Cell phone abusers asked to put their behavior on hold
By DANIELE HAMAMDJIAN Special to the Daily Press
It may sound impossible or even torturous to most people.
Should there ever be a day when cell phone “abusers” had to shut off their phone, today would be a good day.
Today marks the first day of “Cell Phone Courtesy Month.” What exactly is common courtesy when you’re on the phone in a public place? As shocking as it might sound, Georgia-based etiquette expert Lydia Ramsey strongly believes cell phone conversations should be restricted to one minute only.
“We’ve blurred the line between private and public conversation,” said Ramsey who is the author of “Manners that Sell — Adding the Polish that Builds Profits.” According to Ramsey, the use of cell phones has dramatically changed in the last four years. For example, employees once ran the risk of getting in trouble if they received personal calls on company lines, “now they have their own phone they bring at work,” she noted.
As the usage of cell phones has increased, so has the users’ lack of respect for those around them. Ramsey suggests to try not to irritate your co-workers or your boss with awesomely bad ringtones. She added that most people are guilty of airing overly private issues in public places — a major “don’t” in cell phone etiquette.
There are public places, and then there public places. In museums, churches and theaters, the phone should always be off or at least silenced, according to Ramsey. At a bus station, airport or in public transportation, there is nothing wrong with conversing on the phone but at least try to keep a low voice, she said.
On the Promenade Wednesday, some wanderers shared their cell phone pet peeves.
“Talking on a cell phone is America’s worst anti-social behavior, it puts guns in fourth place,” said 63-year-old Bob Phoenix.
Megan Charin, 16, said she gets annoyed when she sees younger kids with better looking phones. Her friend couldn’t answer the question, she was talking on the phone.
“It is absolutely irritating to hear a phone ring during a business meeting,” explained 33-year-old Brian Maue. “And what is up with the choice of ringer... I’ve heard the theme song to Mash four times already.”
Kailani Rodde, 22, gets annoyed when people ask her to do her a favor but are talking to someone else on the phone.
“When they need your service but don’t give you the time of day,” she said.
Even text messaging has its downsides. Ashlee Fye, 15, can’t stand the noise buttons make while other students are “texting.”
With more than 30 years of experience helping companies and individuals succeed by adopting professional manners, Ramsey believes the lack of cell phone etiquette in a board room or during a client lunch can damage someone’s career.
“It shuts people out when they are with you,” she added.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 1, 2004. Read the original PDF.