# Would you use a cell phone blocker? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 25, 2005, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-a-cell-phone-blocker/305400 "2005-05-25T05:31:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2005, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-a-cell-phone-blocker/305400/21 "2005-05-26T21:05:27Z")
> [@Roadfood](#): > > Yes, well, I’m disturbed that many people believe it’s acceptable to carry on a loud phone conversation in a place where other people have a reasonable expecation of quiet. “Your right to swing your fist ends at my face” is a time-honored and tested legal adage. In my book, your right to converse on the phone ends at my ears, same thing. > > Cripes, what did people like you do before there were cell phones?!? The difference is, one is assault and battery, the other isn’t. Plus, I’m extremely cell phone conversation averse. Unless it’s to confirm plans or a brief exchange of critical information, my cell phone is there for “emeregency” purposes only. I’m extremely considerate of others when I use it and private/personal conversations are reserved for my land line when I’m in the privacy of my home. As to your ludite gripe… People like me? What the hell is that supposed to mean? People heated their homes with wood, rode in cloth covered wagons and worked with pen and ink by candle light before most modern conveniences. What’s your point? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/838e76/32.png) [@One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/One_And_Only_Wanderers)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2005, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-a-cell-phone-blocker/305400/22 "2005-05-31T06:56:21Z")
just to expand on my original post. I too think that people who leave their phones on audible ring and/or answer them in theatres/other inappropriate places are tools. However these blockers do not distinguish between these people, and responsible people who have their phones on silent. As for the people who gripe on “what did people like you do before phones”, then this is a crap argument, after all what did people do before hospitals? The fact is that mobiles are here now, and people have the right to own and use one. Get used to it. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2005, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-a-cell-phone-blocker/305400/23 "2005-05-31T08:48:28Z")
The movie/opera/live theater solution I’ve heard of is to first install the jammers. Then, post ample signage all over the place. People may drop their phones off at a counter or, better yet, a locker (need not be manned) and are given a pager. If their phone rings during the show, they are paged to the counter to return the call. Most people wouldn’t need this service but those with potential emergency calls (real or imagined) incoming have an option. And I went to Star Wars (again) this evening. Someone a dozen rows ahead of me was taking or placing a call with their phone and I can tell you that in a darkened theater, that lit display was impossible to ignore. I couldn’t hear it but it was still horribly distracting. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-a-cell-phone-blocker/305400.md?page=1)