How's Your Mobile Phone Manners?

Mobile phone usage is getting out of control. I'm talking about the loud, rude attitude that almost everybody carrying a mobile phone is becoming guilty of. The irritating ring tones and the incessant yakking spare nothing; not even baptisms, funerals, and presentations. And I'm not kidding about this. A lot of people can attest to this sad fact. Executives, salesmen, doctors, lawyers, and priests know what I'm talking about.

From avenues to theaters, from classrooms to boardrooms, from restaurants to churches, rude cell phone users can victimize you. They practically forget the most basic of courtesies. A lot of stories have emerged that can prove this. My favorite so far is the one about a speaker who was in the middle of a presentation. His mobile phone rang and he just stopped right there and answered it! This is absolutely preposterous, and needs to be stopped right now.

In a recent poll, majority of Americans agree that the worst habit of cell phone users is carrying out loud conversations in public. In addition, people get victimized by boorish cell phone users at least once a day. But let me make one thing perfectly clear. Cell phones are not to blame for this one. People are. The sales of cell phones are rising. So are the decibel level and the rudeness. I think it's the right time to seriously think about proper cell phone manners. Here are some dos and don'ts.

Don't take a personal call using your cellular phonesin the middle of a business meeting. This rule also includes meetings with co-workers or subordinates, and job interviews. You'll be surprised to know how many job applicants flunk this one.

Do not subject others to your phone conversations. We do not need to know the humdrum details about your life. People around you should have the luxury of being spared. And remember to keep all conversations short and sweet.

Never hold a phone conversation inside concert halls, elevators, libraries, places of worship, graveyards, infirmaries, lunchrooms, galleries, or any other enclosed public spaces. And also, never ever hold an intimate phone conversation while in public. If you really have to, get an earpiece, so that you can control the volume of your voice.

Don't use those irritating ring tones that distract others and destroy eardrums. There are a lot of better ring tones. Do try to be mature about this. Stop trying to multi-task with your phone. Avoid making calls while shopping, walking, waiting in line or doing other personal business. And one more thing. Tell everyone that you're now using improved cell phone etiquette, and request them to do the same. It's very important.

Technology and manners can belong. Just ask the millions of Internet users, who've adopted the rules for email etiquette. You can always use the vibrate function, use voice mail, or go to a secluded area before making a call. All it takes is a little bit of consideration.

Azlan Irda is the co-founder of http://www.AgeComputer.com, your cell phone superstore. Visit our website to find all the cell phones and accessories you will ever need.

- Azlan Irda