Cell phones

[arista]

I am just wondering when it became okay to use the whole public as your phone booth. I was line the other day, I was just not happy having to listen to this lady go on and on about her mother's surgery, kids etc..I kind of did not have choice, because I was held in line for phone hostage. I am always trying to be courtesy and not use my cell phone when in line, because it is called rude.

[aptpupil]

I think the whole attraction of the cellphone is that it has become a means of communication regardless of time and place. We all have our own set of standards regarding when we will and when we won't, and I personally am not one for conducting a conversation in public if it can be avoided.

As to whether it's rude, that would depend on whether the conversation becomes intrusive because it is taking place in an otherwise quiet place, thus forcing bystanders to listen whether they want to or not. Also, I can't stand bad language from someone on a cellphone, showing complete disregard for people within earshot. Certain people definitely shouldn't be allowed to own a cellphone!

[~Ally~]

This is extremely rude, I get irritated by loud phone conversations.
I have issues with my phone anyway. I constantly keep it on silent and tend to miss a lot of phone calls. If I do notice it ringing I hardly ever answer, I usually can't be bothered to talk to people over the phone. Especially when I know it's going to be a pointless conversation.
I figure if it's anything important they will leave a message. I answer my parents and siblings (not all of them, my sisters talk too much) but basically I am the Queen of screen.

[Nero]

I don't have any qualms about using my cell phone in line, but I will not talk about personal TMI type of stuff in that sort of situation (or any where there is a lot of public around) or use profanity or anything of that sort. You are correct, that would be rude.

Usually if I'm talking at a store or something like that it's because I'm confirming plans or what to pick up or something like that. And even then I don't do it loudly so everyone can hear. And also make sure to be off the phone by the time whoever is attending gets to you.

[ihavepromisestokeep]

I hate mobiles and have one for emergencies only. If a number I don't recognise comes up, it goes unaswered. Bloody stupid things.

[Bryan James]

I just start contributing to the conversation. Loudly. That works.

~bjs

[Todash]

I don't have any qualms about using my cell phone in line, but I will not talk about personal TMI type of stuff in that sort of situation (or any where there is a lot of public around) or use profanity or anything of that sort. You are correct, that would be rude.

Usually if I'm talking at a store or something like that it's because I'm confirming plans or what to pick up or something like that. And even then I don't do it loudly so everyone can hear. And also make sure to be off the phone by the time whoever is attending gets to you.

I agree. I will have a conversation on the phone if I would have the same conversation with the person standing there. Meaning, not while I'm being helped, and not anything that's TMI. But I can't tell you how many times I would have forgotten to buy deodorant/shampoo/milk if I didn't have my cell with me.

However, I rarely talk on it just for conversation's sake, even in private. I am not a phone person; I'd rather talk in person or use written communication.

[NathanStrickland]

"It's pronounced 'ka-RA-te'!"

I loved the Inconsiderate Cellphone Man public announcements.

[Nero]

I also keep my shizz on silent all the time and get complaints from people about how little I answer. I mean come on, I talk to them on the cell quite a bit already how many more additional calls do they need to squirm in there??

The worst, worst public phone offense to me is... people who walk around on their Bluetooth sets. They make them super tiny now and they'll stand around in the aisles or lines talking on them, LOOKING RIGHT AT YOU and you start to answer them and get all thrown off and whatnot. SO freaking annoying. I can't express to you how many times I thought a hot girl was talking to me and ended up with a stupid expression trying to decipher what she was saying.

[Bryan James]

Less than a month ago I told a (big) older woman--during her Bluetooth earplug thingy conversation--"Hello. My name is Dr. Peter Venkman. I can help you with your problem. I am not licensed to perform electroshock therapy, but I will try it free of charge, just for you."

(She had been yammering away for 3 minutes, so I had time to think that up.)

She pursed her lips up like a dried red prune and shuffled off. I won!