Cellphone Rudeness Hits Record High Cell phone etiquette improves any environment It you were in a store, train, or a restaurant recently, in addition to the normal noise, you were likely to have been subjected to multiple, loud phone conversations in your consumer space.

Yesterday, I was subjected to two people who appeared to be on a date, sitting at the same restaurant table ignoring each other while chatting with friends in loud voices. The spectacle continued over ten minutes. That behavior is wrong on so many levels.

Perhaps restaurants should hire "phone bouncers". As we step into the restaurant, the host will inquire, "Would you prefer Courtesy or Rudeness?" in the same tones they learned for, "Would you prefer Smoking or Nonsmoking?".

I recently purchased a still somewhat novel phone accessory – a Bluetooth ear piece. When worn in public, it draws curious stares as its tiny lights flash blue in what appears to be purposeless activity. My primary purpose in wanting this technology is to ensure that I kept my own voice muted when conversation is required in any consumer space. This new tech toy gives me the appearance of a Star Trek schizophrenic mumbling to himself while waiting to be beamed up. My intentions were good.

There comes a time in any technological evolution when some basic guidelines need to be re-established.

Cell Phone Etiquette Supports Positive Work Environment

1. Don't subject defenseless onlookers to cell phone conversations. When people cannot escape the banality of your conversation--on a plane, on a train, on a bus, or at their restaurant dinner table--spare them. If you are “hooked” on nonstop communication, send a text message.
   
2. Ring tones have become a billion dollar business. Ringers set to "Take Me out to the Ball Game" every time the phone rings may entertain you, but in a consumer space where people can’t escape, put your musical genius on “stun”.
   
3. Turn off the ringer of your cell phone during public performances. In the past two weeks, I’ve heard personal musical rings at a graduation, a wedding, and during a block buster movie.
   
4. Tone down the volume. It isn’t necessary to speak louder if you can’t hear.
   
5. Unless you are about to be mugged and want to capture evidence, do not take anyone’s photo with your cell phone without their prior permission.

Kamaron Institute, Inc. founded by Margaret Ross

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