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October 17, 2007
Dear CNET members,
Just the other day, I was at a local coffee shop. When I walked up to the counter to place my order, I saw a posted sign that read in bold, "If you're on the phone, don't bother ordering. Thank you. Staff." Is this really what society has become? A place where we have to post signs for people to mind their manners when using their cell phones? How rude! But maybe the sign posted is a good thing after all. I mean, honestly, sometimes I do think that everyone, including myself, needs a swift kick in the rear to become more aware of cell phone usage in public places. And if more people speak out about the rudeness of it, it may just raise awareness to the point that it's ingrained in all of us to mind our manners when on the phone. Case in point, member "erinhorner" mentions that in Europe you are practically forbidden to talk on a cell phone while in a store, restaurant, or any other public place. And if you did, it wouldn't be tolerated and you would be shown the door. Maybe that's what we need to do more of here in the United States. What do you think?
In his latest On Call column, "Mind your cell phone manners," CNET editor Kent German shares his experiences of cell phone rudeness and offers up a laundry list of proper cell phone etiquette--from not using your phone in a public bathroom to being nice to the person behind the counter. I know a lot of these are just common sense, but believe me, he wouldn't be writing about this if this stuff didn't happen every day around us. And when you're done reading the column, tell us what you think. Do you agree with his etiquette? Maybe you have some additional cell phone tips you want to share? And if you don't have any tips, go ahead and share with us your story or experience of that rude person on the cell phone. Thanks everyone!
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This week's hot topic:
Mind your cell phone manners
In his latest On Call column, "Mind your cell phone manners," CNET editor Kent German relates his experiences and offers tips on proper cell phone etiquette. So we asked our readers, What do you think should be proper cell phone etiquette? Many of them came ringing in to give their thoughts and share their experiences. Here are just a few to start:
"Cell phone manners come from
common sense"
"In this modern age of technology, it is so sad that a lot of people can so easily use the advanced features of so many complicated devices, but lack the common sense of good etiquette when using them. It's up to their parents when they are children to teach..." (Read more)
Who should be the teacher?
"Everyone complains about the lack of courtesy by cell phone users. About this topic I have lots of questions, but no answers. "The question is, Who is responsible for teaching new cell phone users proper cell phone etiquette? Someone needs to be responsible..."
(Read more)
"At the pharmacy"
"I am a pharmacist and whenever we get or hand off a prescription we always counsel the patient on basic things they should do while on their medication. Nothing ticks me off more than a person talking on their cell phone disregarding every word I'm saying and..." (Read more)
"And remember where you are!"
"I'm continually shocked at people who are willing to share intimate personal or medical details during a cell phone conversation in public. People, if you need to order a prescription for a heavy-duty psychotropic medication, don't do it on a bus full of..." (Read more)
--Submitted by: CNET member jture
"Phones in public..."
"Due to living in Germany, and becoming accustomed to European living, it is practically forbidden to talk on a cell phone while in a store, restaurant, or any other public place. When I returned to the States in June, I was SHOCKED at the complete and utter..." (Read more)
Speak up!
Now it's your turn to speak your mind. What do you think should be proper cell phone etiquette? What do you think will put a stop to this rudeness--a fine, a good old lecture, what? Do you think even being raised with good manners that owning and talking on cell phones causes people to be rude without them knowing it? How so? If you have one or more cell phone rudeness experiences that you'd like to share, this is the place to do it. We are all ears.
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