If there's a doorbell, why do people knock instead?!

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
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In our case, I think people don't see ours since they're kind of in an odd spot :(
 

Molondo

Platinum Member
Sep 6, 2005
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Are you hoping for a scientific answer to this question that has obviously deeply bugged you?

I would go with habbit.

 

SaltBoy

Diamond Member
Aug 13, 2001
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Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
In our case, I think people don't see ours since they're kind of in an odd spot :(
That's the only legitimate excuse I can think of. What, are people *afraid* they'll wake up our non-existant baby?!

 

chibichanman

Member
Sep 6, 2006
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Depends. Lots of door to door salespeople will knock instead of ring a doorbell due to the fact that a knock is friendly and more familiar, to some that is. A doorbell immediately qualifies as an invasion, loud blaring noise in your household. While a knock can connote a more friendly tone, if of course you are the proper person.

Who knocked?
 

Rubycon

Madame President
Aug 10, 2005
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A knock is intrinsically safe. A doorbell could spark an explosion if there was gas leaking inside. ;)
 

malbojah

Golden Member
Dec 6, 2000
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When I delivered back in the day (last week) I could never fully trust that the doorbell worked or if the owners heard it. With a couple of good solid knocks, I leave no doubt.
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
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I usually knock, even if there is a doorbell, because for some reason (I might have a complex) I don't think people hear it when I ring the doorbell. Even though they always do. Hmm.... :confused:
 

AreaCode707

Lifer
Sep 21, 2001
18,447
133
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I have no way of knowing whether the doorbell works.

Scenario 1:
- I push doorbell
- Nobody comes
- I debate a while about pushing doorbell again - did it not ring, are they just taking a while, if I push it again am I being a pain in the ass?
- I push doorbell again.
- I debate a while about pushing doorbell again - did it not ring, are they just taking a while, if I push it again am I being a pain in the ass?
- I decide doorbell didn't work.
- I knock
- Person comes to the door all irate at my repeated noise OR
- Nobody comes and I leave

Scenario 2:
- I knock
- Nobody comes
- I decide the person either isn't there or doesn't want to answer the door
- I leave
 

uberman

Golden Member
Sep 15, 2006
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Originally posted by: Balt
Many doorbells do not even work.

I find many broken ones, or a note in an obscure place telling you the doorbell is broken.

 

aloser

Senior member
Nov 20, 2004
511
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That's just the thing; if the doorbell works you'll hear that a lot better than a knock, esp. at the other end of the house.
 

amol

Lifer
Jul 8, 2001
11,679
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music;I'm thinking about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it, when you gonna ring it? :music: