# Don't Text In This Theater & Expect To Get Away With It **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 7, 2011, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600 "2011-06-07T05:13:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/1 "2011-06-07T05:13:07Z")
> [@](#): > > There are few things more annoying than someone so selfish she thinks it’s perfectly okay to text in the middle of a dark movie theater. On the flipside, there are few things more amusing than when said texter gets kicked out of the theater and later calls back to leave a lengthy, profanity-laced rant on the theater’s voicemail. > > Luckily for everyone, the folks at Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse not only have a “text and we’ll kick you out” policy, they also have no qualms about putting the aforementioned voicemail on YouTube. > > While it’s funnier when you can hear the actual call, the Drafthouse folks have subtitled — very accurately — the entire call so you can just read along if you don’t want your boss to hear. [http://consumerist.com/2011/06/alamo-drafthouse-this-caller-is-incredibly-unhappy-with-movie-theaters-no-texting-policy.html](http://consumerist.com/2011/06/alamo-drafthouse-this-caller-is-incredibly-unhappy-with-movie-theaters-no-texting-policy.html) The Founder/CEO of Alamo Drafthouse [blogged about it on the official web site](http://cf.drafthouse.com/she_texted_we_kicked_her_out2.html). ---
**Author:** ![The\_Universe\_Lashes\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8797f3/32.png) [@The\_Universe\_Lashes\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Universe_Lashes_Out)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/2 "2011-06-07T05:23:58Z")
I’d just like to point out that this is the same theater that has waitresses come around several times during the movie asking if you want anything. They have a system where you are supposed to put up a card with your order on it to avoid this, but they are still always asking if I want anything or telling me it’s last call or discussing something about an order with the person two seats over loud enough that I can hear it. It’s nice that they are anti-texting, but for a distraction-free movie, the Alamo is the last place I would go. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/3 "2011-06-07T05:59:40Z")
I like the progression. “I was using my phone to find my seat” - Okay, that’s understandable. “I didn’t know texting wasn’t allowed.” Wait, so were you texting or finding your seat? “I’ve texted in every the-a-ter in Austin.” I hate you. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/4 "2011-06-07T09:38:37Z")
God bless the MAGNITED States of Uh-Merika! ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/5 "2011-06-07T12:30:50Z")
1. Awesome for the place to have a standing policy of kicking texters out. That’s fantastic. 2. I hate those goddamn Bar+Movie combo places. Everyone feels like it’s their living room, and are more than comfortable talking even more casually than they would at a regular the-a-ter. ---
**Author:** ![Dietrich\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@Dietrich\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dietrich_K)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/6 "2011-06-07T12:52:53Z")
Poor, poor thing. And to think, she could’ve avoided all this publicity at her expense had she only gone to a reglear the-a-ter in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/7 "2011-06-07T13:21:05Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I hate those goddamn Bar+Movie combo places. Everyone feels like it’s their living room, and are more than comfortable talking even more casually than they would at a regular the-a-ter. It’s almost like they think they should be enjoying themselves!! Seriously, isn’t this the precise and entire point of such establishments, to watch a movie in a relaxed, eating-drinking-conversation atmosphere? It’s like watching the game at a sports bar. If the other people there are bothering you, it’s probably you that’s doing it wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/8 "2011-06-07T13:24:38Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > Seriously, isn’t this the precise and entire point of such establishments, to watch a movie in a relaxed, eating-drinking-conversation atmosphere? It’s like watching the game at a sports bar. If the other people there are bothering you, it’s probably you that’s doing it wrong. Please watch the link in the OP - they kick out both texters \*and \*talkers. And maybe it is me that’s doing it wrong - it’s why I never go. And it’s probably why all the ones in Indianapolis went out of business a few years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/9 "2011-06-07T13:36:40Z")
The owner says in The Alamo Blog was that she was give TWO WARNINGS to stop! How dense can you be? What I really like is that the video is shown to the patrons before the movie starts of all of the R rated movies. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/10 "2011-06-07T20:24:03Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > 1. I hate those goddamn Bar+Movie combo places. Everyone feels like it’s their living room, and are more than comfortable talking even more casually than they would at a regular the-a-ter. You can’t mistake the Alamo auditoriums for anyone’s living room. Most folks have learned to get there early and to sit down and shut the fuck up. For the most part, food is delivered and consumed before the previews are done. And the PSA is right about it being dark, very dark. Alamo Drafthouse has spoiled me from trying to go to see a movie anywhere else. ---
**Author:** ![infinitii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e8c25b/32.png) [@infinitii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/infinitii)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/11 "2011-06-07T20:44:35Z")
I don’t really have a problem with people texting during a movie – I just don’t find it very distracting. I have a much bigger problem with people munching, crunching, and slurping all manner of popcorns and drinks. But do you think the movie theatre owners, who make most of their money off these high-priced concessions, are going to care about my complaints? Not to mention people getting up to use the bathroom or whatever else, usually making me get up or scrunch in my seat to let them pass. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/12 "2011-06-07T20:57:25Z")
> [@infinitii](#): > > Not to mention people getting up to use the bathroom or whatever else, usually making me get up or scrunch in my seat to let them pass. Another cool thing about The Drafthouse auditoriums is that the folks that do get up during main feature ( which oddly is rare because they serve beer by the bucket) are able to step out into the walkway between rows of seats and don’t need to disturb the rest of the row. In the auditoriums with stadium seating, a person waking between the rows is below the line of sight of the row they are walking in front of. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/13 "2011-06-07T21:04:53Z")
The big theater chain in my area has had this policy for about the last 3 years. You get caught texting, using your phone, etc. while the movie is playing, and they remove you from the theater escort you off the property without a refund. Very few violations since they instituted the policy. > [@](#): > > Zero Tolerance Cell Phone Policy: > In response to customer complaints and demands, our theatres are now enforcing a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY on CELL PHONE usage during the on screen presentation. If theatre staff or security witnesses a customer using a cell phone during any part of the on screen presentation, that customer will be asked to leave WITHOUT a REFUND. Please turn off cell phones, or put them on vibrate before entering the auditorium, and take all calls and text messages outside of the auditorium. They charge about $1.50 more for admission, than the other theaters in the area, and they are always packed. People are willing to pay to not be interrupted during their shows. ---
**Author:** ![sco3tt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@sco3tt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sco3tt)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/14 "2011-06-07T21:58:52Z")
> [@The\_Universe\_Lashes\_Out](#): > > They have a system where you are supposed to put up a card with your order on it Unfortunately, you have to read their menu and write your orders on the slip with mini-golf pencils IN. THE. DARK. I always use my phone as a flashlight when I’m there, but I do at least try to be discreet and keep it at an angle that won’t bother the people around me. I’d like for the Alamo Drafthouse to address this concern. Some soft, subtle (maybe even switchable) LED rope lighting under the tables would really help. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/15 "2011-06-08T00:28:01Z")
> [@sco3tt](#): > > I’d like for the Alamo Drafthouse to address this concern. Some soft, subtle (maybe even switchable) LED rope lighting under the tables would really help. There are already lights under the tables. It’s not rope lighting but they are there. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/16 "2011-06-08T01:24:29Z")
Good for them! The next step should be impaling offenders and setting the lances into the wall above the front door as a warning to others. The we can turn to the people who talk on phones instead of driving… ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/17 "2011-06-08T05:01:09Z")
How are these people texting so that you can tell what they are doing? Yeah, the theater is dark, but the screen produces substantially more light than the afterglow of a phone. Are these people holding it up in front of the screen or something? Are the seats somehow arranged where you can somehow see into the lap of the people in front of you? I’m sure I’ve been in theaters where people text, but I’ve never in my life noticed. These people must be obnoxious assholes to get entire theaters where they are banned. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/18 "2011-06-08T05:18:35Z")
I don’t see how you can’t notice. Those things light up like vegas signs. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/19 "2011-06-08T05:41:41Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > How are these people texting so that you can tell what they are doing? Yeah, the theater is dark, but the screen produces substantially more light than the afterglow of a phone. Are these people holding it up in front of the screen or something? Are the seats somehow arranged where you can somehow see into the lap of the people in front of you? > > I’m sure I’ve been in theaters where people text, but I’ve never in my life noticed. These people must be obnoxious assholes to get entire theaters where they are banned. How could you possibly not see it? Do the theaters you go to not have stadium seating? It’s impossible to not see a bright blue light (it’s always blueish) flash on in the middle of a dark room. ---
**Author:** ![Capitaine\_Zombie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600/20 "2011-06-08T10:12:50Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > How are these people texting so that you can tell what they are doing? Yeah, the theater is dark, but the screen produces substantially more light than the afterglow of a phone. Are these people holding it up in front of the screen or something? Are the seats somehow arranged where you can somehow see into the lap of the people in front of you? > > I’m sure I’ve been in theaters where people text, but I’ve never in my life noticed. These people must be obnoxious assholes to get entire theaters where they are banned. Unless you’re staring directly at the projector instead of the screen, you dont need a huge light source to compete. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-text-in-this-theater-expect-to-get-away-with-it/584600.md?page=2)