Finally A Cell Phone Booth That Respects The Privacy Of Those Around It

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://sensoryimpact.com/2005/01/performance-sculpture">http://sensoryimpact.com/2005/01/performance-sculpture</a><br /><br />I can't stand it when someone next to me in a public area gets on their cell phone and starts yammering away as if they were in their own den. I don't care where they went shopping this morning, that their daughter is doing well in school or that they had the runs last weekend! 8O I am the kind of person that when I go "Hi, how are you doing?" you go "fine" regardless of the real circumstances. I don't really want your medical history and I certainly don't want it from a stranger next to me at the mall's feeding trough... er... food court yard.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2005/20050107-portphone.jpg" /><br /><br />So finally someone has come up with an acceptable usage method for cell phones that respects <i><b>my</b></i> privacy! :lol:

[rmasinag]

very funny.

I had a cell phone for about 2 months and I thought it was oversused and should only be used in emergencies and such. I'm thinking of a HP 6315 because i'm expecting to do more text messaging that blabbing on phone. Seriously, I'd say 60% of cell phone users could help this planet a little better by buying a cellphone booth. :D

Then I wouldn't have to hand out so much of that shh cards you guys posted :D

[Jonathon Watkins]

:lol: We should really give these out to folks that talk too loud on mobile phones.

Nice piece of contemporary conceptual art! :wink:

[Jonathan1]

Is this the updated version of the cone of silence? :lol:

[OneAngryDwarf]

So does that interfere w/ reception or does it boost it? Do they make it w/ tinted privacy glass?

[Darius Wey]

I think this is hilarious. I love reading all these "odd" adventures that people embark upon. Now I wonder if he'll fit through the train door... ;)

[jimski]

Maybe they should just charge a global "penny tax" for every minute of cell phone use. You could clear up the world's debt and put a big dent in world hunger in no time. It would only cost me about $3.00 US per month, but Ken and Barbie would have to cut back on trips to the gym and nail salon to pay their monthly bill.

You are never going to stop people from talking 10 hours per day on their phones (especially with improving battery technology) so you might as well get some good out of it.

[Lex]

May I be the first 'oulde feaurt' to say this reminds me of Maxwell Smart's 'Cone of Silence'. (U.S. sitcom 'Get Smart' circa 1960s.)

[ctmagnus]

Nope. Jonathon1 did so four posts above yours ;)

[buckyg]

I really wish I would have had one of these today to give to the "considerate" gentleman who was sitting in a chair in the middle of the local Borders bookstore conducting some meeting on his cell phone. He would talk softly for a bit, then suddenly speak loudly. When he did, whoever was nearest him would turn and look at him. He would then get offended that this person was listening in to *his* call.

So you see my pet peeve about loud public cell phone usage: It's bad enough that I have to hear it, but then you get mad at me for listening. You are in public, your call is *not* private, so don't get angry at me. *You* are making *me* listen, it's not like I want to eavesdrop. Sorry for the rant.

[Lex]

Nope. Jonathon1 did so four posts above yours ;) Ouch. And I speed-read the thread before posting ! I must be older than him.

[shawnc]

I'd like to order a few dozen of these and hand pass them out to people as they get on the bus/train. GREAT IDEA! Unfortunately (as I believe we discussed in a recent thread) the folks who need them aren't ignorant of their behavior, they simply like the attention.

I'd still LOVE to hand a few out.

[lapchinj]

COOL 8) - We could sell them as the ultimate umbrella upgrade 2003. Or we could bundle it together with the new iPAQs so maybe someone would have a reason to buy one :wink: .

Jeff-

[Rob Alexander]

I really wish I would have had one of these today to give to the "considerate" gentleman who was sitting in a chair in the middle of the local Borders bookstore conducting some meeting on his cell phone. He would talk softly for a bit, then suddenly speak loudly. When he did, whoever was nearest him would turn and look at him. He would then get offended that this person was listening in to *his* call.

So you see my pet peeve about loud public cell phone usage: It's bad enough that I have to hear it, but then you get mad at me for listening. You are in public, your call is *not* private, so don't get angry at me. *You* are making *me* listen, it's not like I want to eavesdrop. Sorry for the rant.

Maybe instead of being polite and pretending to give these people privacy, we should all actively participate in their conversations. Go ahead and look right at him, listen to what he says and then make comments as if you're part of a three way conversation. Sure he'll get angry, but he'll also probably leave. If we all did it and it happened every time, maybe people would start to think a little.

[buckyg]

Yeah, Rob, I've sure been tempted to join in. I just might do it one of these times. It might be less likely to get me hit than suggesting the new "booth" or handing out the cards.

[Jonathon Watkins]

Or we could bundle it together with the new iPAQs so maybe someone would have a reason to buy one :wink: .

:lol: Harsh, but Harsh. :lol:

[sponge]

Maybe they should just charge a global "penny tax" for every minute of cell phone use. You could clear up the world's debt and put a big dent in world hunger in no time. It would only cost me about $3.00 US per month, but Ken and Barbie would have to cut back on trips to the gym and nail salon to pay their monthly bill.

You are never going to stop people from talking 10 hours per day on their phones (especially with improving battery technology) so you might as well get some good out of it.

I say we put a penny tax on computer and internet usage. You'd clear up the world's debt, and those perverts who look at porn all day, or play games will have to cut back in order to pay their bills.

[marlof]

I am the kind of person that when I go "Hi, how are you doing?" you go "fine" regardless of the real circumstances.

I guess this is something that is cultural defined, because this is exactly an attitude that I've never understood while I was in the States. Asking that question seems polite (you're interested in someone elses well being), but in reality it's just a hollow phrase, because you're supposed to say "Fine, how are you", where the other can say "Fine" as well, and you've gotten it over with. I wonder: why is that predescribed exchange of politeness considered better than a simple "Hi" or "Hello Sir/Madam/Miss"? After all, if you don't want to hear about the real circumstances than why bother and ask how they're doing?

[Ed Hansberry]

I am the kind of person that when I go "Hi, how are you doing?" you go "fine" regardless of the real circumstances.

I guess this is something that is cultural defined, because this is exactly an attitude that I've never understood while I was in the States. Asking that question seems polite (you're interested in someone elses well being), but in reality it's just a hollow phrase, because you're supposed to say "Fine, how are you", where the other can say "Fine" as well, and you've gotten it over with. I wonder: why is that predescribed exchange of politeness considered better than a simple "Hi" or "Hello Sir/Madam/Miss"? After all, if you don't want to hear about the real circumstances than why bother and ask how they're doing?

Just cultural I guess. When I am with friends in a casual setting, I really mean it when I ask that, but somehow, "Hi, how are you doing?" or "Hi, how's it going?" became a common greeting here.

[Janak Parekh]

After all, if you don't want to hear about the real circumstances than why bother and ask how they're doing?
If it's of any relief, here in New York we do occasionally reply with the "real" answer. ;) While "OK, and you?" is the most common response, I'll say "tired" sometimes.

I think the idea is that by using several words, you're actually putting some effort into a greeting, as opposed to saying "Hi". I'll say "Hi" when I just pass someone in a hallway, but if I meet them and shake my hand, "Hi" just sounds too short.

--janak

[Darius Wey]

If it's of any relief, here in New York we do occasionally reply with the "real" answer. ;) While "OK, and you?" is the most common response, I'll say "tired" sometimes.

I think the idea is that by using several words, you're actually putting some effort into a greeting, as opposed to saying "Hi". I'll say "Hi" when I just pass someone in a hallway, but if I meet them and shake my hand, "Hi" just sounds too short.

Agreed. I've replied with "tired" way too many times in the past few years... ;)

[Jonathon Watkins]

If it's of any relief, here in New York we do occasionally reply with the "real" answer. ;) While "OK, and you?" is the most common response, I'll say "tired" sometimes.


Agreed. I've replied with "tired" way too many times in the past few years... ;)

Yup, same here. :morning: I think I've spotted a trend! :wink: