Amen. It means you're a working stiff. And that, is simply not good. Never understood the concept of giving yourself that much to your job? An awful way to live..

rjp

Well, I have to have one for my job, but there is a point where common courtesy has to be observed. When in a restaurant with a client, or anywhere else where a public conversation or ringing could be considered intrusive and rude, I set it to mute and use it as a silent mobile answering machine. I just wish that others could observe the same protocol and set the piece of crap to either vibrate or totaly mute. It is very rare that anything requires that quick of an answer.

Here in NH, I have been is several resturants that do not allow cell phones to be used at all. I like it. I really think it becomes some show of self importants.

My uncle has one from the office for his job as well. As soon as he leaves, he throws it in the briefcase and the briefcase goes in the trunk. LOL I don't think he even takes it out until next morning. Then they call him and say how come he didn't pick it up... he says he wasn't working. Done for the day, thanks. LOL

I'm sure there are jobs where this practice is not possible, but I just find his approach rather funny.

Since mine shows what number is dialing, after "hours" it frequently gets left on mute. Gee... I must have been out of range

What cracks me up is the people who say they'd "die" without their phone. The usual cell phone conversation I overhear goes something like this:

*annoying ringtone*
Yo?
Nwhat up?
Nothing, I'm at __________
Cool.
Yeah, me too.
No ****?
Wow!
Really?
I dunno, maybe go over to _____
..

Yeah, sounds like someone who'd really die without it.

For the record, I don't have a cell phone and don't see myself getting one any time soon, but those hand-held cell jammers are tempting. I'd rig one in the car and become the Rolling "Cone of Silence" (to add to my legend as the Rolling Chicane)

I agree about annoying cell phone users. Italy has one of the highest number of users and buyers of cell phones. They are also fashion and status items - one must have the "in" model.
I was astounded when I was shown internet forums for cell phones!
My husband is never very far from his two phones (one work, one private; both always switched on so what's the point of two?) My other part time boss, Milu, has his switched off more often than not saying if it's important they'll call back or send me an e-mail. Clients often spend days trying to track him down. He is the only person I know who is not a slave to the cellphone.
I have mine always with me so my husband and daughter can always reach me (Ok I admit it, I'm a worrying mother although my daughter is in her twenties and left home years ago)

it is interesting to look at how phones are used by different age groups in different countries. The US is waaay behind things compared to Asia. BUT, we also have a very different culture, and the phones get used in different ways. This is another classic case of the technology advancing before the social side of things. Its sorting out, but when things take the next leap (mesh networks and/or portable media controllers), then we'll be in the same boat again.

As for cell etiquette, mine is always on vibrate. During meetings I will look to see if it is important (like my son's school) and only if it is from a mission critical person will I quietly leave the room to answer the call. In "the wild" I will tend to answer a few more calls, but I don't have "buddies" who call...it tends to be either real work or band work.

As for talking in line at the store, assuming that someone is talking in a normal tone of voice, how is that different from them talking to someone standing next to them? Once you get past the shock of someone talking "to themselves" (until you see the phone), I don't see much different. This is a new century and new rules are evolving. I do think that the user has the obligation to keep things fairly quiet though.

In a resturant I would say it is less acceptable, but it depends on the place. "Classy" places generally have cell phone bans, but I keep mine on and set to vibrate...if it rings I'll check the number, and if I need to answer it, quiety head out of the resturant.

Since public places are not "quiet zones" (other than perhaps libraries), I don't see how someone talking on a phone is that much different from them having a conversation with someone standing next to them. The new technologies are changing our concepts of "place", and phenomenon like people being at a concert and holding up their cell phone so their buddy can hear the show, mobbing (mobile blogging, sending photos from where you are to give others a sense of involvement), are all modifying day-to-day life.

Just like when the trains were built....and the car came into its own...and airplanes....and when telephone was invented...society changes in response to technological advances.

I just downloaded a cowbell ringer.

Now when I need more cowbell, I can get it.

Mine IS on vibrate anywhere except outside, where both are on.

I cant really answer my phone all that much either because nextel service sucks:D . I gave my two way number to one of my friends, and it turned out to be the worst thing ever....he would never alert me, he would just key the two way button and just talk into the phone....not thinking hey I might be talking to a customer or actually working. They he gets mad when I dont answer because he's always tryin to 'get a hook up' at my old job. Id get chirped at 2AM...which is why i leave the phone on silent or vibrate...the only people who know to call me at that time is my boss, my girl or my mom.

Not too many people call me, I usually use mine more for outgoing stuff (calling other shops for parts and etc). I cant remember the last time i used my phone to ask a friend if they were hangin out or not.

:D

don't fear the reaper...