Google *ANYTHING* is bad for the hobby. The fact women use it for work astounds me more than words can express.
Google voice is also awful for letting numbers "slip" as Tilly mentioned.
Burn phones are piss easy - walk into Walmart and buy a SmartTalk right off the shelf. Pitch it in the garbage, go to a different Walmart, buy another one.
Originally Posted by Missy Mariposa
Thirded (and excellent points, Missy). I've experienced the Google Voice "slip" as well; fortunately I was just testing it out with a few regulars and so the application was running on my burn phone, but as handy as their voicemail interface and block features are, the only way I'd use it for keeping personal information from prospective clients is layered on top of an anonymous, paid-with-cash phone. This is a known bug and it's been an issue for years.
I would not recommend that any provider use Google Voice as their hobby number layered on top of a personal cell phone in their name.
From a conversational data standpoint, texts and call logs are retained no matter who you send them through. Keep this in mind when communicating. Google just takes it to a (much) more ambitious level. Truthfully, our goal should be never to have a communication that could be construed as incriminating. Unfortunately the need to establish compatibility leads people to get sloppy.
It's much easier, and safer, just to get a prepaid phone off the shelf. If you ever run out of Walmarts there are Radio Shacks, Best Buys, etc. If you want to get fancy you can get a prepaid smartphone (bear in mind GPS/location data cautions if this is a concern for you). Reload with cash or with anonymous gift cards. Easy.