Put Down That Cell Phone!

Did you know July is National Cell Phone Courtesy month? Yes, indeedy and with good reason. Inappropriate cell phone use has become a huge problem, and is getting worse as more people are using mobile phones. It is also one of the most irritating issues for many people.

My last Puget Sound Business Journal column article was about National Cell Phone Courtesy month. I gave tips on appropriate and inappropriate phone use. The article won’t be available to non-subscribers until July 29, but you can read part of it here: http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2010/07/26/smallb2.html 

Right after the article came out I got emails from readers thanking me for the piece. One person wrote:

“I just finished your article on cell phone courtesy in today’s Puget Sound Business Journal. I don’t know what you were compensated for your article, but it wasn’t enough!! And it should have been printed in larger font, in bold, on the front page. I fear not enough people will read it and fewer will heed your advice…” 

Neal P.

Another wrote:

“Just read your column in the Business Journal. LOVED IT!!!!! Please continue to write columns like this…A lot of this cell phone stuff is common sense for some of us, but it is amazing to me that many professionals have terrible cell phone etiquette, and they don’t even realize it. Here’s hoping your column knocks some sense into them!!

Roger J.

Obviously rude cell phone use is a sore spot for a lot of people. Take a moment to read the PSBJ article and see if you are guilty of any of the no nos. Then, make a point of changing your errant ways or sharing the article with others who need a little cell phone etiquette reminder. The world will be a kinder, happier, more present place.

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