Cell Phones......worth The Aggravation?

[Fishing Rhino]

I know, I know, I'm an old fuddy duddy, but it seems some folks were born with a cell phone grafted to their ear.

They are convenient. But they are all too often a nuisance. Golf courses have banned them, ditto for some restaurants, doctors' offices, etc.

I used to go to breakfast regularly with a buddy, 'til he got a cell phone. Then breakfast consisted of me listening to him have conversations with others. Maybe it says something about me. No matter, those breakfasts are a thing of the past.

There was a guy on our gang that plowed snow for the state. He got a cell phone and spent more money on his phone bill than he earned plowing snow, and that was while we were plowing. That was several years ago, but still...................

If the entire system ever went down, a large percent of the public would be suffering major withdrawal effects.

It's their umbilical cord to the world.

[hookingem]

Speaking for the younger generation, myself included would greatly miss these handy little devices. Don't think it would be catostrophic if they were no longer available, but it may cause some serious sadness to many at first. I don't mess with my phone while fishing, and driving, but in school I'd say 75% of the kids are on their cellphones during instruction. Not that this is right in any way shape or form but physics class sure does go by ALOT faster

[clayton86]

I would die of bordem with out my droid but I do know when to stop I don't use it when driving occasionaly when fishing though gotta take pics of the bigguns and then send to the buds that are home. Plus I use mine to come on here and post I have br everywhere I go comes in handy when I forgot how to tie the alberto knot.

[Sfritr]

Unfortunately, the modern tech age is contributing to the stupidization, yes that is now a word, of society. Students no longer know what a dewey decimal system, dictionaries, etc. are because they can just push a button. What this is actually doing is causing our generation to become reliant on technology and have no actual basic skills. How many people these days (young adults) could do simple tasks that were staples of the older generation such as change your own oil, change a spare tire, draft a grammatically correct letter complete with proper diction.

Heck, even writing a complete sentance is fading away because of texting. Sad really...

[Grey Wolf]

I wonder how many car accidents cell phones cause ? I've personally have seen quite a few.

[Hyrule Bass]

i typically hate using the phone anyways unless its to take care of something or making plans and such. im not one to sit there and talk about nothing on the phone for long periods of time. i dont care about silly apps and gadgets, i just need to be able to make or receive a phonecall if somethings going on. i dont even have a cell phone plan with a monthly bill, i got a prepaid tracphone i keep around for emergencies mainly. like if i break down, or to keep in touch with family when i was trapped in a gridlock snow storm this past winter. and i cant stand it when someone is constantly on their phone talking to someone else when theyre hanging out with me, and they get off the phone and start texting or facebooking and stuff. and the worst is those who wear the bluetooth headset things on their ear ALL day, they look like...well i dont need to say it. in fact, i hate people having a direct pipeline to me, leads to more aggravation and more people wanting you to do stuff for them. the cool thing about my prepaid tracphone is i dont use a cell phone enough to validate having a plan with someone else, but 20-40 bucks every 3 months or so aint bad either....

[Sfritr]

Hahaha d**n spell check..... LOL

I can't believe Long Mike didn't catch that one........

[hookingem]

I just found it ironic after the rant about correct grammar and usage. I do believe that cell phones are one of MANY things contributing to the overall atrophy of today’s youth. To make things fair this is coming from a young un' with much to learn. The thing that really kills me is how kids my age think they are the best drivers after 2 years experience. The best angler after sticking one 8lb bass. The best mechanic after changing the oil once. ect. I understand that I have much to learn, and that’s the reason I love posting on this forum you guys help me learn A TON.

[SirSnookalot]

Anything in moderation is fine, too much of any 1 thing may not be so good.

[SausageFingers]

I use mine to take photos and videos on the water. Its actually pretty handy. Other than that, I try to leave it alone. Key word being try.

[Stringjam]

I know, I know, I'm an old fuddy duddy, but it seems some folks were born with a cell phone grafted to their ear.

They are convenient. But they are all too often a nuisance. Golf courses have banned them, ditto for some restaurants, doctors' offices, etc.

I used to go to breakfast regularly with a buddy, 'til he got a cell phone. Then breakfast consisted of me listening to him have conversations with others. Maybe it says something about me. No matter, those breakfasts are a thing of the past.

There was a guy on our gang that plowed snow for the state. He got a cell phone and spent more money on his phone bill than he earned plowing snow, and that was while we were plowing. That was several years ago, but still...................

If the entire system ever went down, a large percent of the public would be suffering major withdrawal effects.

It's their umbilical cord to the world.

I don't think the cell phones are the problem, but the inconsiderate tools attached to them. I love my EVO, and I do all kinds of stuff with it, but when I'm with / around other people, it goes on vibration - and any calls or messages I receive during those times can just wait until I'm available. That's what voice message is for.

[tipptruck1]

Rhino my buddy dose that all the time. We well be hanging out and his phone will ring. There is many times were I would just like to take his phone and throw it against the wall.

As for being attached to my phone. I don't think I am. I will let it die and not charge it for days. There are many times were I have gone to work or a buddy's place and left it at home. The only time I make sure I have my phone is when I am going more then 30 miles from home.

I have only used it once for a emergency. I broke down less then 5 miles from my grandmas place. That was the one time I was glad I had it. Even if I didn't I could have walked across the road and given her a call. Yes I know her land line number off the top of my head.

Sfritr I know how to do more then basic maintenance on my car. I might not be able to do every thing. All I know is that I take a lot pride in being able to fix it my self. While my buddy's are paying to get it fixed. I can tell you this if its some thing I cant fix. My mechanic will fix it. 99% of the time it is what I think it is. So I am sure her hates me.

As for the dewey decimal system I haven't used it since I was like 8. I am sure I could remember how to use it if I had to. As for the letter I am not sure if I could do that.

[quanjig]

Being a business owner in near a big city, where a hands free device is the only way to conduct business and not get a ticket and points on my liscense, a smart phone with blue tooth is a necessity. The ability to look up parts and breakdowns of locking devices is a bonus. Make me more money and makes me more productive! That being said, I know when to and when NOT to use the phone!! Answering the phone while talking to an account is a no no. I say technology is a good thing when used correctly!!

[Fishing Rhino]

My deal is this. I remember the days of bliss when you got away from home, and the land line, you were free. There was no way for anyone to contact you, unless they knew where you were staying. No pagers, no cell phones, no interruptions, wait, change that, no intrusions into your personal vacation time or weekend getaway.

Today, there is no such escape. Prior to her retirement, my wife was in hospital administration. She was constantly checking her Blackberry for messages, just in case something needed her attention. This was seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year, on the job, or on vacation.

Someone commented they'd be bored without their electronic gadgetry. I was never bored with my life when those things existed only in the comics, ala Dick Tracy's wrist watch radio.

I didn't like it when my wife was issued a pager by the hospital. The only folks who had pagers then were doctors and drug dealers. The pager began the ever increasing electronic intrusion into our lives.

[quanjig]

I truly understand all of the points everyone is making. The thing about being "available" at any time is very important in todays workplace. Just remember, if you are not available, someone else most defiantly will be. I don't like it any more than the next guy but in a world where "if you can't get here I know someone who will", you better have the ability to talk people down off the ledge!

[tipptruck1]

Rhino I can say if I don't want to be reached you wont reach me. I might have my phone with me. That doesn't mean I am going to answer it. My view is that If its important leave a message. 99% of the time its buddy's wondering what I am doing. If work calls I know not to answer unless I need the money.

[Glenn]

Cell phones are only as intrusive as you allow them to be. You're in control, not the device.

As for rude people with phones - blame it on the person, not the phone. They should have some common sense and etiquette.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I used to hate cell phones. I'm still not the biggest fan of them. The main reasons I have one now are the following: being a single parent, I need to be able to be reached if something happens with my kids (it has, an ambulance was involved). That fact alone makes me understand the need for one. I'm also a business owner and during the workday I need to be able to speak with employees, clients, etc. The other primary reason is family other than my daughters. My parents are both getting older, and I don't know what I'd do to myself if they had an accident and I wasn't able to be reached somehow.

I do make social calls on mine like everybody else, but those are fairly limited. I don't really answer my cell after a certain hour. I speak with more people from Bass Resource than most other people now. If somebody local really needs me, they can either call my house number or wait until the next day to get in touch with me.

I've got enough respect for the people that I go out with though that I wouldn't sit in front of them texting away or talking on the phone if we're out socially. Thats just plain rude.

[Bluebasser86]

I'm not the biggest fan of cellphones but they are useful. I know when I was an hour from home fishing a powerplant lake when it was 20 degrees out and I locked my keys in my truck I was sure glad to have it. I guess you can pop the sliding window open on new trucks like you could old ones . When someone calls me when I'm fishing though I feel like seeing how far out into the lake I can throw it.

[Stringjam]

Today, there is no such escape.

All electronic devices have an OFF button, and it can be used at any time.

But again, this has everything to do with people and little to do with mobile phones. In this case, your wife's employer. Unfortunately it sounds like she had to be on-call at all times, or find another job. I know how employers sometimes have an unwritten policy of intrusion. Like a previous poster said...they may not force you to be available 24/7, but they know somebody else will be.

My dad was a lineman for 35 years. He was on-call a lot. Before cell phones he literally wasn't allowed to leave his house during those periods. Now that sucked. He installed a big, annoying outdoor bell on the house so he could at least go outside (everybody in the neighborhood just loved it when someone called at 3:00 am.. )

[Lund Explorer]

I truly understand all of the points everyone is making. The thing about being "available" at any time is very important in todays workplace. Just remember, if you are not available, someone else most defiantly will be. I don't like it any more than the next guy but in a world where "if you can't get here I know someone who will", you better have the ability to talk people down off the ledge!

Oh, the bad old days when I used to think the same way. The good news is that at some point in time you will learn that the only customers worth having are the ones that understand that nothing demands 24/7 service. You'll find out that the good clients are the ones that don't mind you taking a vacation were no cell phone tower exists.

Until that point, I would suggest that you start to train your customers in the same way I trained my clients. Exceptional service requires an exceptional price attached to it. It was rather funny to see the look on the face of one clients when she asked me for the phone number of the Canadian outfitter who was flying me into the bush for a week of fishing, just in case she needed to contact me. I gladly explained that I was taking retainers of $2,500, just in case the bush pilot had to fly me out to take her call. It ended up being a nice quiet week!

[BASS fisherman]

Simply having to ask the question, Im going to say no.

[scrutch]

Lund I admire your perspective.

Glenn's got it right too.

Just like guns, cellphones aren't the problem, people are. The cellphone affords me certain luxuries that I didn't have twenty years ago. The most important of which is the ability to call for help when you or your family are in a jam.

My issue lies with the inconsiderate user. Too many people do not realize that they just DO NOT HAVE TO ANSWER the cellphone when it rings! If you're engaged with someone face to face, LET IT RING! The person in front of you deserves that respect.

Obviously business is a little different. Many times phone calls are money in many cases. But that's still no cause to be disrespectful to those you are with.

Everyone that calls my cellphone regularly knows that if I don't answer, I either can't answer, or I DON'T WANT to answer. No cause for concern, I'll call back.

[SirSnookalot]

I don't carry a phone while I'm fishing or any other activity, that wasn't the case before I retired when I owned my company. The business ran fine without me there, but when a company called there was a good chance they wanted to talk or see me in person, in a very timely fashion. I had been called on my high holy days, customers don't care and in my biz there was no true loyalty. So many times I had to leave the golf course or fishing even on Sunday.

The nature of what you do for a living dictates the need to be in touch or not.

[quanjig]

Lund, I cannot agree more about training your customers. They all know that I have a life outside of work and that includes vacation and a somewhat regular workload schedule. The thing I do let them know is that I am always available to talk them thru things or schedule work that requires attention. I educate my customers to be self sufficient as well as when they need to ask for help. In he northern Virginia area, locksmiths are a dime a dozen. We do no advertising so a good reputation is all I have. Customers knowing they can contact me is always positive!!