“A mute point”

Key points

• Dave Horsfall says he avoids speaking to robotic receptionists until a human answers.
• Alicia Dawson recalls a newspaper letter about the Herald’s shift to a smaller size.
• Kathy Earls describes Melbourne Cup Day shaping Leaving Certificate exam timings in the 1950s.
• Aidan Cuddington discusses arithmetic skills and personal interests during childhood.
• Several readers comment on economic pressures, pricing changes, and shrinking products.