Cell Phones

[nrgbeat]

I think cell phones are great to have in emergencies, but I think people have gone overboard in their cell phone use.

When you are sitting in a restaurant and someone's cell phone rings at the table next to you and they spend ten minutes in conversation, that's annoying. We managed to survive before we had cell phones, but now we can't seem to live without them.

Just wondered what others thought.

[HustleBaby]

I think cell phones is one of the best tools of todays technology but the most ANNOYING!!!
There should be stricter rules for cell phone users in order to prevent fights and accidents!!! I've seen some crazy and careless things when people are on their phones.

1.On New York City streets people will talk on the phone and BUMP/WALK RIGHT INTO YOU without an apology! They're so busy and involved into their conversation that they let their courtesy go down the toliet!
2.People who talk on the bus. Their voices are sooooo loud that the whole bus has their attention. Like this stupid bitch who was asking her friend if she got her abortion yet?
3.I've seen people almost comes to blows or get beat up because they are holding up the line. If you are on line to purchase anything turn your fucking cell phone OFF!!!!
It's not fair that people are chatting up a storm while the cashier is waiting on them as well as the five-ten irate customers behind them! Put your phone on vibrate and get back to your caller later.
4.CELL PHONES AND DRIVING DO NOT MIX! I've seen people dialing up/talking while the light is changing, men talking on phones while looking at women, talking while changing lanes on highways at TOP SPEED, music blaring and talking on the phone etc...

I've never seen an invention that supposed to provide the most convience yet be so annoying and dangerous.

*DISCO DELIGHT*

[DJ P]

Hi Hustlebaby, I am one of those folks with a cell phone. Yes I use it in resturants (if I can't talk on my phone, why are people allowed to converse at tables?). You will never hear my phone ring (as it is on 'beep once' and I and myself only hear that beep through my 'hands free' device). Yes I use it in 'lines' shopping (food, malls, etc.) but I never 'hold up' the line since I will tell my call/person I called: 'Excuse me a moment, I am going to deal with a cashier please hold on for a moment'. I ride the buses and converse with my 70 year old father to check to see how he is doing and my 89 year old aunt daily. Again, if I can't talk ( I talk, I don't 'shout' even though I am hearing impaired) on the phone, why is anyone else on the bus allowed to converse? On driving, pull over and use it or buy a 'hands free' kit. People say that talking on cell phones causes car accident. Maybe if all talking in cars (passengers, kids etc.) is ended, accident will also end? No I agree with you, drivers should only use cell phones when driving with a 'hands free' device. The cell phone users that annoy people are the ones that lack in the social graces, such as 1) Don't shout (lower your phone's volume to the level of NORMAL conversation). 2) Turn off your 'ring volume' (set it on 'beep once' or buy a 'vibrating battery'). 3) What is front of you NOW (a cashier, waiter-waitress, etc.) is the most important thing to take care of-excuse yourself from your call for a moment and take care of what is in front of you. If cell-phone users 'used' thier phone as I use mine I think less people would find thier use annoying. But as I stated earlier in my reply, If I can't talk on my phone why can the talk in the 'resturant', 'club', 'store', 'mall' or anywhere else? All the best, DJ Phil

[HustleBaby]

On 2002-06-02 19:31, DJ Phil wrote:
The cell phone users that annoy people are the ones that lack in the social graces,

DJ Phil,
You are one of the few that posess courtesy and politeness towards others. Unfortunately there are thosands of other cell phone owners that don't give a damn about their fellow man/woman. People should be allowed to talk in restaurants, buses, hospitals etc..but they should keep his/her voice at an average tone or lower. And you can tell the rude ones because they talk like they're on a loud speaker. When I'm on line to buy goods, I will tell my caller to hold on or better yet let me get back to you. I don't drive but I see a lot of cell phone madness on the roads that needs to be put in check!
Its not the cell phone, its the people that abuses it.

*DISCO DELIGHT*

[Boodikka]

I've got another beef with cellphones: crappy "shelf life"! Many of the cellies seem to have been designed with "planned obsolescence" in mind. They break down quickly and will soon cause an environmental problem (along the likes of old computer monitors, TVs, etc.) Di's last "high-end" cellie (a Motorola) lasted just 3 months!
Oh, and yet another squabble.....the service contracts! Sprint MCI keeps charging us for service even though the cell phone they gave us was defective! They refuse to cancel service....we refuse to pay....**** 'em!

[BrunoRepublic]

On 2002-06-02 13:55, HustleBaby wrote:

1.On New York City streets people will talk on the phone and BUMP/WALK RIGHT INTO YOU without an apology! They're so busy and involved into their conversation that they let their courtesy go down the toliet!

This is one of the things I noticed when I visited New York last year... everyone and their dog has a cell phone, and uses them constantly. And I thought things were bad here...

And speaking of courtesy going down the toilet, on more than one occasion I've been in a washroom, and heard one of those annoying Nokia ring tones go off in one of the stalls... and then a conversation starts...

"Hello?... Oh Hi! How's it goin'?... Oh, nothing... yeah... uh-huh... (bodily function noises)... she did *what*? No way!... I told you that woman was crazy... (FLUSHSHSHSH)... I said, I told you that woman was crazy!..."

I tell ya, some people have no shame...

[nrgbeat]

On 2002-06-02 19:31, DJ Phil wrote:
Hi Hustlebaby, I am one of those folks with a cell phone. Yes I use it in resturants (if I can't talk on my phone, why are people allowed to converse at tables?). You will never hear my phone ring (as it is on 'beep once' and I and myself only hear that beep through my 'hands free' device). Yes I use it in 'lines' shopping (food, malls, etc.) but I never 'hold up' the line since I will tell my call/person I called: 'Excuse me a moment, I am going to deal with a cashier please hold on for a moment'. I ride the buses and converse with my 70 year old father to check to see how he is doing and my 89 year old aunt daily. Again, if I can't talk ( I talk, I don't 'shout' even though I am hearing impaired) on the phone, why is anyone else on the bus allowed to converse? On driving, pull over and use it or buy a 'hands free' kit. People say that talking on cell phones causes car accident. Maybe if all talking in cars (passengers, kids etc.) is ended, accident will also end? No I agree with you, drivers should only use cell phones when driving with a 'hands free' device. The cell phone users that annoy people are the ones that lack in the social graces, such as 1) Don't shout (lower your phone's volume to the level of NORMAL conversation). 2) Turn off your 'ring volume' (set it on 'beep once' or buy a 'vibrating battery'). 3) What is front of you NOW (a cashier, waiter-waitress, etc.) is the most important thing to take care of-excuse yourself from your call for a moment and take care of what is in front of you. If cell-phone users 'used' thier phone as I use mine I think less people would find thier use annoying. But as I stated earlier in my reply, If I can't talk on my phone why can the talk in the 'resturant', 'club', 'store', 'mall' or anywhere else? All the best, DJ Phil

I'm not sure what happened to my earlier post. Basically what I said was cell phones are a wonderful invention and I wouldn't deny anyone the right to use their cell phone, but when people talk on them in restaurants, libraries, etc it is annoying.

I think some people think they look cool talking on a cell phone.

We got along for years without one but now everyone has become a cell phone fanatic.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: nrgbeat on 2002-06-03 21:10 ]</font>

[Outsider]

I fucking hate it when people use their cell phones. Like all those people who use them while driving. Because they're on the phone, they don't pay attention to the road. I can think of the countless times I almost got hit by someone because that person was using their cell phone. I wish that there were laws on cell phone use while driving in California. I believe that there are in some states, but not here. I don't care if cell phone users get upset about it. It's dangerous. No phone conversation can be that important. If these people really need to use their cell phones, then they should pull over to the side of the road.

Also, I hate it when people use their cell phones in the super market. Not only are these people loud, but they usually talk about things that just aren't anyone else's business. I've heard phone conversations like "Oh my God. Did you hear that Sally's husband cheated on her? Like, he just had to get it from another woman. That bastard.". I don't want to hear **** like that in public, and I don't think that anyone else should be subject to hearing someone's private information. And like I said before, these people yell out that ****. They're totally oblivious to everyone else. It's sickening.

Yet another thing I hate about cell phone users is when their cell phones ring in a movie theatre. Here I am, trying to enjoy the movie, and someone's cell phone goes off. And on top of that, the person has a conversation, again oblivious to everyone else. That is so rude. When I look to see who is using their cell phone, that person will have to nerve to give me a dirty look. Uh, I have all the right to be pissed off.

Cell phones can serve a good purpose, like for emergencies (that would be the only time I would use one if I had one), but unfortunately most fo the time they're used for personal conversations. The people who use them are totally inconsiderate.

[DJ P]

Hi Outsider, I hope you don't consider me 'inconsiderate' because I use a 'cell-phone'. Please don't 'stereotype' all cell phone users into one group. I have mine on 24/7 (I have multiple battiers and chargers), I use it when I want, but with COURTESY!!!!!!!! I agree with other posters on 'people who shout', 'use in a movie theater', 'hospitals (most hospitals don't allow them past the 'wait room'/'lobby area' because of possible interferance with medical equiptment) and while operating a motor veichle. In a car, (in my state of Florida-law mandates a 'hands-free' device if the phone is use while the veichle is in motion) it should be used with discreation. Car calls should be VERY brief-'I'll be there in 5 minute, see you then', 'Yes I will pick that up, see you at home', etc. Car calls should never be more than 30 seconds as attention is needed to 'drive'. Again, please don't group all cell-phone users into one group, there is good and bad in everything (just like in Disco Music)! All the best, DJ Phil

[markydefad]

Well I abhor cell phones and you folks have pretty much nailed most of the reasons why.

In LA, EVERYONE (except me) is on a cell phone day and night. Walking their dog, shopping for groceries, washing their clothes, waiting for the movie to begin, and particularly making left hand turns while driving their car (oh, excuse me-- SUV) with one hand on the wheel.

As Hustlebaby commented--the odd thing is that they don't speak in a normal tone of voice into their phones--but YELL every inane comment they make. Also,they LOVE to argue and act like they're big shots closing multi-million dollar deals when in reality they're trying to find out if Blockbuster has the movie they want to rent.

Such idiocy!!! Ban the damn things except for emergencies--especially when driving!!!

[Jeff H]

You've nailed it, Marky. Nothing else needs to be said.

[Outsider]

On 2002-06-03 18:52, DJ Phil wrote:
Hi Outsider,

Hi, DJ Phil

I hope you don't consider me 'inconsiderate' because I use a 'cell-phone'.

From what I've read, you seem to be one of the few cell phone users who isn't.

Please don't 'stereotype' all cell phone users into one group.

Believe it or not, I don't. It's just that 99% of them are nothing but selfish morons.

I have mine on 24/7 (I have multiple battiers and chargers), I use it when I want, but with COURTESY!!!!!!!!

Well, that's good to know. If only other cell phone users were like you.

I agree with other posters on 'people who shout', 'use in a movie theater', 'hospitals (most hospitals don't allow them past the 'wait room'/'lobby area' because of possible interferance with medical equiptment) and while operating a motor veichle.

Those were the cell phone users I was talking about. Unfortunately, that's most of them.

In a car, (in my state of Florida-law mandates a 'hands-free' device if the phone is use while the veichle is in motion) it should be used with discreation.

Exactly.

Car calls should be VERY brief-'I'll be there in 5 minute, see you then', 'Yes I will pick that up, see you at home', etc. Car calls should never be more than 30 seconds as attention is needed to 'drive'.

I totally agree with you. Now if all those idiots who have long conversations could get that.

Again, please don't group all cell-phone users into one group, there is good and bad in everything (just like in Disco Music)!

I'll try not to. It's just that there are way too many bad cell phone users in the world.

All the best, DJ Phil

Take care now.

I also want to tell you about this one time my fiancee and I went to this fast food place at this mall, and this businessman bumped into her, spilling her drink all over her. And you want to why this happened? Because that ******* was on his cell phone, not paying attention to his surroundings. When I saw that, I had a few words with him regarding his carelessness due to his cell phone use. And he had the nerve to get an attitude with us. You see, this is the type of person I was talking about.

[DJ P]

Hello Outsider, That cell-phone users that bumped into your girlfriend isn't a 'buisnessman' but an idiot lacking in the social graces. He should had ended his call, made apologies and offered to pick up a cleaning bill. I don't think weather the cell phone was used or not, it would'nt had changed anything-an 'idiot' is an 'idiot' regardless of what they are doing or using. This idiot (as most idiots) was lacking in the basic 'Social Graces'. I wonder if he conducts his buisness dealings in the same manner? If so, how is this person still in buisness. All the best, DJ Phil

[JussiK]

Greetings from Nokialand my fellow cellphone users, haters and abusers. I gave up all hope here years ago, seeing 5 year olds running around using mobiles and senior citizens happily shopping for the new model. Everybody here has one, literally. Even my mother has one. I got one. My wife has 2. No going back like it or not. I just wish people would have the courtesy NOT to use the damn things in cinemas.

[kari]

Greetings from Nokialand, pt. 2! Since I bought my first cell phone in 1993 (my current one is #8, I think) I consider myself a seasoned user... And it's true, this little invention is pretty important to me -- in fact, as a freelance writer my career hangs on it.

BUT: I really hate to be forced to listen to everybody's businesses and domestic dramas plus everything from advices to friends who've been cheated by their husbands/girlfriends/someone to one's latest favorite cooking recipes to a 30-minute wondering if one needs a passport for a sea cruise to Stockholm, on a commuter train to Helsinki any given morning!!! Endless yadda yadda yadda. And what's most astounding: these people really don't see or hear anyone around them. It's just like they're on the phone at home -- not traveling on a train surrounded by a hundred strangers.

Or, when I'm not on a train I'm in my car trying to reach my destination alive, on freeways full of drivers talking into their phones when they should pay some attention to their driving.

But if something can be done in this absurd country where even the infants have their own cell phones... As Jussi said it: please leave the movie theaters alone. I pay for my ticket to enjoy a movie, not to hear someone's babbling.

[paul]

On 2002-06-03 06:51, Boodikka wrote:
I've got another beef with cellphones: crappy "shelf life"! Many of the cellies seem to have been designed with "planned obsolescence" in mind. They break down quickly and will soon cause an environmental problem (along the likes of old computer monitors, TVs, etc.) Di's last "high-end" cellie (a Motorola) lasted just 3 months!
Oh, and yet another squabble.....the service contracts! Sprint MCI keeps charging us for service even though the cell phone they gave us was defective! They refuse to cancel service....we refuse to pay....**** 'em!

Boodi, you're back. Yippeee
You just lit up what has been an ordinary day.
To go along with Marky, everyone and there grandma in SoCal is surgically attached to their cell phones. Like Marky, I don't have one. I'm in the manufacturer side of the business so I guess I shouldn't admit that but I vant to be alone, to borrow a quote (can you guess that one Marky ). I here and see enough of these things at work. Most annoying is hearing them at places like the movies. I just saw Star Wars and some pretentious self important ******* had his ringer on. I guess his order from Pizza Hut was confirmed.
BTW, the better choice for these things are those that are CDMA based. If you're worried about radiation going through your noggin, PCS is the safer band.

[markydefad]

Well, Paul I DO have a cell phone. I just don't use it. The only time I wished I had one was when I was at LAX and they cancelled my flight and I had a hellava time trying to get a damn payphone to work so I could make a long-distance call to my family. I think when next I travel I will take the cell phone with me. When I'm driving in LA--I'll just wait til I get to my destination or call before I get in the damn car.

[BrunoRepublic]

On 2002-06-06 20:23, paul wrote:
Like Marky, I don't have one. I'm in the manufacturer side of the business so I guess I shouldn't admit that but I vant to be alone, to borrow a quote (can you guess that one Marky ). I here and see enough of these things at work.

Well, after working six years in the telecom industry -- including two at an inbound call center -- you can't even imagine how much I hate telephones of any kind!

I resisted getting a cell phone for many years, but my last employer was a reseller of them, and had a deal where I got free service through them. After they went under, I kept the phone (the service was taken over by the company they bought it from). A few months ago I lost the damn thing, and figured that I couldn't justify buying another. So I called them to cancel the service, but they made me such a nice offer on a new one that I couldn't refuse. Small wonder that nobody can make any money at this business in this country.

Marky brought up another point though -- since these things took off, pay phones have become an endangered species, especially outside of urban areas.

I got my latest bill yesterday. 14 minutes used in total last month. And half of that was for work-related calls which I could've made from my desk phone, but the numbers are programmed into my handset, and I'm too lazy to bother writing them down. I guess I have just nicely demonstrated for everyone how I don't have a life...

Anyway, I insist on Nokia phones, not because I think they're any better, but because you can customize them and make them look very cool. As I explain to people, "Well, I don't actually use the thing, so have no qualms about treating it as the fashion accessory that it is."

[Funky Dude]

In Australia we refer cell phones as "mobile phones".

Anyhow here's what I think of mobile phones. If you are doing jobs that require travelling here and there such as being a TV repair man, then a mobile phone comes in real handy. Also if you are travelling a lot or going bush whacking out at whoop whoop then a mobile phone is vital so if you get lost in the bush or if you get injured you can call 000 (911 in USA) for help, although you do get awfully poor reception in the bushes a lot of the time. I see a lot of advantages with the mobile phone.

Disadvantages with a mobile is that it can be like a drug and many people tend to over-use their mobiles and run up big mobile phone bills. Also as Hustlebaby mentions about about many mobile users chat chat chatting away and bumping into people, this adds to the disadvantage list. Also the other disadvantages Hustlebaby mentions are true. Another disadvantage to add is when you are in the classroom at college or university and the teacher is in the middle of teaching the lesson and then you hear someone's mobile ring which disrupts the lesson and some of the teachers get really pissed off about it. Also I tend to wonder how mobiles affect pacemakers on people who have heart problems. And I've heard that certain mobiles could cause cancer or brain tumours although I'm not sure if it has been proven yet.

I see that mobile phones have their advantages and disadvantages just like with a lot of stuff.

I myself am sharing a mobile phone with my mother although I rarely ever use it because I'm not always on the go so I rarely ever need to use a mobile and I tend to use the pay phones if I needed to let anyone know where I am.

Now Graham Start, you mentioned you worked for Telecom for 6 years, was it Telecom Australia? Reason I ask is because the Australian phone service use to be called "Telecom" up 'til the early 90's and then changed its name to "Telstra". Or is there a phone service in USA called "Telecom"?

Anyhow getting back to mobile phones, I was watching a technology program on TV not so long ago and they were telling about Sweden's heavy use of mobile phones. In Sweden nearly all of the people use mobile phones and there are virtually no pay phones in the cities and towns of Sweden. Also I think the cost of the calls were made cheap as chips.

[BrunoRepublic]

On 2002-06-07 06:53, Funky Dude wrote:

Now Graham Start, you mentioned you worked for Telecom for 6 years, was it Telecom Australia? Reason I ask is because the Australian phone service use to be called "Telecom" up 'til the early 90's and then changed its name to "Telstra". Or is there a phone service in USA called "Telecom"?

Neither. "Telecom" is simply what we call the entire industry, just as one might say they work in "real estate" or "banking". I've worked for 5 different companies in the last 6 years, and my current employer is struggling as well. BTW, I'm in Canada; never worked or lived anywhere else.