I expect a message or why bother to call back lights if no message (on either land line or cell), perhaps not important; and other options exists including text and email. I also expect folks to indicate why they call (I have one friend who only leaves his name and not the purpose; I asked him numerous time to leave a content message. My son set up his voice mail so that he gets an email with the content. If a call from a cell comes in and I am in a meeting I may text back to email or text me if they cannot wait until when I become free to call.

I save certain voice mail messages for years as they are so special.

I am squarely and emphatically on the voicemail-is-for-content side. And like Fred, I still have some archival vintage messages (great ones from my kids, including an amusing multi-year series over which my son's voice changes from that of a little boy to a man).

Like Fred there are some voicemail messages that are so special they remain on my voicemail for years. I do listen to voicemail unless time or location prevent it. Not everyone is adept at texting but I've come to prefer it for certain things. I am frustrated by my daughter's perpetually full voicemail, I know she prefers text but sometimes that just won't do. I've come to learn like all else in life we need to adjust ourselves to the person we reach out to. Those whose voicemails are just always full either prefer text or will call you back when have the chance and see the missed call.

As someone in sales, often traveling by car, texting and email are not often doable. I am one to use voicemail and listen to every message. I rely on this both for zwork and personally. I also rarely call a person back that doesn't leave a message. If they can't leave one, why should I take the time and call them back?

The latest update on the iphone give you a transcriot, so you don't have to actually "listen"--that's my preference.

I too have certain emails I will never delete :)

Yes, I'm of the tell me why you're calling school and I too have saved some. Hearing the recorded voice of someone who has passed away is priceless...

I have to admit I am in your category.

I do like the transcript on my new I phone, however, I do listen to anyone who has left a message.