[MR] suggestion for new cell phone rules at events

[Karen Summerfelt-Hume]

Kateryn Rous writes:


> One way people might consider to help minimize the
> annoyance to others is to re-set their ring tone (if
> possible) to something less obtrusive than normal. My
> cell phone (which I have never brought to an event,
> lucky me!) has a ring tone that is the call of a great
> horned owl. Personally I'd rather have a laugh at
> someone's phone mooing next to me at an event than
> hearing the can-can!
>

And I like that idea.  However, after having written my ideas, read others 
ideas as well as the official policy I am wondering if, perhaps, we might 
not simply fall back on an ancient and dying custom.......COMMON COURTESY? 
While it is on the endangered species list I think we ought to try and help 
revive it.  If you must have your electronic device turned on - be it phone, 
pager or radio , turn down the volume or put it on vibrate and step away 
from the activity to answer it, if you must answer it.  Make it as 
inconspicuous as possible- in a pouch, bag or tucked away out of sight.  We 
really shouldn't need rules to tell us to be courteous.

I will now put away my soap box - honest!

Chagan