E-mail, voicemail etiquette

[markolas]

Okay, here's the backstory...

I practice in a tradition of Buddhism that has no other members/practitioners in my town. The nearest temple is in Houston, and I'm also in touch with a minister in Portland, OR. Because of financial and car problems, I have not been able to get down to Houston in since early May. So my method of contact has been phone and e-mail.

Supposedly, one of the Houston members is moving to Austin next summer, which I was excited about. I've tried calling him over the past few weeks, but he hasn't called me back. I sent an e-mail to another practitioner in Houston saying I hadn't heard from him, and asked if the move was still on.

My experience has been that all of these people (minister included) are incredibly difficult to reach, whether by phone or e-mail. I understand that people are busy, or that e-mail isn't their preferred form of communication, but come on. There is another Buddhist group that has members practically everywhere (including the town where I live), but I have some qualms about some of the things they teach. However, I am considering giving them a call and scoping them out, nonetheless, simply because I feel a pressing need to be connected to people who understand this practice and can give some support.