Turn Your Phone OFF!!!!! — Page 2

Stop, Scott.

"Cons: Doesn't prevent intentional use, either phone calls or texting. Would be unlikely to ever work on non-smart phones. And the biggest con of all -- it seems quite unlikely to ever be implemented by smartphone device makers or software writers. "

Exactly. I can't see the desire of software writers to spend time and money on creating something just because people can't remember to silence their phone after announcement is made before show/movie etc

Some people are simply rude and either don't get that their actions effect others, or worse, don't care. It has been brought up that jamming the signal would impact safety. I do agree that any technology that was employed would have to consider all of the issues and that safety should be paramount. Perhaps, a channel for emergency workers is left open. I am left wondering how we all survived before mobile phones.

My reasons for starting this thread was to acknowledge that as a culture we haven't fully addressed mobile technology etiquette and that I think its about time. I remember several years ago, sitting at a conference table with leading technology developers discussing this very issue. We all agreed at that time, that in time, we would regulate ourselves and resolve our concerns. That just hasn't happened and I believe the situation has only gotten worse.

Of course, I do not advocate for violence and the recent shooter is a horrible tragedy.

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Updated On: 1/15/14 at 04:05 PM

Decided to research this further... It seems that mobile phone jammers are legal and employed in France. The program has been extremely successful and there has been no known decrease in safety. Hmmm?

The law that bans such devices here in The United States was written in 1934 and is about not banning radio signals in public spaces. I believe that in 1934 mobile technology was only the subject of sci-fi. It also seems that many public theaters in The United States are lobbying to have these laws changed.

It seems I am not as off-base as some posters here suggest.

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Updated On: 1/15/14 at 04:27 PM

On the movie front, you can do the same thing as the Wednesday matinee. I often go to the 10 a.m. weekend movie (the ridiculously early one they have just so they can say they have a bargain matinee), and again, it's mainly seniors and never an issue. Plus it's around $7 or somesuch.

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So... since I started this thread, I've become very curious about the issues at hand and started researching this. As I wrote earlier, it seems that France's program of banning mobile technologies in the theater and employing jamming technology to enforce this ban has been extremely successful. Israel and Japan also permit jamming technologies, ALL with no reported loss in safety. Canada and Great Britain are now considering similar changes in their current policy.

Actually, the main opponent to this technology is the Cellular Telephone Industry Association (CTIA). As suggested, they cite safety as their main reason despite all of the data to the contrary. Dig deeper and it seems like so many things its political and has more to do with money than safety.

ALL reports in countries that are employing these technologies have reported absolutely no increase in harm to it theater going patrons. There are technologies that do allow for emergency communication in such situations and they are employed - they are just restricted to the appropriate personnel.

In addition, the 1934 law that is being used to ban such technology in The United States was clearly written before these issues emerged and there are many proponents to changing the law.

As also suggested, the CTIA believes the solution is through education. This has been their policy for over 10 years. Clearly, that's working.

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Updated On: 1/15/14 at 05:29 PM

That is true, Bob. Some perspective is always good. These are truly first world, mostly white people problems.

But, no one likes to feel ripped off or feel like they wasted money. Everyone can relate to that. I just think they need more ushers to scope the awful people out, and stricter rules about the use of cell phones. No laws needed.

Looking at you phone (messages, for the time, whatever)once is annoying, much less several times. And it's not just young people. It is all age groups. I'm not with the extreme of Artc3, but I agree with some of his points. If you feel the need to constantly look at your phone, then keep your ass at home. And yes, its rude during the previews also. I have heard that argument. "it's only the previews". Well, tough tiddy, I paid for the previews also. As far as popcorn eating. I sat next to a whale with a huge tub, during August Osage County. Actually he sat next to me. Instead of picking the popcorn out of the tub, he poured portions of the popcorn into a cardboard trough, where he had to rumble his fingers through it four times (every time) before he picked up a piece, making quite the noise. Then during Gravity, last week, someone rumpled their package of candy for a minute and a half trying to open it. Is it that difficult to open a bag? Cell phones can easily be not allowed in or checked at the desk for movies or theater. The real reason is the theaters do not want to pay for the help to do it. I go to alot of advance screenings and you cannot bring your cell phone into the theater. They wand you and if on the person, are told to take it to the car or check it in until after the film is over. So there are possible solutions. Just no one wants to foot the bill. True, theaters make the most of their money off of the concessions. As someone who normally does not purchase such items, I checked out the prices. Just for a mini drink and popcorn was $10. So theaters aren't hurting in this department. Rant is over, but i just came back from Her, where an elderly couple felt the need to carry on a conversation many times during the movie.

"...but i just came back from Her, where an elderly couple felt the need to carry on a conversation many times during the movie."

I wonder what new law or form of technology Scott Briefer/ARTc3 might propose to end this terrible, destructive travesty. Should ushers hand out muzzles to those who dare speak during a movie or show? It would make a ton of sense.

...I was being facetious. I think this handwringing and outrage is complete nonsense. We have to empower our fellow audience members to band together and remind these idiots of the rules, and we have to say something to house management -- and trust that they will remedy the problem. Phone jammers and government regulation is quite absurd. Not the way to go. Sometimes life throws us curveballs. It's how we handle it that is important. If someone is disrupting your experience, address it. Don't get the government involved. It's like running to Mommy when the schoolyard gets a little too tough to handle.

Talking or having your phone out during any movie or theater performance is repugnant. That's all there is to it.

double post

Updated On: 1/15/14 at 07:52 PM