Re: Alternatives to LOCAL phone service???

SlugBug,

I'm pretty sure I recently saw a voice mail service that was accessed via
e-mail or the Web.  This wouldn't be very practical though if you were
checking it at the library unless you were able to carry a headset in with
you.

I think a more practical idea would be to get a cell service with about 100
minutes and voice mail included.  For about what you pay for the land line
you'll get an unlisted number, voice mail, and no sales calls.  You can
check the voice mail from any phone, and you'll be surprised how many calls
last less than two minutes.  These plans won't be heavily advertised and may
not include a free phone. Probably many people you know have a previous
generation cell phone lying around.

Best of Luck.

 jj