The Cell-phone Phenomenon

[along-for-the-ride]

It wasn't too long ago that, if we wanted to phone somebody, we had to use a land-line phone from a residence, or workplace, or phone booth. Only. And.........we just called the apparatus a"telephone", not a "land-line phone". Nowadays, folks can always keep in touch....anytime and anywhere. Now....with the great invention of the "cell phone". Ohh...the convenience of modern technology. But I wonder if the cell phone is a blessing or a curse. ???
I do admit that I do have a cell phone. But I do not feel the need to use it compulsively. I have it in my pocession for emergencies, and for that reason, it has served me well.
The cell phone is a great invention, but when the people who are using them are rude or careless........it's not so great.

It is on this thread where you can post your thoughts or your experiences with the cell phone. Come on.............I know you have one.

I will start. Folks are even writing "Dear Abby" about this subject.

DEAR ABBY: Your answer to "Minneapolis Commuter" (June 8), who was sick of overhearing personal cell phone conversations, missed the mark. I ride public transit to and from Sacramento every day, and most of the time the passengers -- like me -- just want a quiet ride to work and back. Sometimes a rude, obnoxious and very loud person will get on and make life miserable for the rest of us.

Moving to another seat is not an option because their voices carry throughout the entire bus. Often these conversations are laced with profanity, and it becomes an endurance test to remain polite.

I no longer feel that being polite is the best solution with such people. They need to be reminded about common courtesy and respect for their neighbors. There have been days when the bus driver actually stopped the bus and ordered such passengers off. I dare say, you have not been on public transit in a while, or you would not have dismissed the complaint so quickly. -- SACRAMENTO COMMUTER

DEAR COMMUTER: You are right. I haven't used public transit for some time, however, several of my staff use it daily and tell me, as you have, that phone users can be rude and obnoxious.

Contacting your local public transit carrier and complaining seems to be the best way to handle the situation. If they receive enough complaints -- and I'm sure they will -- they may initiate policies to stop such rude behavior. And if all else fails: earplugs!

[Bryn Mawr]

The dumbclutz that shocked me was in the quiet coach on the train and buying something mail order in a very loud voice.

To the extent of shouting out her card number, twice!

Dumbclutz

[Lon]

Although I am fairly computer literate, I am Cell Phone Stupid. I have a prepay "Jitterbug" cellphone that only sends and receives, has large lit up numbers, great for hearing impaired folk, no texting, no voice mail, seems to work everywhere without blind spots. For my age I am probably typical with my average phone conversation being less than a minute. However, if I was back in the work force I'd have a state of the art cell with all the bells and whistles. I'd like to have $5.00 for every time I had to stop at a gas station to use a phone booth in the rain and tell a client I would be delayed.

[dubs]

Originally Posted by Bryn Mawr

The dumbclutz that shocked me was in the quiet coach on the train and buying something mail order in a very loud voice.

To the extent of shouting out her card number, twice!

Dumbclutz

Whenever I've been in the quiet coach, there always seemed to be one person mouthing away into a mobile...I mean, what part of "quiet coach" don't they get?

[hoppy]

Cell phones only make already rude people even more so. My sil used to call me on her cell phone. At some point during our conversation she would say, "hang on, I got a call coming in", and put me on hold. After I hung up on her a time or two, she got the hint.

[along-for-the-ride]

When I go to the Flea Market, I am amazed at the fact that there are several booths solely dedicated to selling cell phone COVERS. The have tons of them. Anything to help you personalize your cell phone..........and make a buck.


Below are some examples of just a few;

[along-for-the-ride]

I found a link to proper cell-phone etiquette.

Top 10 Cell Phone Etiquette Rules People Still Break | The Best Article Every day


People break these rules all the time, don't they?

[along-for-the-ride]

This is the most dangerous behavior as far as I'm concerned.

5. Texting while driving.


Somebody please get the “Darwin Awards” on the phone. Of course, if you’re driving when you do, make sure you’re on hands free or have pulled over before you start explaining how there are people who send texts while behind the wheel of a vehicle. According to a Harvard University study, cell phones cause over 200 deaths and half a million injuries each year. And that’s with eyes on the road! Laws are in place to make sure people aren’t talking on their phones, and yet people are typing?!?! (I very rarely use the double question mark with the double exclamation point at the end of sentences, but this is ridiculous) I would love to see the tombstone: Was LOL when he WCTTFW (Went crashing through the freaking windshield) Anyone caught texting while driving should be stripped of their driving license forever.

[fuzzywuzzy]

Phenomenum

I hate that word!! I can't say it without thinking about it first .

Damn, I'm saying it in my head now and it's just not coming out right in my mouth.

[Bryn Mawr]

Originally Posted by dubs

Whenever I've been in the quiet coach, there always seemed to be one person mouthing away into a mobile...I mean, what part of "quiet coach" don't they get?

So many of them get abusive when asked to stop as well - why sit in the quiet coach when you want to be noisy?