Tousi,
I don't use VCO , because I'm just personally more comfortable typing & reading the conversation , and it's what I've always used.
I've also found that too many times when I'm talking to someone in person that they don't believe that I'm Hoh/deaf based on how I speak. I've used VCO 1 time, and the person I was calling, was pretty determined that we didn't "need this extra person butting in" ( meaning the CA). I don't want to get into a debate everytime I place a call.
I have to say, I can relate to you. I have a tty, can't remember the brand name, that is for the most part...well..crap! I use it for VCO, however... How many of you have called someone and when you talked to them later they were like "That was so weird, I don't like it!"
Well I'm sorry, thats the only way I'm going to be able to communicate with you besides online. I used IM for the most part, but some of my friends barely get online so I have to call them. I do also have an amplified phone, but it doesn't work with me... for the most part. I love my tty, but it seems other people just don't want to bother. I called my boyfriend once, his brother picked up (this was early in the relationship), the operator said what s/he was supposed to say(I'm not exactly sure what) and what did he do? Hang up.
He and I still don't get along. Don't you love ignorant people?
Anywho, I know where you're coming from with the IM, I totally prefer that than to the phone. My brother is studying to be an ASL interpreter and he and I both have webcams and we sign instead of typing(unless he uses a word I dont know haha).
Sorry you've had bad experiences, it seems like we all have. Not the operators fault, just the ignorant people who think they're being pranked...
-Krista