PDA Etiquette
Usually I’m face deep in a book during my commute, but one day I looked up and I was amazed at how everyone was just into it. Eyes locked, lips pursed and their hands all busy. It’s really incredible how everyone from a teenager to those almost retirees are immersed in their smartphone nowadays. I’ve been with one since I graduated college. Had a Crackberry, but I love my iPhone even more. Yeah, I’m one of those people. Part of the cult with the white earbuds, that constantly looks at their hands while they’re on the train and doesn’t remember what life was like before this God given hand held device.
The iPhone is best thing that could’ve happened for people with short attention spans or those who like to multitask since, well, the computer. I can now check my email (work and personal), comment on the blog, write a post, do some work, go on the internet to check out my favorite sites and listen to why the Clipse think they’re kinda like a big deal all while riding the train to work. What a wonderful world this is for those with the attention span of a squirrel.
But everyone loves their handheld as much as the next and they’ll defend their choice like a pregnant teenager on Maury. But like every addiction wonderful thing, some folks OD. For example…
Mobile Texting
Sure texting was meant to communication on the go or, more importantly, communication when you can’t really communicate. Like when you’re with your main piece and the side chick needs quick attention. However, save that for when you’re not operating heavy machinery. NYC has strict rules against texting and driving and I’m sure other cities will be following suit soon. Especially after this.
Using Your iPhone for Everything
Yeah this one is especially for my fellow iPhone heads. I too like having the Movie app on my phone so I can just look up the movie times on a whim. Having Google Maps is cool so I can just look up places or directions when I’m lost somewhere in Boston. But it seems like folks have downloaded apps for every minuscule aspect of their lives. Do you really need to use the “Split the Check” app when there’s only two of us paying for this lunch? I’ll help you out. Why don’t you just throw down your credit card and I’ll open up my “I Got You Next Time” app.
Eager Beaver Activities
No, I’m not talking about that old, workaholic businessman who’s really piping his assistant those late nights in the office. I’m talking about that annoying young entry level barely out of his internship or, worse yet, that senior executive who constantly checks his email regardless of what time it is just because he can. There’s no need to reply to an email at 11:24pm on a Thursday. You should be holding other things with your hands at that time. Like a Miller High Life or your mistress wife.
O Yeh Kdz, Stp Txtng Lk Ths
First off, you have a full keyboard. The need to drop vowels, and sometimes full on syllables, off words is now gone. And if you’re argument is because you’d like to save time then turn on the auto correct! By the time I figure out what you just sent to me, you could’ve sent me the actual message. But if you do happen to send me a cryptic message like that, expect to be called a “fkn lsr”.
Just a few things I’ve seen people do with their PDAs. What else makes you want to grab that phone out of someone’s hand and smash in their keyboard?
Seattle – My iPhone is Just One of the Many Reasons I’m Cooler Than You – Washington
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-I want people [grown ass people] with sidekicks to jump off a cliff with an anvil attached to your ankle.
-When you do decide to use your phone for it’s primary use, please do not bombard us with your conversation about why tachina is a bitch and you’re sick of your piece of shit babyfather twon. if i can hear you over my Jadakiss, you are entirely to damn loud.
-for the person sitting next to me, stop rubbernecking to see what i am doing on my gadget. get you a smart phone and become entranced like the rest of us.
-when you sit or stand next to me, DO NOT ask me to turn my music down nor do you give me the side eye when i am reciting every song on Jay-Z’s black album.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 9:18 am
That last one will get you dropkicked by me…especially in the morning!
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ASmith Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I’m with Slim… do we HAVE to hear what you’re listening to? It’s too early in the morning for all that.
Um, but I agree about sidekicks. Hell, why do they still make those suckers?
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ashbunnie Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 11:24 am
yes you have to. either move away from me OR wear your own headphones.
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Peysonic Lodge #69 Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I dont have a problem when you have ur headphones and I cant still hear your music, my problem is with people who decide that they dont need headphones and that they want the whole train to hear the music so they play the unedited version of “Slob on my Knob” for the whole train to hear
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Streetz: The Light Skinned Jesus Shuttlesworth Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
SIdekicks are so JV…lol Any man over 18 with a sk I cant cosign as being an adult, no shots. lol
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texting while driving makes me cringe. Like I’ve been in the car with some reckless behavior and have had to tell GROWN people that have been driving 10+ years to keep their eyes on the road. I value my life. sad things is I know folks that are parents that do this ish. uhm, manslaugther is not sexy.
I hate the way young people type/text too. I’ve noticed it mostly on FB statuses since I don’t really correspond with people under 24 via phone on a regular basis, LOL. its soooooooo annoying!
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Good GOD If I get another text from one of my little cousins that has NO vowels in it, I’ma send ‘em a bill for $250/vowel they didn’t have… cause that’s how much them hoes cost on Wheel Of Fortune. Seriously, these kids are gonna grow up and not know how to spell full words. It’s a damn shame, DAMN SHAME.
I really wish people wouldn’t try to write text messages/e-mails while walking. Then you’re in my way and I got places to go. Like your text message will make a difference between now and the 4 seconds it’ll take you to get somewhere and sit down. Please, people, PLEASE.
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i can totally relate to the texting-while-driving annoyance… i have a couple friends who do that, and i’m like wtf? and on the highway, too! sometimes i’m like, “do you want me to type the msg for you?” or “can it wait until we get to where we’re going?” i dont know how they do it… i find it hard to text or talk on the phone while driving.
and i also hate when i’m out and some dude tryin’ to holla wants to take my phone to put in his number. first of all, dude prob doesn’t even know how to operate my phone, so he’ll need my assistance anyway, which eliminates the whole smooth G he was going for. secondly, i don’t want this dude to call his number afterwards, so that he’ll have my # as well. that’s an automatic DNP (do not pickup) designation on my contact list.
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I, too, am a crackberry addict, and I won’t apologize. However, there’s a time and a place. I used to be slightly inconsiderate with the thang and use it while around people. I’ve since realized that that’s hella rude. I’d hope others would have the same consideration.
“Wherever you are, be there.” I will not talk to you while you’re looking at your phone. I don’t care about your supposed ability to “multi-task.” I’m an only child, and I need your full attention.thanks.
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Tatica Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Goodness gracious yes! There is just no need. They always say ‘I’m listening, keep talking’ No, how about you try harder with some manners, thanks.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I completely disagree Tatica. I don’t think it’s always an issue of manners. Sometimes people really just need to accept the multi-task if what’s being said isn’t critically crucial. I wouldn’t be on my phone sayin “keep talking” if someone told me their cat Tricksy got run over by a car.
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Nyela Fierceness Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
So something has to be of “critically crucial” importance in order to have your full attention, even but for a moment?
That’s bologna!If a person is talking to you, your looking at your phone elicits the idea that whatever it is they are saying is unimportant and clearly not worthy of your attention. Whatever it is you’re looking at on your phone will still be there after I finish talking to you—even if I’m talking about the most insignificant detail of life. It’s just common courtesy.Oh, and the fact that someone can repeat what was just said does not mean they were listening. Your merely hearing what I said and listening to what I said are completely different.
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When I saw PDA, I thought you were going to talk about Public Displays of Affection and manners while doing it.
Welcome to the millineum Sunshine. lol
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Luvvie Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Me too, Nicki! You aint the only one.
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First of all…. I am a Crackberry User and I’m damned proud of it. You and your JUDAS phone can go straight to hell. In my mind it’s like the Mac Vs. PC debate, only Crackberry is illogically the Mac and the iPhone is likewise illogically the PC… WTF-ever. Crackberry is amazing..
*Goes to the corner to start scratching and twitching*
I do feel like the iPhone is a toy for adults. Like seriously, do you have to have the app that weighs weed? The app that makes women’s boob’s jiggle? (two apps I have actually seen)
I did a post similar to this on my site too. I hate when people text like MySpace users. I know Sprint has it to where you can still only send texts at 160 characters, so I’ll shorten words like “you” or just send multiple individual texts. Or….. I only communicate with my friends with BB’s on BBM. We’re awesome like that.
Either way, text-dating, PDA overusage, all that must stop. The robots are close to winning.
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Seattle Washington Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Some people buy cars, some people buy vibrators, I bought an iPhone. Because I’m still a Toys R Us kid. However, that Blackberry isn’t all business. When I had one I definitely wasn’t on company email all the time.
And while I may not need an app to make women’s boobs jiggle, the previous app does sound like a damn good idea.
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ashbunnie Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 11:34 am
lol @ JUDAS phone.
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i hate when people drop the vowels when they text me. i usually don’t reply. i used to think i was the only one who used complete sentences with proper punctuation when sending a text. lol.
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Seattle Washington Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 11:44 am
I can’t stand that man. So much so that I just called my little cousin after he sent me a text like that and told him that his PDA had a full keyboard for a reason.
Not saying every text needs to sound like Charles Dickens wrote it, but damn, I just want to understand what you’re saying without getting a Rosetta Stone.
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It’s a text message for crying out loud. If you plan on texting it, it’s probably not that serious to begin with. So guess what, I’m not using vowels. GT OVR IT.
I save my vowels for important emails and correspondences.
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Nyela "I text with commas and semi-colons" Goodness Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I feel like that just takes more work. Isn’t it inherently easier to type something the way it’s spelled? Soon, you’ll start typing/writing in real life, sans vowels.
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Terry Lang Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Nope, it won’t happen to me. I can see where a mere mortal may become confused, but not me – I’m too cool for that
I am not sending three messages about something I can say in one, by omitting vowels. So, yup, it is easier that way for me. Besides in other situations, there is usually the help of the spell and grammer check, so seeing a ton of red and green squiggly lines in my document will alert me that I am typing wrong and I should switch up.
Best,
Terry “It’s a recession and I’m saving my vowels” Lang
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One of my biggest pet peeves is when people attempt to have full conversations via text message. You have a maximum of 3 texts and I stop responding. I don’t even check to see what the hell you are texting about.
I’m much too busy for that stupidity. If you have that much to say, it’s way more efficient to call me, say what you have to say, and end it there.
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Vanessa aka Miss V Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
thats a good rule… i’m going to implement that for myself, too!
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Thanks, y’all – for making me feel like the mutha f’in Crypt Keepa!
Here’s the deal: I have a cell phone. It doesn’t go on the innanets, it doesn’t play music or movies, it doesn’t massage my shoulders when I’m tired or jiggle my boobs (gotta man for that, lol!). Hell, this sucka doesn’t even ring. Ringer is broke. Also, it’s currently being held together with a piece of scotch tape. When my contract with t-mobile is over in 2011 I’ll get a new phone along with a new plan, cuz a sista is not trying to pay fees to break my contract. And when I do, I’ll get a CELL phone. I have a computer and a TV at home.
I’m trying to buy a house, people. Fancy phone bills are not the business.
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ashbunnie Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
2011??? by then we’ll be able to talk with people from our netbooks. i understand fancy phone bills not being the business but scotch tape?? at least just get another talking device not necessarily a smartphone and put ya sim card in there.
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Anna Nimous Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
No! I can not, I WILL not, let go of my old phone. It’s in the same category as my mixed tapes (not cd’s), my walkman, my favorite VHS tapes, and – if I look in the back of my closet – maybe a Beta tape or 2. The phone does what I need it to do: make and take calls. It’ll even text if I talk to it reeeal nice. And it still vibrates, so I keep it on my person so as not to miss any important phone calls. I’m not telling where.
Besides, fixing my phone with scotch tape makes me feel all MacGuyver-y.
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ashbunnie Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
do you mean cassette -with little pieces of tissue stuffed in the corner- tapes???
ahh the days when i taped my favorite songs off of the radio.
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Terry Lang Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Am I the only one that used the tapes from the Just For Me Relaxer kits to tape the sunday reggae radio shows on Hot 97 and WBLS?
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Satya Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
heck no! thats how i sed to hide my unedited rap sogs when i’d go visit my pops
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With the vowel thing….just pay the extra $5 to get the unlimited text plan. That way you can type to your heart’s content.
When I’m out on a date, I don’t look at my phone and if I do, I make sure the other person isn’t around.
I came across an intersting article that said that iphone users are becoming more “app-noxious” and more and more “app-holes” are appearing.
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Okay so I am guilty of most of the things yall have listed. I text and talk and drive and use my apps and whatever else I feel. If you cannot drive and text or talk then maybe you can’t really drive… Just my thoughts.
Also, I text like a 12 yr old girl. IDK its just easier. I have a full keyboard yes, but its a little easier to text in numbers and abbreviations when you are constantly on the move. Again if you need the Rosetta Stone to understand a text message maybe the problem isnt the texter but the textee…
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Anna Nimous Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Personally, I think if you can’t:
- cuss someone out on your left
- cuss someone out on your right
- make a mixed drink
- roll a blunt
- send a text
and
- eat
while driving, you just need to hang your keys up.
**Anna is just kidding. Maybe.
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Terry Lang Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Wow. I still have to turn the radio down just to parallel park
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Anna Nimous Reply:
May 27th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Amateur.
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Bwahahahaha…I am a smart phone user…I wanted my Tmobile G1 so badly, I opened a second account with a different phone number and paid $300+ just to get it. I LIVE on this damn thing. Its a shame. I’m actually typing this comment on it as we speak…er…text…wait…type? (Don’t judge me!)
I too hate 400 deep text convos…bish call me if u got THAT much to say! I don’t want my text threads to be 80pgs long talkin to u over the course of a damn day. I could be using that vital sim card/phone memory to download Eletrik Red ringtones and the Spectacular Sessay Dance youtube video (again…I feel ur judgment…STOP IT I SAY!)
Also…no vowels? I will curse u out. Text me correctly u lazy bastard or feel my correct English wrath!
I use elipses (… <–those dots…) CONSTANTLY…(see?) on my texts, ims, emails and so forth. Sue me. At least I know what they’re called.
I think non-smart phone users are haters on those of us that are so they demand etiquette…get with it or get lost, techno-haters! lol…
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