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  • 9-DEC-2025 | Tom McElligott’s “Successful Obscene Call” Ad for Northwestern Bell

9-DEC-2025 | Tom McElligott’s “Successful Obscene Call” Ad for Northwestern Bell

Author

Dan Bogachek
December 09, 2025

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Tom McElligott’s “Successful Obscene Call” Ad for Northwestern Bell

It takes two to make a successful obscene call.

It can happen anytime. In mid-afternoon. Late at night. Even at the dinner table.

You pick up your ringing phone only to be verbally assaulted by a torrent of disgusting obscenities. And the sick mind that placed the call succeeds in sickening you.

Happily, there is something you can do about obscene phone calls. Something that will turn off a sick mind faster than anything else:

Simply hang up.

It takes two to make a successful obscene phone call. A caller and a listener. In effect, by hanging up you immediately neutralize the obscene caller.

Law enforcement agencies, together with Northwestern Bell, are making these risky times for obscene callers. They risk not only their reputations, but a fine and jail sentence, as well.

Someday, obscene phone calls will be entirely eliminated. But until that time comes, the best way to deal with his hang-ups is to hang-up. 🏁

  • Punchy incomplete sentences right after the hook: they emphasize the suddenness of the call and act as quick cuts between scenes in your mind. Complete ideas > complete sentences.

  • Strong “you” imagery to twist the knife.

  • 1-2 cadence on “Happily, there is something… simply hang up.”

  • Punchline pun, nice.