| Author |
Message |
    
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1345
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 9:47 am: | 
|
I realize that I should really be saying this to my co-workers, but I'm too chicken, so I'll rant here.... If you have a loud annoying cell phone ring, take the darn phone with you at all times....don't leave it at your desk (particularly if you sit in a cubicle), leaving everyone else to suffer listening to it ring every 5 minutes while you are in a meeting!!!!
Ahhhhhh....I feel better now. |
musicme
Citizen
Username: Musicme
Post Number: 1624
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 9:58 am: |
|
reach over and turn it off. You'ld do the same thing if an alarm clock was ringing. It will still take messages. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5017
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:03 am: |
|
Or your co-worker answers it and for some reason must talk very loudly when they are on the cell phone.... |
wolfy
Citizen
Username: Locowolfy
Post Number: 50
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:06 am: |
|
turn the offending phone OFF and then HIDE it, the owner will be sure to take it with them next time |
Lou
Citizen
Username: Flf
Post Number: 77
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:10 am: |
|
or interrupt the meeting and let them know how that cellphone is interrupting your work. |
Ligeti
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 607
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:10 am: |
|
To really attack the root of the problem, I think you have to ask these people why they are so desperate for attention.
I loathe cellphones, and especially repulsive "Ooh! Look at me!" ringtones. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1346
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:15 am: |
|
I can't reach over the high cubicle wall unfortunately.... he's on the other side of the wall, but I'd have to walk up and down two hallways believe it or not to actually get to his phone every time it rings. |
Purplebug
Citizen
Username: Purplebug
Post Number: 75
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
|
Before the invention of cell phones I always dreamed I had the superpower of telekenisis so that I could move cars out of my way. Now I wisj I was able to generate EMP waves, just to further disrupt cell phone services. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6835
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 11:35 am: |
|
I had a coworker in the next cube who would leave his cell phone on his desk and go to meetings. His kids programmed the ring to play AC/DC. Talk about annoying!
We (surrounding cubefarm mates) constantly reminded him to take it with him, but he never did. And he claimed not to know how to change it or put it on vibrate.
So, one day when it started screeching while he was gone, I took it, wrap it in paper and bubble wrap, stuffed into a large foam cup from the cafeteria, bound that with masking tape and added a sign that said "Help! I'm being held prisoner!". I left it on his desk.
When he came back he was shocked (I didn't think that it was all that horrifying), running around asking "Who did this? This is crazy"! Everyone around him was hysterical, no one told and we never had a problem again. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12723
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 11:38 am: |
|
Try "I" statements, such as
When your phone rings, I can't work.
I did that when the guy on the other side of the wall got on conference calls on his speakerphone. He told me a few times that he had to be on the call and that he had no headset and that he had to be on it for a long time. I just replied with the same thing. "When you use your speakerphone, I can't work." My persistence got through to him, and he picked up his handset.
|
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6836
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 11:39 am: |
|
Oh, I also had a coworker who got a new camera phone when they first came out. One day, he proudly showed the picture he'd taken of me, without my knowledge, pulling a piece of lettuce out of my teeth.
I told him that if he ever took another picture of me that I would snatch the camera out of his hand and give it back to him as an enema. He pouted and told me that I had no sense of humor, but he never did it again.
You just need to remind yourself that it is a workplace and you have every right and expectation that people's personal habits will not interfere. It makes it easier to say something, although you don't always need to add the level of detail that I do. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12724
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 11:43 am: |
|
I think he might have thought up some more accurate complaint about you, because lack of humor doesn't fit!
|
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 3030
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 12:02 pm: |
|
Greentree thanks |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1216
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 1:01 pm: |
|
What I want to know is why people with really loud and annoying cell phone rings (THAT'S EVERY RING IMO), don't know how to silence them. When I am on the train, I hear people's cells ring sometimes, and clearly they don't want to pick it up...I GOT IT!!! But at least have the F-ing decency to KNOW HOW TO TURN OFF THE RINGER so the rest of us don't have to listen to "Mary Had a Little Lamb" in all it's polyphonic glory.
Have you guys run across the people who use their speaker on their cell phone to play music so that ALL OF THE REST OF US CAN LISTEN ALONG WITH THEM? Happened to me a few times now on the subway. I got up and left to go to the next car and was heckled on the way out. I guess that was their goal. Mission accomplished boys. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3194
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 1:22 pm: |
|
The first thing a new cellphone owner should learn to do is how to silence their phone completely and/or switch it to vibrate mode. Then, do it! |
Lou
Citizen
Username: Flf
Post Number: 79
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 1:38 pm: |
|
the second should be how to respect the people around.
|
GSP142
Citizen
Username: Gsp142
Post Number: 76
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 2:06 pm: |
|
I think there's a bigger issue here. With all of these personal communication devices to attend to, everyone is in their own little world and detached from the environment around them, including other people. There seems to be very little thought as to how others might be affected. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1336
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 2:31 pm: |
|
My truly biggest fear is the inevitable day when they will allow cell phone use on planes. I already suffer from mild air rage and this actually might send me over the edge. I was relieved this week when there was some news story that cell phones actually can interfere with navigation - I'm hoping this buys another year or so of relative peace. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12730
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 2:36 pm: |
|
I doubt cell phones really interfere with the navigation system. But it's too big a risk to take, and there's little benefit to allowing cell phones. And the cell phone system isn't built to take people being so high, because you will hit so many cites at a time.
Then again, they allow laptops on planes, and a lot of them transmit on wireless ethernet. Most people don't know how to defeat that, so the rule against cell phones is mostly about appearance of having rules.
|
Camnol
Citizen
Username: Camnol
Post Number: 254
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 2:50 pm: |
|
I was having lunch one day at the new Thai/Malaysian restaurant in Springfield, and I kept hearing the sound of a rooster crowing. At first I thought I was hearing things, then I thought it was a child's toy, and I admit to a brief moment of wondering if they kept their own livestock in the basement. Turns out that it was the cell phone at the table behind me. I couldn't help but laugh. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1337
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 2:51 pm: |
|
Are Cell Phones on Airplanes Dangerous?
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1680690&page=1
Two airlines in Europe are already starting - BMI and TAP are going to allow cell use within this year. It's only a matter of time. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1271
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 3:24 pm: |
|
I agree with just about everything posted above. In fact, once I was on the Acela, and I heard a horse whinnying repeatedly. Yep, you guessed it, somebody's cell phone.
Now, I realize what I am about to say is going to contradict all of the above, and will subject me to flaming, but here goes.
For a while, my cell phone played "Brown Eyed Girl". I thought it was cute because I am one. I put a different ring tone on my phone so I can hear it and differentiate my ring from other rings. As I have kids, I need to be reachable all the time and I need to get the phone. HOWEVER, I put the ringer on very, very low, so I can hear it, and know it's mine, but not so everyone on the train or office or in Bloomingdale's ( ) can hear it.
So yes, the loud ringtones can be obnoxious, and there really should be a whole chapter in the newly revised Emily Post about cell phone etiquette, but please keep in mind that not all non-vibrating ringtones are designed to annoy. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6840
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 3:30 pm: |
|
If I am not at home or in the car, the cell phone goes on vibrate. Period. I can't think of any reason to have the sound on. I do have different ring tones for my mom, her doctor, TS and restricted calls. But, on vibrate, I can glance at the Caller ID. |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 4453
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 4:09 pm: |
|
I haven't been taking the train much, but when I do it seems that cell phone abuse has gotten worse, not better. What's it going to take before people develop some kind of courtesy?
Uuuuuhhhh
And uhhhhhh
Hello ... hello
I'm on the train
<repeat>
<repeat>
Are you there? |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 1170
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 5:29 pm: |
|
Like a lot of things I think it’s a matter of degrees. Why is someone talking on a cell phone while riding the train more annoying than someone who’s talking to the person next to them? What’s annoying are people who are in their own narcissistic bubble who think everyone on the train wants to be part of their conversation, whether it’s on a cell phone or among their own group. Being on a train you have to accept the fact that you’re in a public place where people are entitled to talk. The talkers should out of courtesy ratchet down the volume as much as possible. I see plenty of people talking on their cell who keep their conversations low and concise. As far as I’m concerned they don’t even need to be concise, just keep it down, and I don’t have a problem. The fact is many people have to take that annoying call on the train. It’s the nature of contemporary life where people are performing various juggling acts.
A few months back my wife and I were on the train, and she got a call from a recruiter about an interview the next day. She had to take this call, and she talked as low as possible, basically a whisper. I couldn’t make out everything she was saying, and I was sitting right next to her. Well, this young guy in the seat across the aisle kept looking up annoyed. He was reading a book with a ponderous title. Clearly he yearns for a simpler time. Don’t we all. Well, despite his withering glances my wife continued in her conversation, which was at a much lower volume than the noisy teens behind us who would later get off at Brick Church. I wonder why he didn’t bother giving them looks. Finally, he stormed off in search of serenity, taking the time to glare at my wife. Anyway, my wife wrapped up the call, asked if she was loud, I told her not in the least. If she was I would have asked her to keep it down.
|
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 278
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 8:29 pm: |
|
That was just Ligeti.
Hugh |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1151
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 9:33 pm: |
|
I think I've posted this before, some time ago, but...
I was once at a manicure place, either taking a personal day or paying a babysitter...the woman next to me was also having a little "me" time WHILE attending a conference call meeting...she was obviously a VIP and wanted the world to know it. I seriously considered slipping her my address so that she could give me a cut of her bonus, given that I had been at work with her.
I just got a new phone & it has a lame ringtone selection in order to induce you to pay money for a cooler ring...I considered doing so but the idea made me self conscious...that said, "Brown Eyed Girl" is a good song. |
Ligeti
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 609
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 9:33 pm: |
|
According to my research, most cell phone conversations are about:
1) Email you sent.
2) Voicemail messages you left.
3) Email you didn't receive.
4) Email you weren't copied on.
5) Voicemail messages you didn't receive.
6) Voicemail messages you plan to leave.
There is very little meaningful "communication" associated with these devices. It's yakking for the sake of yakking. Or exhibitionism.
I do glare at the guys who strut around barking deal points into their silly headsets for all to hear. Obnoxious.
|
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1112
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:45 pm: |
|
At least two posters on this thread have been guilty of blatant cell phone rudeness right in front of me. It's not a 'them' problem people. It's you. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1273
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:52 pm: |
|
And I admit to being one of those posters. SORRY!!!! |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1113
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 10:56 pm: |
|
I rephrase:
At least three posters on this thread have been guilty of blatant cell phone rudeness right in front of me. It's not a 'them' problem people. It's you. |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 4457
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 11:04 pm: |
|
interesting question, why cell phone conversations are more annoying to people than regular conversations. But they are, and there's been actual research done. Check out this: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20040412.html.
In addition to that, I think it has something to do with the uuuuhhhhhh ... what ... WHAT .. CAN YOU HEAR ME ... I'm on the train ..... annnndddd uuuuhhhhh factor. |
newone
Citizen
Username: Newone
Post Number: 322
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 4, 2006 - 8:41 am: |
|
You should read the new Stephen King book "Cell." You'll never touch another cell phone again....
My phone has an "ingore" button so when a call comes in I don't want to take, instead of letting it ring forever before going to vm, I just hit "ignore" and it goes right to vm. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7082
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 4, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
|
The biggest objection I have to cell phone use on the train is when certain people on a daily basis treat the train ride as an extension of their work day, calling clients, subordinates, suppliers, etc. and conducting business conferences as they travel to/from the office. One person doing this might not be so bad (especially if they kept their voice down) but in the train the car I used to travel in there were an average of three to four persons a day who did this and they would position themselves throughout the car (of a two car train) -- more territorial work space for them but little means of escape for any of the rest of the rest of us hoping for a quieter ride.
Has our world become so pressure driven that commuters can't even use their brief commuting time to relax in a work-free environment? |
Ligeti
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 610
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 4, 2006 - 9:42 am: |
|
My hunch: many of those people aren't actually talking to anyone. They are trying to impress others. |
Purplebug
Citizen
Username: Purplebug
Post Number: 76
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, March 4, 2006 - 12:37 pm: |
|
When I was a train commuter, that was the break time between the hell at the office and the hell that awaited me at home. You get a bunch of people that are still conducting business (are these the same people that complain about a lack of free time?), others saying WHAT? HUUHHHH? people that need a attention, or are full of so much self hate that they cannot stand to be alone by themselves and maybe have an introspective moment.
I have a problem with loudness and minutia. But loudness always wins out. The person is sitting right next to you, why do you have to yell? Unless you are so insecure you want people to know about your pathetic life. Then there is the minutia. Teenagers, I can understand, they don't know any better. But adults?!?!?! What color was the shirt you bought, what size, wow you gained some weight, what was the salesperson like, did you get it on sale, how much off? What do you want for dinner? I've been married to you or been your mother/father for upteen years, I know what you like and what you don't like. Hell, I had a hard day at work, whatever I walk in the house with is what you are going to eat. Don't like it, either you won't eat or you can take your butt out and get your own meal.
I am so glad I don't have a cell phone. Every time I think I should get one, I run into some idiot that makes me change my mind. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page