# But the "no cell phone" rules don't apply to me. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 30, 2017, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588 "2017-01-30T14:42:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/1 "2017-01-30T14:42:44Z")
Look, buddy, it’s no cell phones in the library. Period. I don’t care if the school is calling about your child being absent, or someone is confirming an appointment. The rules are NO CELL PHONES IN THE LIBRARY! It’s getting to be like people lighting up in NO SMOKING areas. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/2 "2017-01-30T15:06:27Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > It’s getting to be like people lighting up in NO SMOKING areas. But . . . I’m _not_ smoking, I’m _vaping_. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/3 "2017-01-30T15:28:48Z")
Everybody has to have their cell phone everywhere, now. You see people that can’t even do things without looking at their cell phone, like walking. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/4 "2017-01-30T15:44:52Z")
I could understand “No Talking on Cellphones in the Library” (though the quiet library is fast becoming a thing of the past) and/or “Please Put Your Cellphones on Totally Silent” (if only we could do so on NYC Transit), but otherwise that is a stupid fucking rule right out of 2001. The library is a taxpayer-funded public space and that’s an anachronistic rule meant to be challenged and broken. Cellphones are for a lot more than just talking. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/5 "2017-01-30T15:45:33Z")
Interesting. My cell phone doubles as a medical device - a continuous glucose monitor that alerts me to dangerous lows or highs. Would that not be allowed at your library? If so, that would truly suck, because I like & support libraries. But, y’know, I also like & support me being alive and healthy. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/6 "2017-01-30T15:49:33Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > Interesting. My cell phone doubles as a medical device - a continuous glucose monitor that alerts me to dangerous lows or highs. Would that not be allowed at your library? > > If so, that would truly suck, because I like & support libraries. But, y’know, I also like & support me being alive and healthy. Then you are precisely to whom the OP is referring ( not that I don’t want you to be alive and healthy, **Athena** ). ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/7 "2017-01-30T15:51:26Z")
This is why they make cell phone jammers. I always thought it would be cool to carry around a little portable one with a jamming range of say, at least 50% farther than the maximum distance at which it was possible hear some gangrenous old hag screeching into a cell phone about her hemorrhoid problems. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/8 "2017-01-30T15:53:57Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > Then you are precisely to whom the OP is referring ( not that I don’t want you to be alive and healthy, **Athena** ). Except would it then be a medical device rather than a cell phone? Would it fall under the ADA? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/9 "2017-01-30T16:19:15Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > It’s getting to be like people lighting up in NO SMOKING areas. _“It doesn’t say ‘POSITIVELY’.”_ ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/10 "2017-01-30T16:33:14Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > This is why they make cell phone jammers. I always thought it would be cool to carry around a little portable one with a jamming range of say, at least 50% farther than the maximum distance at which it was possible hear some gangrenous old hag screeching into a cell phone about her hemorrhoid problems. Nice idea - I’d especially like to see them in theatres. But the [FCC has a different view](https://www.fcc.gov/general/jammer-enforcement): > [@](#): > > Federal law prohibits the operation, marketing, or sale of any type of jamming equipment, including devices that interfere with cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS), police radar, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and wireless networking services (Wi-Fi). > [@](#): > > **Jamming Prohibition** > > The use of “cell jammers” or similar devices designed to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications (signal blockers, GPS jammers, or text stoppers, etc.) is a violation of federal law. Also, it is unlawful to advertise, sell, distribute, or otherwise market these devices to consumers in the United States. These devices pose serious risks to critical public safety communications, and can prevent you and others from making 9-1-1 and other emergency calls. Jammers can also interfere with law enforcement communications. _ **Operation of a jammer in the United States may subject you to substantial monetary penalties, seizure of the unlawful equipment, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment.** _ ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/11 "2017-01-30T16:53:55Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > Look, buddy, it’s no cell phones in the library. Period. Really? The rule is that cell phones aren’t allowed to be physically present in the library? Do people have to leave them outside on the front steps? ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/12 "2017-01-30T17:38:42Z")
I had assumed that the OP meant “No speaking on a cell phone in the library” but in fewer words. The smoking analogy seems to parallel this, since it is not the act of carrying a pack of smokes that is the problem, but lighting up and puffing. If that’s the case, then I’m totally with the OP. If the phone silently buzzes, the max allowed would be to take it out and say “Hold on…” as you hustle toward the exit and carry on outside. Last week my wife went for an appointment at a federal agency–as she entered, the receptionist made her pull out her cell phone and turn it off in her presence. That’s a pretty hard-core “no cell phone” policy. ---
**Author:** ![Crazy\_Canuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crazy_canuck/32/5282_2.png) [@Crazy\_Canuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crazy_Canuck)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/13 "2017-01-30T17:53:10Z")
Well, that sounds like a stupid rule, so I’d break it too. I also light up in non-enclosed non smoking areas. I’m curious as to the point of this rant. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/14 "2017-01-30T18:04:10Z")
It seems pretty clear to me. Someone doesn’t want cell phone use in their private property, so they post a sign. Their place, their rules. Intentionally violating their rules sounds like rude behavior. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/15 "2017-01-30T18:06:31Z")
I’m a library volunteer. We have a similar rule, although we understand if someone gets a call and says “I’ll call you back” or they say, “OK, I’ll pick you up in 15 minutes” and then end it. If it goes beyond that, a staff member will ask them to end the call or go outside, and I’ve never seen anyone get belligerent about it. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/16 "2017-01-30T18:17:18Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > I had assumed that the OP meant “No speaking on a cell phone in the library” but in fewer words. The smoking analogy seems to parallel this, since it is not the act of carrying a pack of smokes that is the problem, but lighting up and puffing. Possibly, maybe even probably. Difference is that a pack of cigs has no utility (except maybe to occupy nervous hands); a cell phone has much utility beyond phone calls. We don’t know if the OP is complaining because someone brought a cellphone into the library, someone’s cell phone rang in a library, someone was having a conversation in the library, someone was listening to music from the cell phone (with earphones), or what. I’m hoping the complaint is about a conversation, or other persistent annoying sounds, and not just about having a cell phone on one’s person, but some people only see these things in black and white. Also, signs generally say “No Smoking”, not “No Cigarettes”, so that’s an imperfect analogy. ETA: Libraries are not private property. They are taxpayer-funded public spaces. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/17 "2017-01-30T18:19:23Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > It seems pretty clear to me. Someone doesn’t want cell phone use in their private property, so they post a sign. Their place, their rules. Intentionally violating their rules sounds like rude behavior. **Public** library. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/18 "2017-01-30T18:19:25Z")
> [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](#): > > Everybody has to have their cell phone everywhere, now. You see people that can’t even do things without looking at their cell phone, like walking. We’re forced to sit through the new Verizon ad of the guy walking through his life, never taking his eyes off his phone, repeatedly. When I say “repeatedly,” I mean sometimes twice in a row.\* It boggles me even more than the ad for the SUV where the family was driving through God’s own breathtaking backyard… and the kids were watching BMX videos in the back seat. My reserve comment for inappropriate use is “Is that phone water-resistant? Good, then it will keep working when I shove it up your ass. You’re welcome to go in after it.” \*Fuckin’ CW. First they put their shows behind the CBS paywall, then brought them back out with the most inept and irritating ad content I’ve seen on streaming in a couple of years. They run the same few ads, frequently duplicated back to back, and if you try to skim ahead to get to a leave-off point, it apparently plays every single ad slot you would have had to watch to get there. Which would be of no consequence except that the CW app is buggy and so far has made the Roku crash about 25 minutes into each show… ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/19 "2017-01-30T18:30:57Z")
heh you should hear the crap the poor security guard gets at the social security office … he has to make a rule announcement about it every 45 minutes and people are rude and ignore it totally … then he has to kick them out … and people miss their number … its a mess ---
**Author:** ![DoggyDunnit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5fc32e/32.png) [@DoggyDunnit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoggyDunnit)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588/20 "2017-01-30T18:36:59Z")
> [@Crazy\_Canuck](#): > > I also light up in non-enclosed non smoking areas. An area doesn’t have to be “enclosed” for those of us who appreciate our health (and in my case, have respiratory system problems) to be negatively affected by your smoke. Either put in the effort to walk to an area where it’s allowed, switch to vaping, wait, or quit. As it stands at the moment, you’re being a selfish, grade-AAA jerk. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-the-no-cell-phone-rules-dont-apply-to-me/778588.md?page=2)