Can
You Hear Me Now?
Of course I can; and so can everyone else
within 100 feet. Ever since we became
wedded to our cell phones in the mid 80’s we have entered a new realm of
rudeness.
How did we communicate before we had cell
phones? We wrote letters, sent telegrams
(feared because they often contained bad news), and made phone calls from home,
office, or pay phones. Pay phones were
found on every corner, in stores, gas stations, and restaurants. For many years you could make a local call
for a dime.
Today we have email, PDA’s, and cell phones.
The emails we can block but we always answer our cell phones. You will often hear whole conversations, that
aren’t aimed at you and hold no interest.
Past generations did not have to confront this rudeness. Our entire society was a lot more
genteel. We went out of the way to bepolite and not intrude on others.
Let’s Talk.com has developed some guidelines
for cell phone use so you can avoid bothering other people with your calls.
MUTE
Many establishments now request that you not
use your phone when on their premises. Pay attention to the rules, they have
been written for a reason.
INCOMING CALLS
Personalized and joke ring tones are
especially offensive. Try giving certain
people unique ringtones, like I’ve done for my Father, so you know which calls
have to be answered. Let everything else
go to voicemail until later.
VOLUMN CONTROL
It is not necessary to scream into your
phone. If you have a good signal your
indoor voice will do; if not no amount of screaming will help
SHORT AND SWEET
When in public relate information and hang
up. You can go into the details later on
your own time.
DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE
Besides being very dangerous texting is
probably against the law. If you must
respond pull over or call back when you stop.
EXCUSE YOURSELF BEFORE
TAKING THE CALL
Emergencies do arise. Some
calls may be unavoidable. Let the people
you are with know, in advance, that if you hear a particular ringtone you will
have to take the call.
NO PICTURES, PLEASE
Always ask before taking pictures. You could put your friends in a very uncompromising position.
Always ask before taking pictures. You could put your friends in a very uncompromising position.
