Week #12 Question #2

· Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one. Have you ever been bothered by cell phone, answering machines, or beepers? What do you feel about call waiting? Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call?

I agree with the cell phone etiquette rules listed in the text. I have experienced many times people who do not care to follow these rules (at the movies, in the library, even in the middle of class) and have found that often the conversations that ensue are absolutely trivial. People should use their phones only during emergencies when stuck in a public situation. When it comes to answering machines I agree to a point. If you have a non-private line that you use for business purposes then yes, you should use discretion when making your message. If you do not then it is at your discretion. When leaving messages I do agree that a short message that gets to the point is best when ever possible. In my work experience conference calls are always tricky. Having 15+ people on one call can lead to confusion. It is very important to announce yourself before speaking. Fax etiquette is also important since no one wants to receive unsolicited faxes. Also, whenever possible, info should be sent via e-mail to save paper (money) resources. The time one picks for communication is also very important since calling at the wrong or inappropriate time can start the conversation off on the wrong note. Screen name and ring tone discretion are only valid when used in the public. If you are going to announce your screen name at your business or for business purposes then having a Politically Correct screen name would be wise. Ring tones again are at one's own discretion but I believe that while at work phones should be on vibrate or silent. I have been bothered by cell phones, beepers, and answering machines in the past and have found that I dislike communicating through those mediums. I believe call waiting should only be used when receiving and emergency phone call as it is very rude to leave someone hanging on the line (especially when air minutes are translated into cold hard cash).