I refuse to carry a cell phone.
I had one for awhile and realized:
-I’m a handyman not an obstetrician, there are actually few times I need to talk to someone immediately or be on call.
-I realized I was subjecting folks to the same rudeness I despised.
I hate talking to someone and the cell rings and I get instantly ignored and subjected to ten minutes of their conversation.
What really burns me is that it used to be if you arranged to meet someone, there was a certain time mentioned. It was an agreement of equal consideration for each party. Now its-“Let’s meet tomorrow, I’ll give you a call on your cell when I get close to town.”
I refuse to do that and insist they name a time. If they can’t be considerate enough to make it somewhere +or- a few minutes, then I’m not interested in meeting them at all.
Now it’s time to go through the yearly drill to renew my Health insurance. I get a form in the mail which must be returned in five days. Then a receptionist leaves a message for me to call her. I have to pick an hourly slot on a day from her choices when a representative maybe will call. She also arranges an alternate day and time if the rep can’t make the first one.
I told her I don’t have a cell, I’m not going to sit in the house waiting for someone to call. Send me any changes to my policy in writing and I will call and tell the receptionist if I want to renew. If I have questions for the rep, I’ll play the game then. If you can’t do that, I’ll find insurance elsewhere.
But the company requires they talk to you.
I don’t care.
I may be out insurance.
Am I being unreasonable? How would you handle it?
Replies
The times they are a-changin' friend.
There is a slow cultural shift going on. Nowadays not having a cell phone says your old, don't get it your just out of touch.
No one likes getting a home message machine anymore, they'll hang up.
Better to have the phone. I tell clients and family I have a Dr.Pepper answering schedule, 10, 2 & 4. I answer the phone at those times or return important calls.
My message on my phone says I am working so leave a message I'll get back to them at 10 2 or 4.
Just A Guy With A Hammer
Edited 1/21/2009 9:50 am by jagwah
i have the same schedule at work call me at 9break 12lunch or 430 (unless i am driving) any other time call twice in a row if it is an emergency. and thats what i tell the homeowners
Edited 1/24/2009 3:35 pm ET by goosebdg
sorry to do this twice in a row. but i sell christmas trees during the holiday season in a well to do section of new jersey as a very lucrative side job. yet, i have people sending pictures of christmas trees to their family over cell phone because the family is either to lazy to come out or it is to cold 30 degreees.
You will lose customers. I call the dang thing my electronic dog leash. I hate it but I also need to have it..
We refer to them as butt plugs....
"You will lose customers. "
you'll lose the customers that don't respect you.
maybe.
who cares.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
If your customers can't get ahold of you then you're being rude to them .
In todays day and economy I don't know anybody who can afford to lose more income..
maybe you can..
If your customers can't get ahold of you then you're being rude to them .
that makes absolutely no sense.
do they know if I'm ignoring their call or dying in the hospital?
more and more you show you have no clue what building or remodeling is about.
How about today?
spent the day setting up 36ft aluma pole pump jacks over snow and ice.
setting up 36ft jacks means there's a ladder involved too.
and at some point ... yer gonna be near the top of that ladder in an awkward position holding on to a pole that knows full well how gravity works ... trying to secure it to the house as the wind blows snow in your eyes ...
and oh yeah ... your fingers went numb yesterday.
so at that exact moment ... what if my phone should ring?
am I being rude to that customer also?
You have no base in reality.
(btw ... my phone did ring. Not sure at what moment ... because it was down in the customers toasty warm basement next to my truck keys. Don't need them up on that ladder either! I called back ... they were happy. Possibly I give more value to my customers than you did and can afford to hurt their feelings on a consistent basis?
then again ... maybe they're not idiots ... I was lucky ... this one time I actually had someone calling who understand how to utilize voicemail.
what are the odds!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Jeff what planet are you on? You honestly believe that I said for you to answer the phone in those circumstances?
Every cell phone I have had in the past 25 years has voice mail on it.. You let the voice mail handle it and answer it when you can.. I found if I explain why I couldn't answer insatntly people understand..
But to not to be able you untill you reach home and check your answering machine will result in a lot of lost oppertunities..
Let me ask you a question.. If I sold you a piece of equipment that cost $100,000 and you couldn't get it to run would you want to wait untill the next day for an answer?
"Jeff what planet are you on? You honestly believe that I said for you to answer the phone in those circumstances? "
it's either/or.
you said not answering the phone was rude to the customer.
they don't know what I'm doing when they dial.
if it's rude while I'm standing around enjoying the day ... why ain't it rude when I'm 30ft up on a ladder?
same difference to them ... they dialed the number and I didn't answer.
I've never bought a big piece of equipment ... but I have bought cars.
never once have I called my salesmen ... I call the service dept!
You did on site repairs too? Wow ...
"But to not to be able you untill you reach home and check your answering machine will result in a lot of lost oppertunities.. "
probably miss alot of tire kicker's! How's that situation work ... someone decides one day they want a new kitchen ... so they get a list of randon numbers. Start at the top and who ever picks up first gets the job?
I work mostly referal. People call ... then politely wait till I call back.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Yes I did job site repairs if it was something simple which it often was.. I can't tell you how many times I drove over to a jobsite because the boss or someone forgot the key.. or they would turn on the wipers when they were frozen to the glass and blow a fuse and not know where the fusebox was. Or just heard a sound or needed some advice..
Sometimes if it was extremely cold out simply showing them how to start a diesel in 20 below weather made them my friend for life.. Maybe it would be more complex but by being there I could tell the mechanic what parts he would need or a better description of what the trouble really was..
I'm sure you've done something similar.. It's how you get a good reputation and keep it..
' Maybe that's why such a high percentage of my sales were by referal.
Cell phones are a great invention, but like any technology they have bad points. I dropped my land line in 2001 and would never go back. My wife and three daughters all have cell phones and my 14 year old will never know what it like to have a land line. The bad part is I am always after them to have some manners. An entire generation is coming of age with the worst phone manners. There is good and bad with all new gadgets. You are very lucky if you can turn your phone off. With my business I have to be available all the time.
I don't think it is at all rude if they can't get me on the phone instantly, unless perhaps they are paying me to talk to them.
I give my customers my cell number, then tell them that I usually don't have it on my person.
Its usually in my van, where it won't get damaged, and I won't get aggrevated when it rings.
I do tell them that I check it a couple of times a day, and will return calls ASAP, generally within a day.
Maybe in sales its different. But when I'm in a customer's home, I feel that they deserve my time, not people calling me.
no, no, no ...
ignore the person right in front of you.
take that call.
otherwise ... you are being rude!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
That sounds like an acceptable practice, except of course in emergencies..
kid gets hurt or wife is in an accident?
There were times when I'd be with customers and wouldn't take calls.. click it's on silent but as soon as I'm finished I'd check for messages..
There's no perfect solution.
I don't have kids, so I'm not worried about that.
And the wife's insurance is paid up, so I'm not too worried about that. LOL
Somehow, mankind existed without instant communication for all these thousands of years. I think we'll survive a bit longer without it.
true!
Ahbraham Lincolns father is said to have moved anytime he could see the smoke from his neighbors chimney. Unfortunately we are no longer on the rugged frontier. Today's world is about competition. Get there with the first and the most..
We no longer have the luxury of a slow buggy ride to the job site to contemplate.. We wiz through traffic shaving seconds off our travel time in an effort to get ahead.. snail mail has deteriorated to a bill and advertizement method and no longer is it normal to get a letter from the kids during summer vacation or one from Aunt Maddy telling all about the tomatos.
I'm sorry but Dick tracy's world is here. Instant communications. Your customers have choices other than you and if communication should become difficult they will select one of those less quailified people simply because you do not communicate well.
No one is so important they cannot be replaced..
I like being able to leave messages for people, but there's no way I expect people to answer a call when they're busy, or having a dump, or drunk, or asleep, or changing a diaper, or any number of things. That's unrealistic.
We don't necessarily answer our home phone, either - it's usually just telemarketers anyway.
If something is important, a message can be left. If you can't be bothered to leave a message, then it's not that important, is it?
To rule out a contractor because they don't instantly answer a phone simply shows a total lack of understanding of what 'working' really means.
Well hopefully you won't get ruled out because you're too busy, it does happen and we know it..
However even I would mute the ringer when with a customer then as soon as I could I'd return the call.
Phone maners matter..
I agree, more money is made with a phone than a hammer.
yeh!
Sad to say the most money is made on a golf course not on a job site..
Are you the master of the slave?Some people hear their ringtone (and don't you just love ringtones) and start salivating. Can't miss anything. Somebody loves them. Even if it's a cold calling salesman. Pavlov's cellphone dog. Did you hear my cell ring? I'm important! I'M IMPORTANT! And then you have the really slick looking people trying to look like a techno-cyborg with bluetooth earpieces hanging off the sides of their heads from a.m. to p.m.So yeah, cellphones are a great technology and a tremendous convenience. Depending on your business and how you do business, they can be indispensable...or they can be of limited value.But you don't have to jump to attention just because the thing shakes or beeps. It's people abusing them that makes us think they are bad.When their manners don't cut it, if you're the man in charge of the crew you can take matters into your own hands and get a cell phone signal blocker. For about $200 you can get one that will shut down the signal on a house-sized job site. For about $100 you can get a pocket-sized one.If any of you are getting spam text messages sent to your cellphone, spam text messages originate from the internet. Verizon and AT&T (other carriers might too, but those are the ones I've used) allow you to go to your wireless account online and block text messages that originate from the internet. My wife and I travel a lot, so we still want messages from hotels, airlines, tour operators, restaurants, etc. In that same area on your wireless account settings you can set up an alias name or number that does not resemble a phone number and give that out to friends, hotels, airlines, restaurants, etc, so they can still text you the arrival time of the flight you are meeting. Meanwhile your real cell number will be protected.
It used to be someone with a cell phone was important but nowadays an important person has an assistant with a cell phone and a very private one for their own personal use.
On a hill by the harbour
If your customers can't get ahold of you then you're being rude to them .
Not necessarily french.
My customers know that I work in the field....not behind a desk. Not cruising around from job to job taking and making calls all day. When I take on a project, it's a project I will physically be working on. They know this.....understand this....and even apreciate this.
As such, they ALL understand that I don't answer thier calls unless I am expecting them. And those times when I can't accept even those.....they understand.
Most of them have been in my presence when my phone starts ringing, and I either ignore it altogether, or hit the button to send the call to voicemail.
If your customers feel that you giving your full attention to the project at hand rather than stopping to take a phone call is rude....then I suggest you look for new customers.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Just remember this.. no one is so important they cannot be replaced.. Communication is part of modern society..
Communication is part of modern society..
Yup....which is why answering machines and voicemail exist.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Those are good tools..
Except some do not return calls in a timely manner (or ever) .. yes it goes back to having good phone manners..
I never, ever answer the cell anymore when I am driving, or in a situation where I cant give the caller my 100% attention. The reason being I have had first time potential customers calling, telling me the life history of their house, and babbling on with questions about a project they want me to look at. It is just too difficult to take notes, write down addresses, etc, while I am trying to dodge other drivers on their cell phones. In my opinion, cell phones while driving should be illegal. And believe it or not, some people think its rude if you ask them if you can call them back later. I would rather let the voice mail take the information. The rudest customer call I got was at 10:30 pm on a Saturday evening,to see if had completed the estimate for a job I looked at Thursday afternoon..Needless to say, I didnt answer the phone....and didnt do the job either.Another rude one was 1:30 Sunday afternoon during a Vikings game. Dont these people have a life? :)
Some People do seem to be really have no respect for what they ask for.
Since I dealt with contractors it's amazing how many times they would call me late on a friday afternoon or evening and ask that the new lift be delivered per their specs first thing monday morning..
Since the first delivery Monday AM was set up earlier and there was often nobody for me to call it required me to go to extrodinary efforts to make that happen..
The fact that I could do it earned me gratitude (sometimes) and future referals.
do good enough work and people wait for you to call back.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
The change is inevitable but I have noticed, as you observe in your original post, that nowadays people do not plan anything and then rely on a cell phone to make up for it.If you don't answer or call back right away you end up in the dog house.
I just got a call on my cell phone. 930PM on a Sunday night. I did not answer it I let it go to voice mail. A customer has some questions about a ceiling repair that I had talked to him about in December. I am not going to return that call until I am good and ready. Frenchy do you think I am wrong?930PM on a Sunday night. Sheesh!
I usually shut mine off on Sundays. Customers can be weird."...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I don't know, only you can really answer that question..
I know that I was on a well announced vacation and someplace a few hundred miles south of Salt lake city and a few hundred miles east of Las Vegas literally in the middle of nowhere on a Sunday evening about 11:00
My cell phone rang and it was a customer who'd just signed a contract he was giving me a 2 week notice to deliver a 1/4 million dollar crane and a few hundred thousand dollars worth of equipment.. in 2 weeks or less.
I made a couple calls and monday morning as I rolled through Las Vegas I received confirmation that things would be delivered on time..
Total commission for taking that one phone call was well in excess of $15,000.
Total commission for taking that one phone call was well in excess of $15,000.
'bout time! A few more phone calls like that, and you'd stop loitering around the place, stirring up trouble!
Congrats! Don't spend it all in one place!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
that was years ago.. :-(
awww, sorry about that! Hope you get some good news soon!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I spend several hours every day looking. sooner or later the economy has to reach bottom and turn around..
This isn't about phone manners but about having a cell phone for emergencies. twice my car broke down, the first time it wasn't so bad as it was on a major highway in rush hour, but i was able to call AAA and the tow was there in 20 min. the second time i was in VA and blew a tire at 3:00 am on a dark road in the boonies. i tried changing it myself in the rain but there was a problem with the jack. I called AAA again and 30 minutes later i was on the road again.As for manners around here every soccer mom driving her Cadillac Escalade has a phone stuck to her ear. Oh ya they are exempt from red lights and stop signs.
Three percent commision?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
At Caterpillar I recieved 40% of the Gross after expenses.. Yeh, 3% was typical actaully pretty good compared to a lot of salesmen.. My net averaged around 12% and most salesmen worked with around 2 or 3%
The guy up on the Iron Range selling multi million dollar haul machines never made anything more than his salary!
You're not being unreasonable. The insurance company is showing you that your business is not important to them. Shop around and find new coverage. When you get the phone call some evening asking why you didn't renew your policy, tell them that their customer service stinks and you're telling all of your associates and friends this.
Keep the faith! Refuse to get a cell phone and demand that people make and keep their appointments. Common courtesy may be revived if enough people take a stand.
I don't think you are being unreasonable. No more so than the woman who answered her's at church last weekend! And no, I am not kidding!
Unfortunately, most folks have taken these items which can be great tools for safety, productivity and convenience and abused them into a nuisance.
Many of my friends and family are included. Too many folks I know equate getting in their vehicle, putting on the seat belt, starting the ignition and then dialing their phone as the standard practice. They tell me, "I get bored if I can't talk to someone". How about watching the road?!
you need to lay hands on that phone and cast that demon out. Out I say!
You are not being unreasonable. Your customers will become accustomed to how you respond to their questions. The ones who can't wait will call someone else..they are not your customers.
I find most of my questions from clients come in the form of an e-mail which I can reply to on my Blackberry. I can give clearer answers and can get back to work faster because there is no chit-chat.
If I am speaking with a client in front of me I use the ignore function to send them to voicemail.
The best hardwood flooring guy here has no cell phone and he is booked up for the next three months.
You may be onto something.
Jon
Russian saying
It's a great tool when used properly. Do I stop what I'm doing to answer a call? Only when it's my boss calling. Otherwise I can highlight the call I ignored and return it when I'm free. Do I talk in a restaurant? No, I say in a hushed tone "give me a minute to get outside". Then I only do so if I must take the call. That's what caller ID is for. Does my phone have a ringer turned on? No, it is silent. My job is 24-7-365. It's what I do and sometimes I get interrupted. I'm paid well to do it.
The above said, I also don't want to see or hear your children running around. Manners are long gone with most people. Get a phone and leave it in the truck and use it like a tool. It can save a lot of time.
Now what really gets under my skin is people who leave a voice message saying call me. How about you leaving a message as to what you need or asking me a question? I know you didn't call for no reason.
My phone is "MY" phone. It's a convenience to me and for me. If someone has an emergency enough they can't wait till I return to the office they need to call either 911 or someone else. I haven't used it in weeks and I'm turning it off at the end of contract.
For reference, most jobs I work are T & M and it's just not fair to charge the customer I'm working for, because someone needs a stupid question answered instantaneously.
And if you did happen to get my cell # the message says don't even bother leaving a message, call office number, leave one there.
I find my cell phone very helpful but I seldom answer it at work (assuming I can hear it) although I may return a call I receive. I treat it like any other tool. I use it when it is helpful, appropriate and convenient.
Manners is the missing bit!
I only give out my cell number. No body calls the house anymore. With customers in the house I put it on vibrate and ignore it. I then check it when I have a moment.
I no longer need to ask to call about things and when they will be shipped or in stock.
Its how you work with it.
Cell phone is a tool. It can be useful, but with all the ones I've had, I've never read anywhere that I am required to answer it every time it rings. It's there so that people can leave me messages, and I can use it when it's convenient.
If people don't leave a message, then they can't be looking for something important.
In your case, I'd tell the ins co that you'll call on Monday, at 3pm, or whatever time is convenient for you. Tell the receptionist to make sure that whoever needs to be available, is available. Simple.
Just a thought about cell phones Craig.
While it's a nusance here's why I love mine. I have a palm 650 phone. It's keyboard allows me to enter into my calendar easily. I post all my appointments with clients and family as well as all those birthdays of friends and family not to mention my anniversary.
Because my phone syncs up with outlook on my computer I can use a simple search function and with just a word typed I can find every entry I've ever made since I got this phone 5 years ago.
I can't begin to tell you how important that is. I enter everything about a client in that calendar especially if there a toad.
I never miss a birthday of client or family and my wife is always surprised I remember all her important dates like the first time we kissed, where we met/date, etc. you get the idea.
I can store any and all business documents which helps if there is a problem I can double check my obligations. I can also enter info for any change orders and follow up at home.
Oh and I can play scrabble.
Just A Guy With A Hammer
The cell phone numbers are going to be released to telemarketers.You can list all of your phones on a "do not call list".1-888-382-1222Pete
NoI think that rumor has been circulating since the day after the first cell phone was made.http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp
.
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
the extended car warrenty clowns are calling cell numbers often...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
IMERC,Yes, and those clowns are indentity theft criminals who have no intention of abiding by law in the first place. I became suspicious and Googled the story on them. http://digg.com/business_finance/Sleazy_auto_warranty_scam_revealedWe just need to be patient and let their karma catch up to them. It always does, eventually.Bill
saddle up....
let's ride....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
I had one of those call my company cell phone this past week. I answered it and got a recording telling me to stay on the line because they had important information on my expiring car warranty. (Now that's bad phone matters right there.) Anyway I held on for probably five minutes because I was just driving and I was bored. I wanted to mess with them a little before I told them to F off. Eventualy I got tired of waiting and hung up. I hope they call back.
I'm bringing sexy back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yIqwyR1ays
Bill,
No longer a rumor.Listening to a high tech radio show and they said spam is hitting cell phones and gave out the "do not call" number.Pete
I understand your feelings and if you can do business without it today, more power to you...
they certainly can be abused, its how you manage it.
Myself , I could no longer do without it, I never hang around home waiting for a call, or wait at a jobsite for someone who might show up when they think they will, i tell them to call when they get there and then I will come,let them wait for me.
I return calls when its convienient for me, i do not have a message on my phone and I have voicemail turned off.
some people wont like this, but I return many calls when I'm in the truck driving,this is otherwise wasted time in my mind.
If it rings and its not a good time to answer, I ignore it and return the call when it works for me, that is what the caller ID is for
I have a cell phone.
I usually don't answer.
I never answer unknown numbers.
much like you, I realized many years ago ... I'm not that important.
I think my Dad told me when I was about 12 yrs old ... didn't even have a cell phone at that time.
My cell is my company number. I have voicemail.
I do make a point to return calls quickly.
I also try to wait till I'm ina position to talk and listen.
I'll take a call from a buddy or the wife while in the middle of doing something, that way I can dump the call whenever I have to w/o pissing off someone important.
same as when I call the wife at her work ... if her boss yells for her and she says Gotta Go ...
she's gotta go. No hard feelings ... we're all working here.
I agree with you.
I also hate the nonappointment appointment. Get serious and set a time.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Edited 1/21/2009 5:54 pm ET by JeffBuck
other thing I don't do if I have my phone with me.
if I'm standing, talking to a customer face to face ...
I rarely take an incoming call.
Only if I'm waiting for a very important call will I even look at the screen.
then ... only if it's that call will I excuse myself.
99% of the time ... reach down and click the bottom.
Lotsa people seem suprised , but no ... I don't have to take that.
I'm not standing in their living room to answer my phone.
I'm there to talk to them.
I'd like to think that shows them I respect their time.
and I also hope they understand when they call and get send directly to voicemail, that they have to respect someone elses time. I'd like to think most people do.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
When my wife and I got cell phones 'bout 6 yrs ago(not early adopters), we happily told friends; one asked if we had heard of fire.
Whenever there's a shift in technology there's a certain amount of tension between those who want the latest, fanciest stuff and those who don't. The first group spends all their money finding the flaws and bringing down the price, while the second group keeps us grounded. Between the two extremes the rest of us adopt and adapt as we see fit.
I have or had relatives that wouldn't touch new-fangled things like phones, cars, power tools, computers, etc. for varied reasons. Frequently they lost out or made things more difficult for others. On the other hand some find whatever latest & greatest to be The New Hammer and everything else is a nail. In an effort to stay in touch they're bionically linked to the phone/net and oblivious to the human, work and life in front of them. Gotta take the elevator and the car to get a few blocks to go to the gym for exercise...
It is the information age; good and bad. I use a cell phone like any other tool respecting its power and dangers. A live body in front of me trumps the phone to the same degree as it does any other interruption.
One time I was working on a live main, forgot I'd left a message for my wife, phone rang - set a new personal best for a standing backwards vertical and horizontal leap....
P.S. Your wife might find it rude that you spend time with this group ;-)
Edited 1/21/2009 6:35 pm ET by habilis
Unreasonable--no,
Missing out on opportunities... possibly.
Will the insurance company miss out on your business by their difficult phone policies? Would they miss out on mine? Absolutely. If they don't have time to answer my call, they don't deserve my business.
Business is not black and white. We must do the things that show our clients a willingness to do their job--part of that usually is answering the phone or having someone answer the phone that can connect with us when necessary.
If you are in a big city, a niche business or an area with a healthy economy you may well be able to afford to be picky. We have a few guys able to even in this economy...
Good Luck with it!
L
GardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it! Decks Blog
Wow! A lot of good thoughtful responses. Too many to reply to individually.I guess at some time I'll have to get with the twenty first century. I just hate to.I was talking to my FIL, who is in his mid seventies awhile back. He said when he was kid they had a phone, but most people in his small community went out of their way to communicate face to face. He felt that with each advance in technology, communication and manners have declined.At some point I suppose I'll seem to be a backwards crank If I don't have one. (Of course I am a backwards crank :))When I bite the bullet at least I'll have some excellent ideas about how to handle it.One thing I didn't think about until mentioned in this thread was contacting the Ins. co. with feedback. If they work with me, I'll tell them how much I appreciate it. I'll let them know what I think if they don't.
I figured out your problem.You need a cell phone with hand crank on it.They ask for Central to connect you..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
LOL. That would be cool. If I ever get one I'm making a wood box with a crank to put it in.
Someone did almost what you're talking about:View ImageLink to rotary cell phone
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Jeeze Jon, you are going to give me nightmares!!!I ducked when I saw that thing... Yikes. Last time I saw one of those I was waking up after being knocked out with one making the side of my head flat.... yes, thrown by an ex.Isn't that why they were banned?Careful throwing those pictures around!!!LGardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it! Decks Blog
Rotary phones don't kill people...Ex's do.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
I love it! One ringy dingy. Two ringy dingy.
When I'm talking with a client and my phone rings, I mute the phone. Sometimes they will tell me I can get it, I say no that's fine I'll phone them back ( or not ). Afterwards, I see who called and call them back. I'm not rude to the person I'm with and the person trying to call me is happy I returned their call so quickly.
Personally, I hated the idea of having a cell phone, but when I built my house and started running my business, honestly don't know how I'd of managed without one.
Was talking to an older guy that's been in business for years before cell phones were around. Everytime something came up he'd have to run and find a phone booth, what a pain that would be, everytime I needed to add something to the lumber delivery or call the engineer about something that makes no sense. Then maybe you can't even get the guy, so you got wait at the phone booth.
Edited 1/22/2009 9:05 am by alrightythen
Edited 1/22/2009 9:06 am by alrightythen
I can really see how it would be helpful especially in some businesses and if I was in a type of construction where I had to work with several people. However, in my case it's me, my customer and my supplier. Kids with lemonade stands have more complicated communication issues.There have been times that I have called my supplier's 800 no. with permission from a customer's phone. None of them seemed to think anything of it. I expect that will be seen as terribly odd and unprofessional soon. Also, the day of a customer having a land line might be numbered.Still, the times I have wanted to contact someone immediatley could be counted on one hand with fingers left over.I'll end up getting one for safety and to look legit, I guess.I really like your well mannered way of handling your calls.
It sounds like your situation you are not at such a great loss not having one. If I could do without one I would - one less bill to pay.
Everyones situation is a bit different. My cell is my business line, I hate getting business calls on my home line, and in fact when I'm at home I use my cell for business calls so that my home line doesn't show up on peoples call displays. I'm a sinlge dad and when I'm at home at night and weekends my time belongs to my boys. I'll look at evening call on my cell and only call people back that night if I know it could be urgent ( IE the customers roof is tarped up and it just started raining)
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Edited 1/22/2009 9:15 am by alrightythen
You're using it as a tool to control your time. Something to consider...
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/05/hand_crank_phon.php.
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
Perfect way to keep my minutes down! I'd be too lazy to call anybody.
when I am managing a job, I need the phone and I NEED people to call me. If a delivery is delayed or a sub is not going to show up I have top arrange scedules or people can be left standing around.
Special orders need confirmation and if I wait to get the message after I get home past business hours, it creates another day or two of delay playing phone tag. Before I had a cell phone I would often rush home at four and try to get my business calls made by five before places closed. The phone in my pocket eliminates that hassle and makes life more relaxed. There are fewer mistakes and a smoother job flow.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I guess it's like any other tool. A guy can make something with it or make a mess.I've really been interested in the variety of responses in this thread.It's probably that way with any new technology. Some love it, some hate it. If I was born a hundred yrs. ago, I'd be grumbling about those dang horseless carriages spooking my horse.
Craig----- I am essentially in the Jeff Buck school of thought on this----
MY cel phone is for MY convenience--and no one elses. Period.
As far as I know---- only about 4 people have my cel number--- my wife, my 2 sons and my primary supplier( in case they have trouble with a delivery)
I would NEVER, EVER give a customer my cel phone number- EVER.
I have a hard line business number with a machine-- prospective customers can call that number---- If they leave a message I will be delighted to return their call--usually in the evening.
I try to return all the calls in one time frame-- like 6-7:00 pm.
that said-- when I first got a cel phone-- I call forwarded my office calls to my cel phone so that " I would always be available to my customers"
what a crock !--prospective customers then couldn't leave a message- and often the phone couldn't make the switch to the cel location or whatever--so I lost calls that might otherwise have simply left a message
HOWEVER- seems like all the telemarketing calls went through fine,LOL
so 18-20 times a day--- I was answering the phone to listen to somebody try to sell me a can't miss stock, or a free chiro appt.
On VERY rare occasions I have given my cel # out to an additional person--- like several years ago when I was buying another house the realtor had my cel number---- but i ALSO explained that i probably couldn't answer it precisely when they called because I would likely be up a 32 ft. ladder in a bad position to answer a phone---- so I would promptly return their call.
Severely limmit WHO you give the number to--and you can enjoy the convienience of having the phone--without the annoyances. That way when the phone rings-- it will be someone you actually care about and WANT to talk to--like your wife or kids
BTW---- any employees at the time also have the number-- but they will typically call the business line and leave a message.
stephen
Good solid advice. Thanks.
I got rid of my land line business phone several years ago, so my cell is my business phone now.
I don't get all that many calls, so it works out just fine for me.
I have a cell phone but only my wife, kids, Luka, and the gals at hefs mansion have my number. I have a land line with a machine and i can call home and check who called.. When i had a foreman i gave him a phone which saved me a lot of time. If i called him to see if he needed anything etc. Maybe im old school but i dont like phones when im working. I dont blame anyone else though for using the phone the way they want, Its just like you i dont want to reach for a phone while i am up high.
when I first got a cel phone--- I got 3--one for me-one for the wife and one for the crew.- they were much less common then-my kids were small and didn't need 'em and most employees didn't have them----- convienient to run to the lumber yard and the crew could call if they found they needed something while I was on the wayNOW- the battle is to keep employees OFF their phones---we ARE supposed to work,right? there is always one guy who will abuse it---girlfriend calling 10 times a day-lining up side jobs on my time etc.
stephen
there is always one guy who will abuse it---girlfriend calling 10 times a day-lining up side jobs on my time etc.
years ago I had my nephew as a helper. By lunchtime I had to make him put his phone in his car. It was a Fri and the weekend plans started to be more important than my job site.
Told him if I heard that phone ring again on my job he was fired on the spot.
Following Monday we started at 8am. Around 8:15 I heard his phone ring ... told him to just set down the materials he was carrying and answer his phone. He did, when he was finished I told him to take off the tool belt I'd loaned him ... set it right there ... and go home.
He was fired.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
You mean to tell me that Ann doesn't have your cell phone number!?.
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
I agree with you on most of your points. I carry a cell but in 5 years have given the number only to a select few. If I can't be disturbed, for example when I'm teaching at the college, the cell is off. If I'm any where else and my kids, wife or mother need something important ,well client has to understand. The callers that have the number don't call to chat.
My wife, kids, and mother know only to call if they must.
Have a good day
Cliffy
It's nice to hear another person making the phone work for them. I see so many that don't, but I guess I never notice the people that do.
CraigF,
I totally agree with you. I've never owned a cell phone and hope to be the last person in North America to get one. It's mostly the abuse of cell phones that bothers me.
I was in the produce section of the supermarket yesterday and wondered if you had to have a cell phone to buy produce. Every person there was on a cell phone. One person was even consulting with their spouse about prices and types of tomatoes. What did you do before cell phones? You had to actually make an executive decision on your own!
People just cocoon themselves with their cell phones. They don't interact with the world that they're currently and immediately exposed to but rather with distant friends, neighbors, business partners, etc. They're avoiding the here and now for something more safe and familiar. I just wish I couldn't hear their conversations. If I were king, cell phone would be ok to use but you would have to find a telephone booth to use them.
Back in 1970, my wife and I hitchhiked around Europe and North Africa for a full year. We didn't have the money to call home so didn't. We kept in touch with family via snail mail and survived quite nicely, thank you. The current generation might give it a try.
ChipTam
I know exactly what you mean. Many people can't seem to experience life on their own anymore.
"You had to actually make an executive decision on your own!"
Ohhh... and heaven help you if you made the wrong one ;) View Image View Image
Cell phone ettiquette is the same as regular phone ettiquette, and it is a calculus of executive decisions. I don't see any way a cell phone is more or less problematic than a land line.
Me, I love it when I've waited 8 minutes to get to the counter at a supply house and the guy or gal "helping" me feels compelled to take every phone call that comes in while I'm trying to make a purchase.
Deal with what's in front of you (unless you're expecting an emergency call) whether you're on a cell phone or a land line. But there's no need to get rid of either.
k
responding to who gets priority - My main supplier will always have all their people tell the guy on the phone, "s/he's with a customer right now, may I give you his/her voice mail or take a message?"That makes you feel speial when you are the one there in the store or office with one of them.OTOH, since I phone most of my stuff in, I have felt compelled to ask them to please say"...with ANOTHER customer right now...." so as not to imply that I am not a paying customer.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
"responding to who gets priority - My main supplier will always have all their people tell the guy on the phone, "s/he's with a customer right now, may I give you his/her voice mail or take a message?"
That makes you feel speial when you are the one there in the store or office with one of them.
OTOH, since I phone most of my stuff in, I have felt compelled to ask them to please say"...with ANOTHER customer right now...." so as not to imply that I am not a paying customer."
Sounds about right. And, actually, at Truitt & White, the higher end professional yard here, they've got three or four sales reps taking phone calls; and the contractor's desk deals with the walk ins. The phone reps'll help you in person if they're bored, but that's not really their gig, so it doesn't grind my gears if they don't...
I have more issues at the plumbing supply house and the roofing supply house. But then, I don't spend much money there. Maybe I'm just getting the level of service I deserve...
k
Hey, I have not razzed you since last year about your Canuck logo!
How did you lkike the Mats Sundin signing.
I've been a Bruins fan since I was 4 years old so I'm having fun winning a few coffees this year with their rare and very surprising first place play.
Hows the Olympic Village coming along here. News in these parts is the city is left footing a huge bill.
Have a good day
Cliffy
Yes..I liked the Sundin signing, but I think it will take some time for him to get things back together. I just hope he doesn't turn into another Messier. One thing I love about Mats is when he scores a goal he always seems to have a huge smile on his face. As much as I liked Naslund, he sure never got too excited about scoring.
I grew up favouring the Bruins over the Candadiens, but ever since Canada lost some teams, I started routing for any team North of the border, even the dreaded Flames come playoff time if the Canucks aren't in it.
You heard right about the village - bit of a fiasco.
By the way, I actually spent Christmas in Toronto, then came home to like 3 feet of snow, something is wrong with that picture. View Image View Image
You're right about Sundin loving to score. I think he just got tired of all the #### in Toronto and no opportunity anytime soon to win anything. He also saw what Niedermeyer and the Fin did, skipping the first half to have some energy left for the second half. If you have made millions and saved a little hopefully it isn't about the money anymore.
I'm hoping for big things from the Bruins this year. I've been a fan since Iwas a little kid and Bobby Orr was in his short prime, so obviously I'm patient.
Are you going to was any of the all star weekend?
Have a good day
CLiffy
My 8 year old's number is 4. He scored a hat trick on Wednesday night. We just got back from hockey practice and are now planning our weekend around the All Star weekend and his Hockey game tomorrow.
PS OP sorry for the Hi Jack View Image View Image
I need a cell phone. Didnt say I want one, but you really do need them nowadays.
Get used to it.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
I guess it's a fact of life anymore.
Cell phones are part of life today. I don't have a land line anymore, just because I'm never home.
The higher end the phone you get, the more control you have over how things work.
I have a Palm, and can put known callers into groups, and set ringing preferences by group or individual. So there is a group "24/7", that is just that the handful of people who can call me anytime, mostly immediate family. The ex has her own ring, a loop of the robot from "Lost in Space", saying "Danger, Danger"
Customers have a distinct ring, and it only rings from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. My boss, suppliers, and coworkers only ring from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Unknown callers just go to voice mail, and I can follow up later if I want to.
I always thought if I did break down and buy a cell, I would get the cheapest, simplest one available. Now you guys have got me thinking some of the extra features would make it more useful.Dang it. I start an anti cell thread and I'll end up with a fancy one hanging off my belt.BTW, I like the ex's ring tone.
Great thread. The first one in a while I've read all of the responses.
Like you Craig, I don't like cell phones either but I have one. Having just finished building my own house I used it many times a day then but now maybe three times a week if that. I suggest you get one and then control its use. It can be done.
And it does bother me to no end when the other guy in a face to face meeting keeps answering his cell phone, treating me like I'm some kind of potted plant. I always turn mine off just before a meeting starts. When a guys phone rings for the second time I usually say "Turn that thing off so we can keep our train of thought".
There's very little in this world that can't wait a few minutes. That's a reason I don't use it while driving. Early on I found it to be a major distraction while driving. And in five years with a cell phone I can't think of a single instance that needed immediate attention. Every matter could wait at least the five minutes for me to find a place to pull over.
Regarding your side rant about timely meeting arrival I found that interesting too. In my recent house building adventure, along about the drywall stage I figured I'd spent the better part of two days waiting for people to get their butts to a meeting at the agreed upon time. 15 minutes here, 10 minutes there, 20 minutes on another day, it all added up.
So I began making a big deal about promptness. I'd say "Ok, regarding our 10AM meeting, pretend you're catching a plane. The plane pulls away from the gate at 10:01. Be on it!!!". Everyone then got all defensive indicating "Well, I'm ALWAYS on time!!". The interesting thing was, the on-time arrival rate skyrocketed to nearly 100% and my day became so much more efficient.
So one thought each regarding cellphones and promptness:
The cemetaries are filled with indispensible people.
Promptness is a sign of respect.
Runnerguy
That was another reason I ditched the cell. I noticed the part of my brain that paid attention to driving shut off when I was on the phone. Sorta like walking and chewing gum I guess."Promptness is a sign of respect."---Exactly!!!
CraigF.
I had my first cell phone back in 1984 and I've never had any incident while driving and taking or making a phone call ( and I drive an average of 75,000 miles per year)
However I will pull over to the shoulder if taking notes is required or details are involved..
I know not everyone has this ability so I don't encourage driving while talking on the cell phone.. To me it's like listening to the radio or having a conversation with other occupants in the car..
I suspect I acquired that ability to multitask learning how to fly. When you are IFR you are on the radio, scribbling frequencies down and headings/airspeeds, scaning the guages and flying the plane. (flying is also multidemensional which means it's even more demanding than driving) Altitude and attitude are just 2 parts of flying that are not used in driving.
Hands-Free is the law in CA while driving.
k
I think you're right about not everyone having the ability to do that. It seems whenever someone tailgates me or pulls out in front of me, its the hand to the ear and the zombie stare.
Historical perspective.................When I was a kid, we had one phone in our two-story house -- in the kitchen. Picked up phone, operator placed call for you. Big convenience breakthrough came when dad added an extension on the 2nd floor. About that time, dial service introduced --- could actually dial number yourself with no operator!Our number was 21OR. But, it was a "party line" -- so if the shared party was using the phone, you had to wait. Funny how life went on, business was transacted etc. etc.....................Had conversation with 20 something recently about his "survival" expenses --- "minimum" communication costs somewhere around $200-250 month (cable, internet, cell phone, etc.)********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
nikkiwood,
I am 46----- we had a partyline untill WELL into the '70'sI am 5th of 6 kids and I am pretty sure I was just about in highschool before we fot rid of it
stephen
You must have grown up in an even smaller backwater town than I did......<G>My story comes from a town of 2500 in rural MN, sometime in the the early 50's. It's truly amazing to survey the changes that have taken place over the past 50 years.But ............. I like my cell phone.............<G>********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
town of 200,000 or so.
Raised by parents who grew up in a REAL depression( WPA, CCC all that stuff)
raisng 6 kids-one income, all 6 kids in catholic schools 1-12 grade--- they knew about frugality!
Stephen
nikki,Guy at work has the fancy Iphone. I bet him he paid more per month than what my wife and I paid for rent when we got married (we're old).I won the bet...over $100 vs $75.He has it all on his phone and I would love to have it but it makes no sense to me.Pete
When I talked to that kid about monthly expenses that geezers like you and I never had, we never factored in the capital costs of these modern devices. I also had one of those $75/month apartments when I was in college -- very nice, 2 BR. But, I was also making $2.35/hr in one of the best part-time jobs around (1963 or so). I don't want to go back to those times, but admit that I often wonder whether cell phones (and other "modern" devices) have made our lives any better, more productive, etc. Like many others, my computer and I are joined at the hip --- access to information is great, as are communication forums like Breaktime -- but the cost in greater social isolation has been high.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
LOL, I had forgotten party lines. We had eight on ours.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I do a lot of running and on one regular stretch there's a wide bike lane on either side of the road. No curb just a white line on the asphalt seperating the car lane from the bike lane.
Whenever I've see a car drifting over into the bike lane heading right for me it's been a driver on a cell phone.
And for me I found it wasn't the act of holding the cell phone so much that was distracting, it was the conversation. The "zombie stare" you reference has nothing to do with holding something.
Runnerguy
I bike to try and keep in shape. I hate those moments. Do they see me? Should I take the ditch?Maybe someone should make a cell phone horn. You push a button and it sends an AHOGA sound in all cell frequencies. OK- I know its not going to happen, but its fun to think about.
frenchy-- before you congratulate yourself on your amazing "talking on a cel phone while driving "skills---------------
consider that the situation may be percieved differently by the other mopes on the road you may have scared witlessstephen
BTW- I am a firm death penalty opponent---with the exception of traffic accidents-even fender benders-caused by morons on cel phones--- in THOSE cases death by tire iron administered on the spot----and i think society will back me up on this
.View Imagehttp://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
I am a extremely careful driver.
In nearly 3 1/2 million miles of driving I've had darn few fenderbenders, avoided thousands of near misses and only one serious accident that was my fault.. (1:00AM after working 22 straight hours and an average of 18 hours a week for the past year I failed to look back left before I pulled out, driver was speeding but it was still clearly my fault because I had checked earlier and waited failing to check again. Witnesses said he'd been approaching 100 MPH before I pulled out. He was unhurt But my car was bent in a U. The engine of his car was where I had been sitting. My whole left side was technacolored but no bones were broken.. (this was about 5 years before my first cell phone)
I digress...
Anyway I am able to recognize when I lack the required attention to drive safely and conduct a conversation. As I said maybe it's my training as a pilot where you have to multitask in order to fly.
"Anyway I am able to recognize when I lack the required attention to drive safely and conduct a conversation. As I said maybe it's my training as a pilot where you have to multitask in order to fly."
Maybe you've just been lucky so far. As you get older, your thought processing and reflexes slow down. It's often noted that seasoned pros are very susceptible to machine accidents.
You were taught in flight school to do everything possible to maintain an edge. By "multitasking" with your phone, you're taking an edge off your phone call or your driving. Or both.
I wonder what the military driving instructors have to say about using a cell phone while driving...........
<" By "multitasking" with your phone, you're taking an edge off your phone call or your driving, or both."> Good point. I have to wonder how many people could pass their driver license examination, while babbling on their cell phones. Maybe that should be the new test. Have one scorekeeper in the passenger seat, and the other one talking to the driver (on cell) from a remote location. Toss in a few simple questions... like your address, how often should you use your turn signal, how many car lengths should you be behind the car you are following, is it legal to go 30 mph in a 50...etc. I bet there arent many who could pass it.
Good idea, but I 'm not sure I'd pass it.
Well we conduct regular conversations with Tower and airtraffic control, isn't that a phone conversation? Don't forget we have to make note of frequencies while reporting our ID, speed, direction, and altitude..
OK at 60 I wouldn't want to land on a pitching carrier at night in a sea state of 6 during EMCOM conditions.. in my 20's I thought that sort of thing was the only real fun I had in flying. The rest was just boring holes in the sky..
Well maybe a cat shot was a little fun with the old hydraulic cats. I mean if something went wrong you had this giant speeding city block to run over you after you hit the water.. That sorta added a little adrenaline to your life.
Oh and dodging sam missles with a plane who's top speed was 230Knots that could add a slight pucker factor to you..
I digress,
Anyway when flying don't forget that you are controlling not only speed and direction but attitude and altitude as well as things like flaps and landing gear which isn't something you need to worry about with cars..
Here's a test. Can you drive safely while talking to a passenger? If you can't or are distracted then you shouldn't ever use a cell phone when driving.. As for those who don't use a blue tooth or other similar hands free devices.
They should be arrested.. Holding a cell phone up to your ear blinds you to that side.. It also tends to "freeze" your proper head turning to capture the whole picture..
Frankly My wife should never be given a drivers license. To her mirrors are not something used for situational awareness but instead designed to help you put on makeup..
Her driving skills are extremely poor. In the event of emergency braking required she would stomp on the brake and slide right into the car ahead.. I've taught both girls to drive around those situations.. (and they use the mirror well)
I've got a relative who is a bush pilot up in Alaska. His observations about it amount to this: In a car, a cell phone can make you prone to drift a little left or right, or not notice those brake lights in front of you. These "little" mistakes in a car can cause accidents, even fatal accidents. In a plane, a little deviation left, right, up or down doesn't affect you at all; and the chances of rear ending the plane in front of you is almost nil. He actually feels much safer when flying than he ever does in automobile traffic.John Svenson, builder, remodeler, NE Ohio
Well I'm not sure a bush pilot has the same issues as a pilot flying into a metro airport like New York or someplace..
I can't understand those who fail to keep their eyes alert but I know you are right some people may as well be asleep when driving.
Ever listen to books on tape while driving? I can be completely engrossed with the story and yet because I'm awake and interested my eyes see everything.. I find I'm more alert doing that than just sitting and spending hours driving..
I'm convinced it's not the act of talking on the cell phone while driving that's the major distraction, it's the conversation. Or rather, the type of conversation. I've found that any conversation is a distraction but some conversations can be potentially lethal.
Examples:
A guy is blowing down the interstate at 65 MPH and his phone rings. It's his attorney. ...."Your ex business partner has just informed me you can forget about a settlement and he says he's going to sue your *** off". Driver: "Tell him he can take his suit and shove it up his ***!!! THIS IS WAR!!!"
A guy gets a call from his wife: "Well, it's 10:30 and Alice isn't home by the 10PM curfew you set". Husband going 55 MPH and screaming into the phone "I'M GOING TO GROUND HER FOR A YEAR. JUST WAIT TILL I GET HOME!!!"
Now sure, these kind of conversations are pretty rare. The fly in the ointment here is it doesn't take much driving over time to be next to 10,000 vehicles all going 65 MPH on a busy highway. And sooner or later, there's one guy next to you having a conversation like the above. And do you think he's paying attention to you or anybody elses safety?? No, he's focused on Alice or his ex business partner. All while going 65 MPH. What do you think his reaction time is at that point???
Of course these types of conversations happen with passengers and they're equally unsafe. The problem is the cell phone has expanded from maybe the three or four people sitting next to you to perhaps 100's worldwide that can deliver very unwelcome or emotional news, all while you're going 65 MPH. So the potential for a violent conversation by a driver skyrockets. With all adjacent drivers effected.
We're builders. Do you think really a builder hearing "I know my client owe's you 50K but he says the work was shoddy and will be mailing 10K as a final settlement. If that's unacceptable, we'll see you in court", is paying the slightest bit of attention to his driving during the next three or four minutes?? What do you think his reaction time is??
It's no coincidence that insurance companies say talking on a cell phone while driving is the same as driving drunk.
Runnerguy
Bush pilots are considered some of the best aviators in the world. Anchorage AK has some of the busiest air space in the US. I have ridden with him over and around Anchorage, and there are airplanes everywhere, it's truly an amazing sight.John Svenson, builder, remodeler, NE Ohio
best pilots?
I'm sorry but Navy pilots will dispute that. But all that aside, did he talk to the tower /approach while flying?
Tower? What tower? That was a pine tree!
"Tower to Foxtrot Romeo Echo November Charlie Hotel Yankee: Quit playing with your toy and fly the damn bird !"
(THAT was the tower)
:)
A pilot doesn't have to watch out for that other plane going the opposite direction 2-3 feet abeam either
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
On the other hand a closing rate of say a 120 MPH isn't nearly as demanding as a closing rate of 1200 MPH
Frenchy,
Memory of my short stint of military flying is that we kept radio communication to a minimum and relative to the job at hand. The fewer distractions the better.
Some major trucking companies used to forbid the use of CB radios. Knew a driver who was docked when one was found in his truck. I don't know how they deal with cell phones.
Look, I sometimes use my table saw without the guard, even when the guard wouldn't be in the way, but it's a dumb move and I don't try to defend it. Why defend driving while using a cell phone?
And I repeat my question: What do you think is the military driving program's position on using cell phones while driving?
"Thousands of near misses"
exactly what I am referring to Frenchy.Everybody thinks "THEY" are a good driver but I notice where ever I go- I am surrounded by HORRIBLE drivers( many on cel phones. I suggest you remain open to the possibility that your driving ain't as great as you think-and that you have just been oblivious to your deficient driving----since you were on the cel phone--you didn't notice how bad you were-but those around you likely DID notice
stephen
I never answer the phone when im driving, I can never tell why music is playing in time to figure out its my cell phone ring tone.
"Everybody thinks "THEY" are a good driver"
Remember Lake Wobegon, where all the children are above average? It's in Minnesota.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
" I am an extremely careful driver."Frenchy, wasnt that the Rainmans famous line?
Edited 1/25/2009 1:33 pm by wood4rd
"Avoided thousands of near misses".
Read my post above regarding drivers in the bike lane. That's a near miss.
Runnerguy
Good thread, I think I have read all the responses. I seem to be in the minority here, but I use a cell phone and an earpiece, and generally take all calls. But my business model is a little different than many. As a general contractor, its to my advantage as much as theirs, when my customers, subs and suppliers can reach me anytime.
If I'm face to face, I'll often politely excuse myself, take the call, tell them I'm in a meeting, and ask they call back, or tell them I'll call back.
If I remember to check before answering, I won't answer any calls from an area code I don't recognize - they can leave a message. Too many telemarketers who don't respect being told No.
I have lost jobs for not being available at the moment. Don't know if they were jobs I would have wanted or not, but I have.
Another issue that is mine alone, apparently - working long hours in the field, I am frequently remiss about playing messages and returning calls. Days can go by. I tell people cell phone or email, which I check daily. I don't do the phone message thing very well. That's just me.
And one other factor: I often work long hours away from home, and my being available to talk with my wife pretty much anytime is an important emotional support that she values. Each couple works these things out between them, but that is one way that we stay close. I rarely call her during the day, but she frequently calls me. But then I'm almost always available, not so with her.
With my earpiece, I can generally carry on with what I'm doing work-wise as I talk.
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I can see how you're using the technology to your advantage.
I agree on the matter of answering cell calls in the presence of others. When I'm with someone else, I apologize and take my cell out long enough to shut the ringer off. First come, first serve, be it friend, family or customer. There are exceptions, of course.
If I do take a call in public, I get out of foot traffic (and I, for years, refuse to use my cell on the road without a Bluetooh or other head set). I treat others, known or not, how I want to be treated. Listening to others' raised voices, as they talk to an invisible entities, just doesn't promote society well.
My buddy suggested a cell phone for business purposes and I think he was right. Being twenty or forty-five minutes out on a job and having to find a pay phone is an unnecessary cost and can be expensive. Too, when you don't have a secretary, a quick call back can be the difference between getting another job - and not.
Oh, and if I am seen in public talking on my Bluetooth, it's with phone clearly in hand. It's bad enough that the ex would convince everyone in town I'm Jack the Ripper and a schizo all rolled into one without helping her.
"Oh, and if I am seen in public talking on my Bluetooth, it's with phone clearly in hand"I need to get a cell so that if I get talking to myself or singing off- key to the radio while I'm driving, I could quickly grab the phone.
I ditched my cell phone about 5 years ago and haven't missed it one bit. There are a couple of customers who comment about my not having one, but my it doesn't cost me any business. I'm old school - if they can't make an appointment and keep it, I can't do business with them, cell phone or not. And nobody needs to call me when I'm working.
~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools - BuildersTools.net
See my work - TedsCarpentry.com
Interesting how many different opinons there are about cells. I really thought I'd be the only one around who didn't have one.
There are plenty of us who don't have or want one. We're the ones not walking around saying "Can you hear me? Can you hear me?" into our hand. =D
~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools - BuildersTools.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
Edited 1/25/2009 11:38 pm by Ted W.