MSNBC showed this article about a growing discontent, thus request by many to the FCC to disallow the use of cell phones on commercial planes. The primary reason -- annoyance. Safety regarding instrument interferance seemed secondary, but was also included in the complaints by the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security, National Academy of Sciences, and "the 7,696 people and businesses who responded to the FCC's proposal to allow cell phone conversations on commercial flights".

Whether or not many of us fly often enough for it to be a huge concern to sit next to a yapper for 4 straight hours, it does bring up the issue of the appropriateness of cell phone usage in general in certain situations.

I remember being in line in a video store not long ago, while the person in front of me was checking out while having a conversation on her cell phone. The cashier often had difficulty understanding if some of the things she was saying were directed to him or to the person on the other end of the phone. Least to say, it made the process of checking out quite lengthy, as the cashier had to wait for a while to get her attention to talk to her regarding details of her account, terms of the rental, etc. Moans and sighs from those behind me in line seemed to indicate a consensus that would have said 'hang up the dang phone, and give him your undivided attention, so we're not here all night...'

I love the convenience of using a cell phone as much as the next person. But if I were to chime in, in the event other cell phone ban petitions would occur, I would include a few more scenarios...

1. While driving
2. While on a first date (both incoming and outgoing calls)
3. In the movie theater
4. Meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops...
5. At a funeral

I've seen them all, except the second one. But that would have to be the worst... Well, maybe 2-5 couldn't get an official 'ban', but hey it's worth trying. :)

I spent about 3 years working at a major national bookstore and the worst experiences I had at the cash register usually involved people talking on their cell phones. If my phone rings while I'm checking out, I answer and tell that person to hold or I'll call them back. 1st off its courtesy, you aren't superior to the cashier in any sense so these people need to get over that. 2nd thing is that it makes the whole transaction smoother. Alot of stores require cashiers to offer extra services or products at the point of sale (called upselling, plusselling, impulse buys, etc) and if the cashier has to compete for your attention to do their job, they get frustrated, then the customer says they felt they were just given average service and complains. Its an endless cycle all originating with the cellphone.

I remember when cellphones were for emergency use only...

Yes, they can be convenient, but they've become more a bother and safety issue.

Concur completely with your list jawn_tech, especially the driving issue. I'm a "people watcher" and it amazes me how many drivers are going down the road gabbing, many with a cell phone in one hand and food or make up in the other ... what the ??? I think it should be illegal to drive and talk, or at least in metro/city traffic. If it's essential, find a safe place to pull off, park, whatever, and then drive - don't talk! I had a friend nearly hit in the parking lot at work because the idiot got in his car, and engaged his cell phone and the motor without his brain and nearly backed right over my friend. Geez ... you just left an office building with 2000 phone lines!!

keith also brings up a good point - it's just plain rude! Nearly 100% of plans come with caller-id; if it's not an emergency, wait and call back when it's more appropriate and less offensive.

Wow - now, that I've been incensed and placed upon my soapbox, it's time for a valium and a nap!

Good post jawn - thanks!

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W. R. Mineo