiting to read out the time. Now digitised, the speaking clock was a marvel of clicking electrical contacts and tape-loops: ‘at the third stroke’ is part of our culture.The more modern automatic messaging systems are not so well loved. They make equal sense, but are infuriating. ‘Thank you for calling. If you have a touch-tone phone and want the service department … ER -