NationStates Jolt Archive


Cell phones HATE thread.

Sirens of Titan
22-08-2004, 17:28
To put it short and to the point: I hate cell phones. I'm probably one of the few people who is refusing to buy one out of principle. The commercials are totally stupid, the prices are too high for a piece of plastic and electronics and the sheer idiocy why people have them annoys me to the full.

'hi how are you today'
'yes i feel tired too'
'my pet is feeling nauseous'
'im having my period'

These kind of conversations are not rare. I hear them daily in town, in the supermarket, and even in the woods when I go there for a walk. I'm not talking about the people who need it for their work though but the teenagers who buy them (purchasing one per month is no exception to keep up with their friends) and talk to other clowns about nothing. Nearly all of the conversations are void of content and can be summed up as 'BLAH BLAH BLAH WHINE WHINE WHINE'.

I hate cell phones.
Chikyota
22-08-2004, 17:29
I hate mine because now people call me and can actually get ahold of me. The power of contact is out of my hands now.
Enodscopia
22-08-2004, 17:31
I have 2 that I carry. But I don't really like them that much.
Sirens of Titan
22-08-2004, 17:33
I hate mine because now people call me and can actually get ahold of me. The power of contact is out of my hands now.

I dont even have one and still everyone can reach me since they know where I am. Isn't that cool or what? Cell phones are tools of big companies to suck your wallet dry. Only the people who really need them dont brag around about the latest lame functions like making photo's or sending e-mail.
Conceptualists
22-08-2004, 17:36
I've got one. But only because I don't have a phone (landline).

Don't give two shits about the features, as long as it calls people.

I dont even have one and still everyone can reach me since they know where I am

Do you not move all day?
Sirens of Titan
22-08-2004, 17:39
I tell people where I go. You know... Communication, interaction with other people. The whole concept of mouth-to-mouth communication has changed since internet. First you picked up the phone and talked to a person. Now you send an e-mail. Communication is getting less and less personal and cell phones are making things even worse. Now that everybody has got one it doesnt pay off to visit somebody when you can call them.
Cyberous
22-08-2004, 17:41
Well I dont have a landline because I move house a lot, and I'm a major gadget freak hence my mobile attachment.

But I dont see the need for anyone under the age of 18 to have one. Especially these really young kids who shouldnt be roaming the streets late at night if thats their parents reasoning for making them a target of muggers...
Sirens of Titan
22-08-2004, 17:44
But I dont see the need for anyone under the age of 18 to have one. Especially these really young kids who shouldnt be roaming the streets late at night if thats their parents reasoning for making them a target of muggers...

Can't agree more on that one. Oh yeah, that reminds of a great excuse to buy one. Some guy went to town every weekend to shag some girls and when he walked home drunk he needed a cellphone to call his dad to pick him up from the gutter. And guess what? He got one.
Conceptualists
22-08-2004, 17:45
I tell people where I go. You know... Communication, interaction with other people.

Wow, really :rolleyes:

And if someone needs to talk to you?


I agree that on the whole mobile phones are annoying and most of the calls made and text messages sent are pointless. However that is the fault of the morons using the phone. Not the phones.
Opal Isle
22-08-2004, 17:50
I dont even have one and still everyone can reach me since they know where I am. Isn't that cool or what? Cell phones are tools of big companies to suck your wallet dry. Only the people who really need them dont brag around about the latest lame functions like making photo's or sending e-mail.
You must not know a whole lot of people... ;)
Katganistan
22-08-2004, 17:51
I tell people where I go. You know... Communication, interaction with other people. The whole concept of mouth-to-mouth communication has changed since internet. First you picked up the phone and talked to a person. Now you send an e-mail. Communication is getting less and less personal and cell phones are making things even worse. Now that everybody has got one it doesnt pay off to visit somebody when you can call them.


1) Note where it is you are making your complaint: on the internet, to other people you don't know, don't see, and don't speak to. Irony?

2) As a single woman who drives a GREAT DEAL (read prolly 1000 miles a month), my cell phone is indispensable. I have called AAA to come get me on a lonely stretch of highway, I have called the state police to report an accident, I have called my fiance to assure him I was NOT in the ten car pileup in front of me, I have made emergency hotel arrangements, etc.

3) It's a tool, like any other. You seem to be annoyed with immature teen girls who think that the airwaves are a good place to broadcast their private lives. (Remember, nothing you say on a cell is private -- anyone who has the right receiver legally can hear what you say.)

4) 'Hating' a machine is illogical. That's like people who hate guns because they kill people, or dogs because one bit their sister's aunt's cousin once.
Opal Isle
22-08-2004, 17:54
I have a cell phone. I never use it pretty much, but I have it because there are times when I could need it. Also, there are 5 people in my house and one landline. If I need to talk to someone, I'd much rather use my cell phone then wait for the landline phone (and people make pointless convos on landlines too). I actually talk on my phone a lot more at home then I do when I'm not at home. The stupid thing about cell phones are text messages. My sister does a ton of those and it costs my mom a dime for every message she sends and every message she recieves (and when it is sent from one phone to another, the phone company gets $0.20 per message, even if it's "lol"). Anyway, I hate people that use their cells all the time, but if you think the world would be a better place without cell phones, you're mistaken.
Cyberous
22-08-2004, 17:59
My sister does a ton of those and it costs my mom a dime for every message she sends and every message she recieves

Every message she recieves too?
Thats a rip-off if I ever did see one...
Letila
22-08-2004, 18:09
I hear Japanese cellphones can surf the net.
Seosavists
22-08-2004, 18:12
I hear Japanese cellphones can surf the net.
im irish and my phone can. never use it rip off anf looks crap on my phone
Cyberous
22-08-2004, 18:18
*tries not to drool into the world of net surfing wireless pdas*
Azuna
22-08-2004, 18:19
"where You At?"
Sirens of Titan
22-08-2004, 18:28
1) Note where it is you are making your complaint: on the internet, to other people you don't know, don't see, and don't speak to. Irony?

2) As a single woman who drives a GREAT DEAL (read prolly 1000 miles a month), my cell phone is indispensable. I have called AAA to come get me on a lonely stretch of highway, I have called the state police to report an accident, I have called my fiance to assure him I was NOT in the ten car pileup in front of me, I have made emergency hotel arrangements, etc.

3) It's a tool, like any other. You seem to be annoyed with immature teen girls who think that the airwaves are a good place to broadcast their private lives. (Remember, nothing you say on a cell is private -- anyone who has the right receiver legally can hear what you say.)

4) 'Hating' a machine is illogical. That's like people who hate guns because they kill people, or dogs because one bit their sister's aunt's cousin once.

1) I rarely use chat programs and only use e-mail when its needed. Don't open your mouth before you know every bit of information about a person. I only use the internet as a news source and place of entertainment, not communication.

2) Who cares? I'm not talking about people who need it for their work etc etc..

3) I know its a tool, I just dont like it.

4) Protest. Guns are hated by many people because they are a real threat to the security of a society. And yes you can hate dogs because personal experiences with them. Trauma's and such.
UpwardThrust
22-08-2004, 18:51
1) I rarely use chat programs and only use e-mail when its needed. Don't open your mouth before you know every bit of information about a person. I only use the internet as a news source and place of entertainment, not communication.

2) Who cares? I'm not talking about people who need it for their work etc etc..

3) I know its a tool, I just dont like it.

4) Protest. Guns are hated by many people because they are a real threat to the security of a society. And yes you can hate dogs because personal experiences with them. Trauma's and such.


1 she was pointing out where you made the complaint and the irony of it … she was not making a comment about your personality … and she really didn’t need to know more about you in order to point out that you posted it on the internet :-P

now as a guy that works 70 + hrs a week … three different “jobs” including my own business
The cell phone is indispensable you think telling EVERYONE where I will be all day will work? I think not

Also work a security job … another place where the work cell phone is indispensable. When you are out patrolling a few parking lots you really need to be able to call authorities when you catch someone breaking into cars (has happened before) in fact I have them on speed dial :-P Just in case.


There are situations I find cells in appropriate … driving … exceptionally young. And so on but I do not hate the device itself because someone is using it in those situations
More the people who use them in those situations (or when the parents allow them to)

I hate to say it but like people said before … you have to have either not many friends or a rather predictable life. Because there is no way in hell anyone would ever get a hold of me. And its VERY important that clients be able to contact me.
Uplio
22-08-2004, 18:57
I hear Japanese cellphones can surf the net.
Anyone can serf the web through cell phones now. Yes, even Americans. Though it is a little costly.... :headbang:
San haiti
22-08-2004, 19:03
I resisted getting one for quite a while as they are extremely annoying. I got my first phone a couple of months ago as it was almost impossible to get hold of my friends so my social life was starting to die, but its fine now!
Sskiss
22-08-2004, 19:12
You know it's odd...Despite all this fancy technology, I keep finding myself preferring good ol' fashioned face to face comminication.

Sometimes we forget that the old ways are sometimes best.
The Land of Glory
22-08-2004, 19:19
I have a mobile phone (sorry, I mean cell), but I only use it when I'm out and someone goes walkies/to get a lift home. Essentially, I think they're a waste of time and money.
Sirens of Titan
22-08-2004, 19:29
You know it's odd...Despite all this fancy technology, I keep finding myself preferring good ol' fashioned face to face comminication.

Sometimes we forget that the old ways are sometimes best.

Exactly my thoughts.
Sskiss
22-08-2004, 19:37
Exactly my thoughts.

Well, I've always viewed technology in terms of "need" rather than a "want". In other words, if I don not need it, then I will not acquire or utilize it. Many technologies have come and I never adopted some of them simply because it was never necessary for me to do so.

Furthermore, a lot of this stuff is "in fashion" and is aimed at youngsters whom a generally more maleable, impressionable on so on. I mean really, does a 15 year old really need a cell phone?
Letila
22-08-2004, 19:47
I know. Those transhumanists and such scare me.
Abydo
22-08-2004, 19:48
You know it's odd...Despite all this fancy technology, I keep finding myself preferring good ol' fashioned face to face comminication.

Sometimes we forget that the old ways are sometimes best.

I find this neo-luddite resurgence quite amusing. Obviously the old ways aren't best if we're replacing them. Face to face communication (presumably vocal) is slow, voice is a poor bandwidth for communication. I can't believe the number of face to face conversations I have through-out the day at work that could be accomplished in a tenth the time if my coworkers would use an instant messenger or IRC.

On topic, now, I dislike telephones as well, mainly because talking on the telephone is a slow way to communicate. I generally leave my cell-phone at home.
Shiznayo
22-08-2004, 19:56
I'd have to say I don't hate cellphones, but I hate people who drive while talking on them. Some 16 year old girl died a few months back because she was trying to text message a message to her boyfriend while driving a car.... :rolleyes:
My dad and I almost got hit in this busy neighborhood where the speed limit is like 20 mph. The light said walk so we started walking and this guy came, probably driving at about 10 mph, he doesn't notice us and is about a foot away from hitting us. My dad pounded on his car (that's how slow he was going) and he still didn't notice. Of course he was on his cellphone.
Elsewhere19
22-08-2004, 20:01
Feh, pay phones are everywhere and if there isn't I'm probably at home.
Purly Euclid
22-08-2004, 20:04
I hate how cell phones are web phones, text messagers, cameras, and wallets all in one. I mean, I know many like that, but not me. I just want something that I can use to call one place from another.
Sskiss
22-08-2004, 20:09
I find this neo-luddite resurgence quite amusing.

Glad you think so...

Obviously the old ways aren't best if we're replacing them.

No, it's being replaced because people want to make money...The replacement is soley profit motivated. Besides the new is not neccessaraly better than the old, its just different.

Face to face communication (presumably vocal) is slow, voice is a poor bandwidth for communication.

I don't give a damn! I like it. I can sense and see an individuals emotions and feelings, I can hear the fluctuations of a persons voice. It's a rich and animated method of comminication. After all, it's not just a persons voice were talking about here. Email and other electronic forms are "Sterile" in comparision. Get out and meet people...

I can't believe the number of face to face conversations I have through-out the day at work that could be accomplished in a tenth the time if my coworkers would use an instant messenger or IRC.

Time is an illusion, speed is overrated, your kind gets heart attacks. No one rushes me! I wouldn't replace it for anything!
FuzzyPinkBunnies
22-08-2004, 20:09
Well I dont have a landline because I move house a lot, and I'm a major gadget freak hence my mobile attachment.

But I dont see the need for anyone under the age of 18 to have one. Especially these really young kids who shouldnt be roaming the streets late at night if thats their parents reasoning for making them a target of muggers...

okay...I do see what you're saying about people being too young, and having cells...but my cell is mainly a connection between my parents and I, I have a lot of after school activities Im involved in, and my cell gives my parents a way to reach me if they need to (the school doesnt allow personal calls except in an emergancy) also..I will be driving in about 3 months, and it will be helpful if I break down somewhere, or if I get lost...
I use it to talk to friends very seldomly
but I do agree that really young kids (like...under 14-15) dont need them...a few of my sisters friends have them, and they're only 9...not only is it stupid, its a waste of money..there is no where those kids are going to be that they wont have access to either someones home phone, or an adults cell phone...they shouldnt be anywhere without supervision..
I dont know...the entire world has become a technology whore..people seemed so much happier before all of it anyway..we should just get rid of it...but what do I know, Im only 15..
Hubston
22-08-2004, 20:11
cell phones are not only annoying, but they increase cancer.

http://www.mercola.com/2000/may/14/cell_phones_cancer.htm

and if you really really ever needed one in a pinch, you can just use someone elses. since everyon does have one nowadays. stick it to the man!
Letila
22-08-2004, 20:13
I find this neo-luddite resurgence quite amusing. Obviously the old ways aren't best if we're replacing them. Face to face communication (presumably vocal) is slow, voice is a poor bandwidth for communication. I can't believe the number of face to face conversations I have through-out the day at work that could be accomplished in a tenth the time if my coworkers would use an instant messenger or IRC.

But the simulation can't beat the real thing. If efficiency is all you want, then technology is great, but it just doesn't do communication justice. IRC doesn't record emotion nearly as well as speech, for example.
Crabcake Baba Ganoush
22-08-2004, 20:13
I refuse to get them because when I don’t want to be found, I don’t want to be found. Not only that but they’re annoying to listen to when trying to relax. Not to mention all of those annoying ring tones. They’re easy to lose. They cost too much. They give people more work to do. Have to find a place to always carry them. They’ll break if I so much as touch them. Brain tumors. Contracts. Dumb ass commercials. And that’s all that I can think of now.
Elsewhere19
22-08-2004, 20:18
What's the point of text messaging? I understand if you're mute, but it's a cell phone! You can use your VOICE to talk to people!
Fat Rich People
22-08-2004, 20:19
I'm a college student and a cell phone makes it easier to communicate with my parents, girlfriend, and locals easily. But I never had one before.
Conceptualists
23-08-2004, 13:34
I refuse to get them because when I don’t want to be found, I don’t want to be found.

You can turn them off. A fact that does not seem to be realised by the majority of the phone owning population. I love the stunned look I get off people after they have told me that so-and-so kept on calling them the night before when they were trying to sleep and I ask them why they didn't turn it off.

Although they is one thing more annoying then listening to other peoples inane conversations. Working in a mobile phone shop and being blitzed with questions about thing I couldn't care about, and nearly puking over expensive phones that parents buy for their children (I had to sell a friggin' 10 year old a £300 phone for chrissakes!).
Brutanion
23-08-2004, 13:36
To put it short and to the point: I hate cell phones. I'm probably one of the few people who is refusing to buy one out of principle. The commercials are totally stupid, the prices are too high for a piece of plastic and electronics and the sheer idiocy why people have them annoys me to the full.

'hi how are you today'
'yes i feel tired too'
'my pet is feeling nauseous'
'im having my period'

These kind of conversations are not rare. I hear them daily in town, in the supermarket, and even in the woods when I go there for a walk. I'm not talking about the people who need it for their work though but the teenagers who buy them (purchasing one per month is no exception to keep up with their friends) and talk to other clowns about nothing. Nearly all of the conversations are void of content and can be summed up as 'BLAH BLAH BLAH WHINE WHINE WHINE'.

I hate cell phones.

My phone's as unreliable as hell.
It won't work after I've removed the SIM card ;)
Also, I don't take it with me if I don't want to be contacted.
Ecopoeia
23-08-2004, 13:53
Mobile phones are quite clearly Satan's agents on Earth, a ruthless scheme to enslave the unthinking masses.

Really, do some of you believe people never stayed in touch before mobiles were around?
Brutanion
23-08-2004, 13:54
Mobile phones are quite clearly Satan's agents on Earth, a ruthless scheme to enslave the unthinking masses.

Really, do some of you believe people never stayed in touch before mobiles were around?

No.
Hence the SIM card trick for long term incommunicado.
Ecopoeia
23-08-2004, 13:58
No.
Hence the SIM card trick for long term incommunicado.
What bugs me is when people seem to feel that they have a right to contact you, that turning off your phone (or pulling the SIM card trick) is some heinous betrayal.

Like I say, Satan's making his bid for power and the Horsemen are ready to ride.
Shaed
23-08-2004, 14:03
I hate idiots who don't turn them off during movies (and there's *always* one. Gah, want to stab them in the eyes with straws - idiots!)

I hate people who drive talking on the phone. Considering how many accidents happen to people who *aren't* distracted by inane conversations, I just want to sterilize the morons who think they can talk and drive - they really shouldn't be passing on genes anyway.

And god, you know who are the *most* annoying phone-related people? The parents who buy their 5-11 year old children mobile phones and then COMPLAIN WHEN THE KIDS RUN UP CHARGES! ARGH! "Oh, she's out of control. Bitch bitch bitch. Mean phone companies with their hidden charges. Whinge whinge whinge. I end up paying her $100 phone bills every month. Moan moan moan."

The kid. Is. 11 (or younger!). Take the phone off her, make her pay the bills or work them off in chores. Shut up, get off the current affair shows, and discipline your damn spawn. And stop blaming the phone companies for YOUR idiocy. The hell? Did they really think an 11 year old would know how to handle a mobile phone? Did they REALLY think it wouldn't cost them money? And why the hell does an 11 year old need a mobile phone? WHY? ANSWER ME DAMNIT!

God, the idiocy of it all is giving me a migrane. Serious pet peeve here. People. Are idiots.

-------------------------------
Ok, slightly more calm - I'm not trying to insult anyone specific here. These are just things that piss me off in a big way. People who use mobile phones responsibly? Fine, knock yourself out. You want to text message a friend during a red light? OK, slightly annoying if you aren't paying attention when it changes, but no one's going to die. Yacking like an idiot while traveling at 90k down a freeway? Problem. Big problem. If I had my way, you'd lose your damn car for that display of irresponsibility. So really, mobile phones = ok, but people occasionally = idiots. It's the idiots who are the problem, not the phones :p
Lower Aquatica
23-08-2004, 14:09
I hate idiots who don't turn them off during movies (and there's *always* one. Gah, want to stab them in the eyes with straws - idiots!)

I work in the theater. I also dislike people who don't turn their phones off during plays either.

Especially after this: I was working on a show, and we had a woman who forgot to turn off her cell phone. Now, it was bad enough that it rang during a quiet, intimate moment in the play. It was also bad that she froze in panic when it did and forgot how to turn it off, and just let it keep ringing and go to voicemail because that was all she could think to do.

What was worse was -- her cell ring tone was the sound of a clucking chicken.

Seriously. In the middle of the play, suddenly out in the audience there is a loud: "bawwwwwwwwwk, buk-buk-buk b-gawwwwwwwk, buk-buk-buk-b-gawwwwwwk...."

The upside is, I told a lot of my friends about this after the fact, and they all started using my story as a cautionary tale to tell during their "please, folks, turn off your cell phones before the performance" speeches.
Tethran
23-08-2004, 14:15
But I dont see the need for anyone under the age of 18 to have one. Especially these really young kids who shouldnt be roaming the streets late at night if thats their parents reasoning for making them a target of muggers...

I'm not 18 yet (17 earlier this year) and I've had the same mobile for two or three years. I don't use it to have the stupid coversations mentioned earlier. I rarely text and it cannot take photos. Nor can it access the internet. It's not a gimmik but something I do have for good reason.

I used (and still use) my phone so that if something happens and I need to call my parents or the emergancy services I can. For example, I live in England and there are some places where I can be miles away from home and there will not be a landline there for me to use if I cycle out and I was to get a puncture. It's nice to have the ability to call home and either get picked up or let them know I'm walking back and not to worry.

I'm sure you would agree that calling my parents so they know where I am (especially if my plans change) and they don't worry is not a wasted or pointless call. For example if I meet a friend I havn't seen for a while and we head into town.

Just because someone is under 18 does not mean they don't need a mobile phone (cell phone to the americans amongst you.) It all depends on the person and what they use it for. But I do agree with the point about very small kids not needing one - I've seen kids with them who shouldn't be wandering around on their own.

On a side note: I took someone to court a couple years ago for assault. They're not a nice person and like to hurt people because they can. I got a death threat from them. I'd think that's as good a reason to carry a mobile (cell) phone as any other you can give me.


EDIT: I hate people who drive talking on the phone. Considering how many accidents happen to people who *aren't* distracted by inane conversations, I just want to sterilize the morons who think they can talk and drive - they really shouldn't be passing on genes anyway.
In the UK you cannot drive with a mobile in your hands - you have to have it in a hands free kit or turned off. You get caught using one not in a hands free kit mounted on the dash or near the gear stick you can be fined, arrested and/or points put on your driving liscence by the police. Also, the ones that go into your ear like a headphone? They're now illegal when driving here too.
Shaed
23-08-2004, 14:18
I work in the theater. I also dislike people who don't turn their phones off during plays either.....

Oh god, I feel so sorry for people who work in theater. At least at the movies, mobile phones aren't actually putting off the actors, just annoying the audience.

When we went to see Hamlet for school, some bitch left her phone on. And, of course, it rang. And did she turn it off? Nooo. Did she answer and say "busy, go away"? Good lord no. SHE STARTED TALKING. Hamlet's on stage holding a skull, trying to focus on the scene, and this brain-addled twit was organising a party.

Surprisingly enough, I have an inkling that that particular phone might have found it's way out of her bag and into a dark corner when I went to get some snacks. Not because of anything *I* did, mind you. I wonder how long it took her to notice. Not until we were all on the bus, I don't think.

I'm sure the actors would have appreciated it (well maybe not, but, well, *shrug*, whoever did it did it for a good cause, I'm sure)
SmikkEland
23-08-2004, 14:21
First of all, sorry for the horrible name. I could have been a bit more creative.

I'd have to say I don't hate cellphones, but I hate people who drive while talking on them. Some 16 year old girl died a few months back because she was trying to text message a message to her boyfriend while driving a car....

In places like here in Finland, the law is you cannot drive and talk at the same time. Unless you have a handsfree.


And what is it with you people? Cellphones are annoying when misused. Otherwise, they're great. You can talk from anywhere. Camera? No, don't need one anymore. Too shy to talk? Problem solved via SMS. Cheaper rates (atleast here in Finland)? You betcha. Games, internet? Yes! Find a person's number, address and name with a simple text message based on just one of these pieces of information? That's right.

Cellphones rule. Puberty sucks.

(My 7 year old cousin just got her first one. It sucks though. :rolleyes:
Abydo
23-08-2004, 14:28
No, it's being replaced because people want to make money...The replacement is soley profit motivated. Besides the new is not neccessaraly better than the old, its just different.

Those people wouldn't be making money if other people didn't find it useful. Since they are making money, heaping bags of money, I would assert that people find the new technologies useful. When you can talk face-to-face with multiple people simultaneously each in a different location scattered over the planet let me know.


I don't give a damn! I like it. I can sense and see an individuals emotions and feelings, I can hear the fluctuations of a persons voice. It's a rich and animated method of comminication. After all, it's not just a persons voice were talking about here. Email and other electronic forms are "Sterile" in comparision. Get out and meet people...

It's still inefficient. I can sense and see an individuals emotions and feelings in text as well, it's in the choice of words they use, and sometimes *gasp* when they emote. I mean, it's quite obvious from my choice of words that I'm a sarcastic bastard. And I don't need to get out and meet people, I already do. I don't restrict my interpersonal interactions to text, text is just more efficient way of handling it.
Ecopoeia
23-08-2004, 14:28
(My 7 year old cousin just got her first one. It sucks though. :rolleyes:
Nng. Seven. I mean... seven. Seven. She's. Seven.

I need a drink.
Shaed
23-08-2004, 14:31
Nng. Seven. I mean... seven. Seven. She's. Seven.

I need a drink.

Can I get a glass of whatever you're having? Alcohol is necessary. And I don't even drink.


... *7*? WHY? ...

Christ, I really don't think I like people very much.
Luckdonia
23-08-2004, 17:22
To put it short and to the point: I hate cell phones. I'm probably one of the few people who is refusing to buy one out of principle. The commercials are totally stupid, the prices are too high for a piece of plastic and electronics and the sheer idiocy why people have them annoys me to the full.

'hi how are you today'
'yes i feel tired too'
'my pet is feeling nauseous'
'im having my period'

These kind of conversations are not rare. I hear them daily in town, in the supermarket, and even in the woods when I go there for a walk. I'm not talking about the people who need it for their work though but the teenagers who buy them (purchasing one per month is no exception to keep up with their friends) and talk to other clowns about nothing. Nearly all of the conversations are void of content and can be summed up as 'BLAH BLAH BLAH WHINE WHINE WHINE'.

I hate cell phones.
There you are,you asshole! I been trying to get hold of you for ages while you've been swanning about in the woods and in town!
Send me a Smoke signal or buy a mobile!!
Sirens of Titan
23-08-2004, 17:25
There you are,you asshole! I been trying to get hold of you for ages while you've been swanning about in the woods and in town!
Send me a Smoke signal or buy a mobile!!

right... :rolleyes:
Conceptualists
23-08-2004, 17:31
I work in the theater. I also dislike people who don't turn their phones off during plays either.....
Bah, I've been to a funeral where some one forgot to turn it off. Or to have the courtesy not to take the call.

Nng. Seven. I mean... seven. Seven. She's. Seven.

I need a drink.
Try working in a phone shop. Count how long it takes for your respect for humanity to burn.
Raishann
23-08-2004, 17:35
I'll tell you what I cannot stand. People taking cell phones into restrooms. Doesn't matter what kind of restroom--it's a nuisance no matter what. One-seater? Congratulations, moron, you tied up the restrooms for everybody else so you can have your phone chat. Multiple? Now we all get treated to listening in on a phone conversation in just about THE most inappropriate place possible. And in ALL cases, I think it's the equivalent of taking somebody into the restroom with you. Do people think that the person on the other end CANNOT HEAR? News flash: cell phones do not JUST transmit voices.

And of course there are cell phones when driving. This is not only rude when somebody slows down to 55 in the left-hand lane, it could very well cause an accident. Half the time when somebody does something stupid in a vehicle it's due to cell phones. Put the phone down and pay attention to the road.

And here's another one. Cell phones in restaurants. I do not understand why people feel the need to carry on an entire conversation loudly where everyone else can hear...and not only that, I've seen people do this with somebody else at the table, or when the waiter/waitress is trying to talk to them. Talk about rude. One of the worst things I've seen have been multiple people at a table talking on their cell phones the whole time and not making any kind of contact with each other. Which begs the question of why they went out together in the first place, when they might as well just CALL each other and spare the rest of us the nuisance of hearing their voices constantly.

And there's the other problem with cell phones in public places. News flash: the cell phone does NOT swallow up your voice so that it doesn't carry anywhere else. I just about bashed this cell phone over a guy's head once when a bunch of businesspeople set up their cell phone in the middle of the table in Starbucks and conducted a very LOUD teleconference. Not only did they have to shout to talk to the damn box, the cell phone itself put out the most distorted, awful speech-like sounds possible in response. Now I know where the expression "Squawk box" came from. And if not, it should be applied to this thing. Now that had to be the rudest thing I'd ever seen--invading a public area for this nuisance meeting. That could've been taken outside.

In fact, I think that rules on cell phones in public buildings and on cigarettes should be the same: if you want to do it, take it outside. Otherwise, don't bother the rest of us with it.

Now, I do think cell phones are useful...I just think people have become incredibly discourteous with them.

Rant concluded. ;-)
Kryozerkia
23-08-2004, 17:36
My cell phone... it's my only phone because we don't have a home line.
Lower Aquatica
23-08-2004, 18:36
Actually, I don't think it's the cell phone that's the problem, I think it's the user.

Although, people can be trained. I had a number of cases where a co-worker and I would leave work at the same time and walk to the subway together; often, he'd want to call his girlfriend and let him know he was on his way home.

That in itself is not a problem. However. The polite thing would have been to excuse himself a moment, call BRIEFLY and say "hi, I'm on my way, I'll see you soon," and be DONE with it.

Not him.

Usually we'd be chatting about something, or even worse discussing a work problem -- and he'd just take out his cell phone and dial, and then have an entire conversation with her when she answered ("So how was your day?....Let me tell you about mine...") and most of the time, he'd cut me off mid-sentence to do so. Then when he finally did hang up, he'd have forgotten all about the fact we'd been talking.

After this happened a number of times, I finally had it. We left work one day, we were talking, and sure enough he pulled out his cell phone. And sure enough I was mid-sentence when his girlfriend answered. This time I waited while he chatted with her, the he hung up. I waited a couple seconds, then calmly said, "So anyway, as I was saying before I was SO RUDELY interrupted..."

He hasn't done it since. :)
Tango Urilla
23-08-2004, 19:00
Yeah they arent all to great but trust me you rather have one if your car dies in the middle of nowhere.
Conceptualists
23-08-2004, 19:05
One thing I do find interesting is that (here in Britian anyway) it is ok to essentially talk to someone else whilst half way through a conversation with some else.
Bowker
23-08-2004, 19:23
Where to start?

I like mobiles (cells) but only to a certain extent. They can be useful but I feel that they're (or have) making us lazy. For all of you who have them I issue the following plea: Just for one day a week place it in the underware draw, turned off, and go without it.

Conceptualists, I know exactly what you mean. I work in the same industry and it's amazing what people do. The amount of times I've had to deal with parents coming in refusing to pay a bill or generally complaining because their child has been using the phone that they've bought for them.

Childre under 16 shouldn't be allowed any mobile phone. 16 - 18 can have pre-pay. Everybody else can apply for what they want but the credit test is there for a reason. But that's another rant entirely.
Seosavists
23-08-2004, 19:23
Bah, I've been to a funeral where some one forgot to turn it off. Or to have the courtesy not to take the call.

I was at mass and the priests mobile went off now that was funny
Raishann
23-08-2004, 20:51
I was at mass and the priests mobile went off now that was funny

Whoops!

I've been in a class lecture where the professor had a no phone rule. Guess whose phone went off first.

But the funniest one was during the recent Iraq War...I saw Shepherd Smith's cell phone go off ON AIR in front of the ENTIRE COUNTRY in the middle of a serious war broadcast! OOPS!
Occidio Multus
25-01-2005, 17:38
i hate hate hate cellulars, even though i posess two of them. One is for work, I work as an on-call contractor. The other one, i think ,is strictly for my stupid friends to call me 45 times per day, each, with a dumb joke, or the all- too-familiar- "dude, remember when?" so, what did I do? turned off the power a lot. now, they just come to my house to gost the same conversations. contact with the outside world. you simply can't escape it.
Occidio Multus
25-01-2005, 17:40
Where to start?

I like mobiles (cells) but only to a certain extent. They can be useful but I feel that they're (or have) making us lazy. For all of you who have them I issue the following plea: Just for one day a week place it in the underware draw, turned off, and go without it.

Conceptualists, I know exactly what you mean. I work in the same industry and it's amazing what people do. The amount of times I've had to deal with parents coming in refusing to pay a bill or generally complaining because their child has been using the phone that they've bought for them.

Childre under 16 shouldn't be allowed any mobile phone. 16 - 18 can have pre-pay. Everybody else can apply for what they want but the credit test is there for a reason. But that's another rant entirely.

does it have to be in the panty (underwear) drawer? is there some hidden point in that?
Toujours-Rouge
25-01-2005, 18:02
oooh a hate thread, can i join in?

I hate the term 'cell phone'. Perhaps it's part of a general irrational anti-american thing, i'm not too sure. It's a bloody mobile phone!
Industrial Experiment
25-01-2005, 18:09
oooh a hate thread, can i join in?

I hate the term 'cell phone'. Perhaps it's part of a general irrational anti-american thing, i'm not too sure. It's a bloody mobile phone!

...which happens to use a network of towers arranged in "cells"...
UpwardThrust
25-01-2005, 18:11
...which happens to use a network of towers arranged in "cells"...
Yup celular vs ad-hoc

Celular phones use a celular network (smoother transition between "cells" or towers then ad-hoc also has the ability to do home forwarding rather then do tower hopping)
New Foxxinnia
25-01-2005, 18:18
My cellphone plays Duran Duran songs.
Toujours-Rouge
25-01-2005, 18:19
...which happens to use a network of towers arranged in "cells"...

I know why they're called 'cell' phones. I just think it sounds stupid and grates on my nerves.

edit: typo
Nsendalen
25-01-2005, 18:22
I have a mobile phone.

It's only on when I need to use it. When I need to use it, it's text messages, unless it's a full on emergency.

So no, I don't like the chattering hordes. :p
You Forgot Poland
25-01-2005, 18:23
I held out a long time. I didn't have one until last year, on principle. Now it's the only phone I've got. I don't have loud discussions about my smelly foot fungus while riding the bus. I turn it off in movies and concerts. I don't talk while driving.

So why the hate? I think what you mean to say is that you hate the asshats who have loud conversations in the movies, who run red lights while yakking, and who have repulsive and/or private conversations in public.

After all, cell phones don't irritate people, people irritate people.

Except the uncle-farking *chirp* phones. *chirp* Where you at? *chirp* On the bus. Where you at? *chirp* Still at work. *chirp* Oh. *chirp* Whatchoo doing? *chirp* Riding the bus. *chirp* Oh. Those guys need to be lined up against the wall.
Industrial Experiment
25-01-2005, 18:24
I know why they'recalled 'cell' phones. I just think it sounds stupid and grates on my nerves.

So you have an irrational hate of something that makes complete sense based upon nothing more than your own prejudices?
Sdaeriji
25-01-2005, 18:35
I have one so when my 1978 Ford Fairmont breaks down in the middle of nowhere a thousand miles from civilization, I am not stuck there for days.
UpwardThrust
25-01-2005, 18:35
So you have an irrational hate of something that makes complete sense based upon nothing more than your own prejudices?
lol my thinking as well
UpwardThrust
25-01-2005, 18:36
I have one so when my 1978 Ford Fairmont breaks down in the middle of nowhere a thousand miles from civilization, I am not stuck there for days.
I live in mn ... survival during a break down can be mesured in hrs if it is -50 F out (if you happened to bring full cloths with ... if you only wore a jacket ...)
Ice Hockey Players
25-01-2005, 18:40
For my new place, I went without a home line since I already have a cell phone and I don't see much point in having both. What I don't get is people who insist on having four different phone numbers or whatever when one will work fine. It's one thing to have a home and a cell number, or a home and a work number, or even a home, cell, and work number, especially if you live in a place that gets terrible cell phone reception but rely on your cell phone nonetheless (my mother lives out in BFE and gets next to nothing for cell reception at home, but she travels into the city all the time for work and therefore requires a cell phone. That plus she has a second line for her internet, since she is taking online classes and needs the internet and she can't get cable or DSL.) It's one thing to have many points of contact because you need them. It's quite another to have them just to have them, or whatever.
Kultistan
25-01-2005, 19:11
I have two cell phones. Only a few people know the number to one (and have been instructed not to call unless it's a dire emergency), so it functions more as kind of a "it's a sign of the apocalypse if this phone ever rings" sort of thing. The other is the "call here if I'm not home" type of phone and I hate it with every fiber of my being.
Aerou
25-01-2005, 19:13
I use my cell phone constantly.

On-call for work, to call friends back home, to keep myself awake when I'm driving around in the 'great' state of Missouri in the middle of nowhere.

The only time I text message is when I have something to tell someone that is of great importance and I know they're at work/school etc... or if I have to tell a lot of people something, such as the time of a movie or where we're all meeting eachother later on, its nice to not have to have a conversation with everyone you need to talk to when you just need to say "Meet at my apartment at 7:00pm" to like...20 people.

Cell phones going off in movies does annoy me, I make sure mines off, unless I'm on call, and then I just set it to vibrate once or twice.
Toujours-Rouge
25-01-2005, 19:17
So you have an irrational hate of something that makes complete sense based upon nothing more than your own prejudices?

Yes, i thought that was pretty clear from my first post.
Some people hate pidgeons, some people hate football, i hate certian Americanisms of language. I apologise if that offends you.
Industrial Experiment
25-01-2005, 20:11
Yes, i thought that was pretty clear from my first post.
Some people hate pidgeons, some people hate football, i hate certian Americanisms of language. I apologise if that offends you.

Sorry, I was just clarifying. I'm an American, so I'm a bit slow.
Toujours-Rouge
25-01-2005, 20:30
Sorry, I was just clarifying. I'm an American, so I'm a bit slow.

Lol :p
UpwardThrust
25-01-2005, 20:36
Yes, i thought that was pretty clear from my first post.
Some people hate pidgeons, some people hate football, i hate certian Americanisms of language. I apologise if that offends you.
So you hate words developed in certain countries seems kind of silly to me (I mean cell phone is a descriptive name rather then just something completely slang)
Sel Appa
25-01-2005, 23:04
I despise them as well. I want a cell phone disrupter to turn on at school and screw people who are attempting to call...someone. :)

I'd also like to be able to hack into a frequency...
Occidio Multus
25-01-2005, 23:54
I have one so when my 1978 Ford Fairmont breaks down in the middle of nowhere a thousand miles from civilization, I am not stuck there for days.
if you had the correct stuff packed in the trunk, you might not mind....
Toujours-Rouge
26-01-2005, 00:09
So you hate words developed in certain countries seems kind of silly to me (I mean cell phone is a descriptive name rather then just something completely slang)

Some people hate feathers. That sounds silly to me.

I also hate the way 'cheque' is spelt 'check'.

Sorry.
Branin
26-01-2005, 00:58
I hate cell phones.
Me to. Rarely does a class go by without being interupted. Never a movie. I've heard them go of in church. At a concert, a formal one. (Really pissed me off because I was performing). Between classes everyone is on them. They are ruining manners, and creating a lot of useless noise.

Cell phones :gundge: