Turn Your Phone OFF!!!!!- Page 2

[ARTc3]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 11:33am

KathyNYC2... I'm sorry, I didn't see your post until just now rereading through. I am genuinely sorry if I hit a sore spot, and of course I agree with you. I think the shooting was horrible and inexcusable.

Updated On: 1/15/14 at 11:33 AM

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 12:07pm

Stop, Scott.

[broadfan327]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 12:48pm

I saw a movie Monday night, and the woman sitting next to me did everything she could to disrupt the movie: eating out of a bag which made a lot of noise, answer a phone call (she eventually did get up and walk out to finish the call), talking and yelling at the screen when the characters were getting tortured. When people are yelling at her to be quiet, she responded back "Don't sush me". I agree that it is a big problem, which will make me just rent movies at home more in the future. I do think the solution though is to see the house manager during intermission and just tell them to move you if there is an empty seat somewhere else, or at least have the staff tell them to knock it off. I did it during Elf and I was sent to another seat.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 1:06pm

"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

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 1:08pm

Guys. This poster is trying to justify the use of cellphone jammers and signal blockers in a public space because his theatre experience was ruined. He is trying to equate the shooting of a texter in a movie theatre to his frustration with Broadway audiences. Do not feed this.

[ARTc3]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 4:05pm

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.

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

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 4:19pm

"I think that there are people who are older that get frustrated over not knowing how to use the newer technology and that admitting defeat in that regard can be a bitter pill to take."

Winston, if you must make personal remarks about me, you could at least use the PM function. Even *I* can work that!

(FTR, I do know how to turn my phone off, but getting a Windows phone to communicate with a MacBook may well be the death of me!)

[ARTc3]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 4:27pm

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.

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

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 4:42pm

I think you may just have terrible bad luck. Yes, it's always going to be younger people who are texting through out a show. I'm 28, and I have way to much respect for the theater to ever do that. I would never be friends with anyone that would ever do that bull****. It's disrespectful to the crew, cast, patrons, and everyone involved in making the production happen.

There are a few things you can do that I've done to make my theater experience a little better. If you can, get a row A seat in the orchestra, mezzanine, or balcony. Try to make it as close to center as possible. I've found that when the only thing in front of me is a stage, I can't see much else. Also, if you can, go to the matinee during the week. I recently went to Kinky Boots on a Wednesday afternoon, and I did not see one cell phone out. Not one. The audience was mostly older people, and I think they are more aware of theater etiquette. Lastly, cell phones are rarely an issue when you venture off or off off Broadway. In smaller theaters, in little advertised shows, people seem to have more respect for everyone involved. At least, that's been my experience.

But you're right, it's annoying as hell and must stop. It's the reason I have stopped going to the movies. But, I didn't want to pay $20 in Manhattan anyways.

[oasisjeff]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 5:10pm

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.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 5:11pm

Yes. Just keep over-regulating everything. Won't be long now until I am told how to walk and talk and when I can eat or sleep.

I'd suggest that those who are seriously disturbed by this (the fact that you cannot control other individuals in the theatre) should take some courses on "acceptance." A signal jammer or new law from Albany may not be the answer. Maybe it could be a healthy mix of continued enforcement of rules already in place, more careful monitoring of those offenders, and educational campaign on theatre etiquette.

Scott Briefer, if you think someone flipping out their phone to glance at it in the one show of dozens playing on a single day justifies a renewed call for some kind of ridiculous legislation, then you're just a lost cause at this point.

[ARTc3]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 5:29pm

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.

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

[FishermanBob]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 5:48pm

You know what annoys me Art? There are 20 people waiting to get on a crowded bus at rush hour and the 3rd person in line boards the bus and has to fish around in their bag or pockets for their metrocard. Nobody else can board and the whole bus is held up while that idiot looks for his or her metrocard. The person had 10 minutes while waiting for the bus to make sure they had their card handy but no, they couldn't be bothered looking for it until they actually boarded the bus. Will you support a new set of laws that tightly regulates how much time people have to pay their fare once they have boarded a bus before they must get off said bus?

I'm not sure we want to start to regulate what other people do that "annoys us" and I think you are dramatically overestimating the general public's interest in spending time on an issue that perhaps affects a few dozen people each day. Just go up to random people, preferably in low income neighborhoods and tell them that you spent $350 for Broadway show tickets and someone texting annoyed you during the show; will they support a nationwide movement to address this? Let us know what they say. In the meantime, if you've truly got nothing more worthwhile to do with your time... drone on.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 5:57pm

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.

[FishermanBob]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 5:59pm

"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."

No argument with that.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:14pm

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.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:19pm

You should never argue with a crazy m-m-m-m-m-man

You oughta know by now

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:23pm

"...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.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:40pm

It wasn't a mere word or two. It was full conversations that lasted many minutes. Technology or muzzles aren't needed. Common courtesy is the solution. When they were shoossed, they spoke louder...so they knew exactly what they were doing.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:48pm

...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.

[veronicamae]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:49pm

People talking - whether on phones or between one another - at shows and movies drives me CRAZY.

However, it rarely bothers me enough to confront them about it. I just make myself ignore it - or remind myself that it is not the end of the world - and focus on the show.

I have often wondered if there was a way to block cell signals to cut down on interruptions, but that's probably not feasible. What non-profit theatre could afford such a thing?

People need to learn to disconnect (a worsening problem) and be courteous. The end.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:50pm

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

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:52pm

Agree. But dispite all the warnings from Management (prior to the movie starting) that they will ask you to leave, how many times have you actually seen it happen?

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:52pm

double post

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

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 7:56pm

Several. As I said, it's up to all of us as a community to be socially aware and responsible. Let's educate those around us and help push the issue by being proactive. Don't be afraid to say something, don't hesitate to go to management, don't be shy about complaining to the owner if management refuses to do anything. If this phone or this conversation is going to literally ruin your ENTIRE experience, it's worth the energy and time.

We cannot control what other people do. Even with rules. But we can encourage and empower each other to help reduce the number of times these disturbances occur.