# Shut the fuck up about cell phones now. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 19, 2005, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291 "2005-12-19T14:14:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/41 "2005-12-19T19:22:06Z")
> [@BiblioCat](#): > > The texting _is_ annoying. The glaring screen is incredibly bright in a darkened theater. And what’s the point of going to a movie if you spend the whole time texting someone? You’ve missed the whole movie! As far as that goes, that’s they’re prerogative if they want to not pay attention, but like you. . .a little blue screen popping up out of the corner of my eye distracts me. I invariably turn to look. I think that some people just have different experiences at the movies. When I like a movie, I really settle into the dark, get involved in the movie, get surrounded by the sound. I really kind of enter into a different mindset, and real world distractions ruin that for me. ---
**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/42 "2005-12-19T19:25:24Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I wouldn’t let something like that bother me. If they choose to pay $10 and spend the whole time texting their friends, it’s their loss. If we could all choose whether or not something bothered us, it would be a pretty easy life. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/43 "2005-12-19T19:32:47Z")
> [@Trunk](#): > > If we could all choose whether or not something bothered us, it would be a pretty easy life. I would argue that you choose what bothers you, but that’s probably another thread. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/44 "2005-12-19T19:35:08Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > My girlfriend has MS, and she has her neurologist’s cell number. She went to three different doctors before deciding on the one she’s currently with, partly because he was willing to be available to her for questions and concerns off hours. I’m sure that if he were in a movie, he’d turn his cell phone to vibrate and take the call outside, since he’s not an asshole. Dueling sob stories: My sister has MS, but I don’t know if she has her neuro’s cell number. I do know she’s quite happy with her doctor and can get in for consults and call on the phone during office hours pretty easily. Hope your girlfriend is doing well. > [@](#): > > I wouldn’t let something like that bother me. If they choose to pay $10 and spend the whole time texting their friends, it’s their loss. The texting thing again. If the person is one row ahead of you and one seat over, it’s impossible not to see it. I went to a movie recently and the person sitting there (one row ahead and one seat over) was constantly opening up his phone. I don’t know if it was ringing and he was checking who was calling, or if he was reading text messages, or a bit of both. He did text a few times, and then had to ask his companion, “What’d I miss?” about the movie. I wanted to throw Milk Duds at his head, but didn’t want to set a bad example for my kids. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/45 "2005-12-19T19:39:39Z")
> [@CynicalGabe](#): > > IIRC, the FCC does have a problem with it, and using a jammer is technically illegal. Sorry, no cite. It is technically against FCC regulations, true enough, but the FCC doesn’t have a problem with it in the sense that they have not yet prosecuted anyone for cell phone jamming. And I _do_ have a [cite](http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/story1a092200.html): > [@](#): > > The FCC has fielded enough queries about the legality of cell phone jammers that it issued a notice last year. In it, the agency warns that jammers violate federal laws that broadly prohibit interfering with licensed radio spectrum. Owning, manufacturing, marketing, offering for sale or operating a cell phone jammer is punishable by an $11,000 fine and up to a year in prison for each offense, the notice states. > > **Stern warnings to the contrary, the agency has never seized a single jammer or prosecuted an operator** to the best of his knowledge, said Richard Welch, associate chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. Bolding mine. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/46 "2005-12-19T19:41:28Z")
> [@Q.E.D.](#): > > They don’t shield it. Nothing has to be destroyed, rebuilt or retrofitted. They install a small, short-range jammer which prevents signals from being being picked up by the phones. Antennas are placed at various points throughout the building to radiate the jamming signal, and are directed in such a way as to keep leakage of this signal outside the building to a minimum. As long as signs are placed to inform patrons of this, the FCC has no issue with it, AFAIK. And neither do I. Is the FCC’s stance a recent development? I seem to recall a discussion on the boards, not too long ago, where this type of signal jammer was said to be illegal, period. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/47 "2005-12-19T19:43:23Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > Is the FCC’s stance a recent development? Well, I was admittedly more than a little misleading with that statement. See above. ---
**Author:** ![BwanaBob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bwanabob/32/2985_2.png) [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/48 "2005-12-19T19:49:14Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I’m sure it did. However, technology has improved to a point that makes all that obsolete. Consider the case of the babysitter and the parents. Instead of leaving a list of phone numbers and a schedule (which could change), they leave one number and say, “Call if you have any questions.” Isn’t that just easier for everyone involved? > . I submit then that the technology hasn’t progressed far enough if this miracle device now puts some intrusion on a third party who was not previously put upon. When the sitter had to go through a list of numbers and schedules, the burden was with the sitter and the parents and that’s where it should be. Anything else is not an “improvement”. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/49 "2005-12-19T20:06:06Z")
This is an economic issue for theaters. With all the legal and illegal alternatives to going to the movies that exist today, the theater experience is about the only real selling point. When enough people stay away because they don’t want to pay a premium only to be annoyed by device junkies, the theaters will go out of business. And management is beginning to realize this. I’d bet the number of cellphone addicts boycotting theaters that prohibit cellphone use would be dwarfed by the number of applauding theater-goers. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/50 "2005-12-19T20:12:11Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > So now the theaters want to turn off the phones \*for you \* by blocking the signals? Fuck off! I can’t stand my cell phone. It’s there for my convenience and I turn it on when I need to make a call or absolutely must be reached. So if I’m in a theater enjoying a movie and my sitter needs to reach me because of an emergency concerning the kids, I’m fully capable of setting the thing on vibe and taking it outside before having a conversation. Sorry. You’re kind of getting tarred by the brush that was intended for the cellphone user sitting next to you, the one behind you, and the one in front of you. They don’t let me drive at speeds I determine to be safe for me to drive at; they insist on using a “one size fits all” approach to regulating safe highway speeds, and it’s set annoyingly low (least common denominator). Personally, I think they should not block signals, but should employ some large fellows with large hammers. If a cell phone goes off — one audible peep — it should be taken away and smashed into little plastic splinters. I would cheer each time, but you, with your cellphone wisely set to “vibrate”, would retain yours intact and communicate with polite inpunity. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/51 "2005-12-19T20:18:11Z")
There’s another solution here: the theater in my hometown had a mothers’ room, which was at the back of the theater with a window in front of it and seating for maybe 20 people, where mothers with squally brats could go and see the movie without disturbing their husbands. That probably wouldn’t work so well in your typical metroplex because it’d cut in half the number of people that could watch the movie out in the open as god intended, but still. It’s a possibility: confine the people who want to be able to get cell phone calls so the only people they irritate when they take/make calls are other people who want to be able to do it, but haven’t done it yet. ---
**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/52 "2005-12-19T21:45:52Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > There’s another solution here: the theater in my hometown had a mothers’ room, which was at the back of the theater with a window in front of it and seating for maybe 20 people, where mothers with squally brats could go and see the movie without disturbing their husbands. > > That probably wouldn’t work so well in your typical metroplex because it’d cut in half the number of people that could watch the movie out in the open as god intended, but still. It’s a possibility: confine the people who want to be able to get cell phone calls so the only people they irritate when they take/make calls are other people who want to be able to do it, but haven’t done it yet. There’s at least one theatre out here that has had a huge success doing this, the Parkway over in Oakland. They have weekly “Baby Brigade” nights where some of the screens are for parents with small kids (IIRC any kid under 1 gets in free). Most of my friends have small kids and they loved it. The theatre is full of parents enjoying an actual relaxing night out (you sit on couches instead of seats, can order pizza and a beer, etc) and nobody minds that your kid is screaming or gurgling or needs a diaper change because everybody is in the same boat. All my friends said that this was heaven for them as new parents. This is also the only theatre I’ve been to where patrons have taken a stand on cellphone usage during the show. Contrast this with the following, pretty much verbatim, from the last time I was at a local megaplex. -Patron 1 lets his phone ring a few times. Eventually opens it up, stares at that nice bright screen for a while before deciding to answer. Begins loud conversation (“Not much dog, I’m at the movies!”). -Patron 2 (friend of mine, 280 lb former defensive tackle) - “Hey buddy, can you turn that off?” -Patron 1 - “Fuck you bitch, I’ll talk where I want to”. In my experience, this is not uncommon and it’s one of the main reasons that I pretty much don’t go to movie theatres any more. I’m sure that 95% of the people there have cellphones and that 95% of them turn the things off, but the people who don’t are agressively bad-tempered and seem to have forgotten that nobody paid $10 to hear them jabber or watch the pretty lights on their phone. My solution? I go with the “ushers & remote buzzer” idea, to wit: 1. Jam or shield the theatre and put up big notices - “Cell Phones Do Not Work In Here”. Broadcast a reminder before the show (instead of those “Incredibly Rude Cell Phone Guy” shorts). 2. If it’s a theatre with reserved seats (which in the US pretty much means live theatre only) you can check in your phone and the ushers get your seat number. If a call comes in and it’s an emergency they’ll notify you. If you expect to be notified a lot, get an aisle seat when you buy your ticket. 3. If it’s free seating (i.e. movies) then you check in your phone and get a little buzzer to stick in your pocket. If an important call comes in then it vibrates in your pocket and you can go outside to see what’s up. Dunno about you but I would pay a premium (and actually start going back to the movies) if I knew that my ticket bought me a generally pleasant experience instead of being constantly interrupted by some inconsiderate twat. ---
**Author:** ![Stonebow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/53 "2005-12-19T22:09:02Z")
This thread made me think back to an article I’d seen earlier: [http://www.smartmobs.com/archive/2004/10/17/churches\_instal.html](http://www.smartmobs.com/archive/2004/10/17/churches_instal.html) Basically, some churches have begun to install jammers. Also, some universities abroad have begun to use them to cut down on cell phone cheaters. I don’t really see a problem with either, really. But then again, as much as I enjoy the internet and technology in general, I dislike being ‘jacked in’ all the time. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/54 "2005-12-19T22:28:08Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > Consider the case of the babysitter and the parents. Instead of leaving a list of phone numbers and a schedule (which could change), they leave one number and say, “Call if you have any questions.” Isn’t that just easier for everyone involved? Well, it’s easier for the babysitter and parents but not for those around the parents if they turn out to be inconsiderate jerks, which is all too common. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2005, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/55 "2005-12-19T22:40:15Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I think the OP has a valid complaint. If I want to be reached at all times it’s none of your damn business, so long as I’m polite enough to turn my phone to vibrate and leave the theater to take the call. Seems to me the problem is that the movie theaters are too lazy and cheap to hire people to remove the assholes who leave don’t turn them off or talk on them during the movie. Sure it is- because you leaving in the middle of the film disrupts my viewing, and so would Ushers coming around and talking to & possibly ejecting dudes who insist on allowing theirs to ring or even talking. And, if you want to pay another five bucks per movie so that they can hire ushers so that you can have YOUR cell phone on, fine- but why do _I_ have to pay the extra money too? Of course, some very few of us- say POTUS- are so super important that they have to have a cell one “ON” all the time. They (that 100th of 1%) can simply choose not to go to a “blocked” theatre :eek: , or wait for the DVD. I don’t know why 9999 of us have to have OUR fun ruined for that last 1 in 10000. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2005, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/56 "2005-12-20T00:49:22Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Sure it is- because you leaving in the middle of the film disrupts my viewing, and so would Ushers coming around and talking to & possibly ejecting dudes who insist on allowing theirs to ring or even talking. So, if I have to go to the bathroom during the flick, would that piss you off too? > [@](#): > > And, if you want to pay another five bucks per movie so that they can hire ushers so that you can have YOUR cell phone on, fine- but why do _I_ have to pay the extra money too? With all the money they charge people for tickets already and for concessions, there’s no way they couldn’t afford to hire a guy for each theater to kick people out. > [@](#): > > Of course, some very few of us- say POTUS- are so super important that they have to have a cell one “ON” all the time. They (that 100th of 1%) can simply choose not to go to a “blocked” theatre :eek: , or wait for the DVD. I don’t know why 9999 of us have to have OUR fun ruined for that last 1 in 10000. [**vomit noises**](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=6914768&postcount=8) ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2005, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/57 "2005-12-20T01:02:22Z")
> [@Mr Bus Guy](#): > > In my world, where I Rule The Universe, when someone is talking on their cell phone, the movie goes on “pause” and the entire phone conversation is broadcast through the speakers while the screen displays stick figures being penetrated by packs of wild dogs. I find your ideas intriging and wish to subscribe to your newsletter… On the topic at hand, count me in with those who heartily endorse the prohibition of cell phones in theaters. I watch a lot of films in theaters, and while the problem isn’t quite as bad as it was a few years ago–mostly, I think, due to increasing social unacceptance–it’s still pervasive. I’d estimate that in at lease one film out of five someone not only answers a phone but carries on at least a brief conversation, and the text messaging thing during the film is pervasive; Og help you if you are sitting one or two rows behind one of this ufckers–the brilliant sapphire glow will draw your eyes like bees to a can of warm cola. One local cinema–the Arclight Hollywood–has an usher introduce the film with a warning about deactivating cell phones and pagers, as well as cautioning patrons not to talk during the film, and has on occasion enforced this policy by removing offending persons. Arguments toward the alleged need for constant “connectivity” aside, I daresay that few people would be more than marginally inconvenienced by being out of immediate reach for the span of two hours. Doctors and the like, who typically have to restrict their movements and inform their facility of itenerary and schedule anyway could simply call in and let the relevent parties know that they are at cinema/theatre/show such-and-such and in a critical emergency can be reached by calling the management…you know, they way people have done for the last hundred or so years without the world coming to a stop. And the kids who want to text message or the parent who needs to constantly check on children can take a walk outside and make their call without interfering with the viewing of hundreds of other ticket-paying patrons who have no interest in the conversation at hand. Now, if only there were a way to keep people from bringing their colicky infants and three year old children to a three-hour-long showing of _King Kong_. :dubious: Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2005, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/58 "2005-12-20T01:21:37Z")
Th’ hell with theaters–I’ve been trying to get NJ Transit to designate a “quiet car” on each train for _years_. They tell me it’s their most-requested, umm, request . . . But that several loud-mouthed lawyer passengers have threatened to sue. ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2005, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/59 "2005-12-20T01:49:15Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > I like the idea of blocking cell phones in theatre, too. Don’t like it? Don’t go there anymore! Sounds a bit like my arguments against mandatory smoking bans in bars. If a person wants a smoke with his brew and can only do it at home, then a person can rent a DVD and have the cell on only at home. Seems fair. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2005, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291/60 "2005-12-20T02:15:22Z")
> [@Eve](#): > > Th’ hell with theaters–I’ve been trying to get NJ Transit to designate a “quiet car” on each train for _years_. They tell me it’s their most-requested, umm, request . . . But that several loud-mouthed lawyer passengers have threatened to sue. The peak-hour MARC commuter trains that runs between Baltimore and Washington have a quiet car. No cell-phones are allowed, and people are urged to engage only in quiet conversation. It’s heaven. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291.md?page=4)