Could you manage without a cell phone?

[ChadTower]

If you were arguing against the evils of Twitter and the like, however, we'd probably be on the same page.

Actually, if you were paying closer attention, you'd notice that I haven't said once that I am against cell phones.  I went out of my way to say I don't care who has them and likes them.  They exist, most people love them, I'm fine with that.

What I am against is the attitude that I am obligated to have one.  I am against the exact attitude you're presenting.  You want it, you have it, go have fun.  It doesn't bother me.  Shoving the thing on people who don't want it and telling them they are irresponsible is the problem.  Not once, in this entire thread, did I say anyone who likes their phone should get rid of it.

The whole "you might need to save someone's life" idea is a crock of crap.  How exactly is having that phone supposed to help when most people would drive right past a car flipped in a ditch to begin with?  Few people here are willing to be an hour late for work in order to help someone in trouble.  That was true before cell phones and it's true now.

[NightGod]

Short answer: no. It's way too critical for my work to be able to call customers from the road. I used to manage without one, but that was back in the days when you could actually find a payphone at almost every gas station and restaurant. These days it would be basically impossible for me to do my job efficiently without one. I actually ended up in a town where I had no cell coverage (a college town at that *sigh* if I drove 1/4 mile out of town in any direction, I was fine, but actually in the town borders-nada) and spent 20 minutes trying to find a payphone when I learned the customer I had to service was inside a locked dorm. Finally found one at a defunct gas station...that only accepted calling cards. In the end, I stopped at another gas station and one of the employees was awesome enough to let me use her phone.

My simple answer to avoiding the "OMG WHY AREN'T YOU TEXTING/CALLING ME BACK IN 30 SECONDS" is that I condition friends to expect occasional long delays from the start. Sometimes I reply in seconds, sometimes I reply a day or three later. Once people are used to it from you, you avoid all the annoyance.

I've also been stuck off the road in a ditch in the middle of nowhere a few times (once that ditch looked a LOT shallower for a turn around but ended up being full of snow and the other time a snow plow had literally plowed the road closed under an overpass and didn't bother to tell anyone, even the state police). Mile+ to the nearest house and dead of winter. You can be damn sure I was glad I had my phone to call my insurance company for a tow truck then.

[Samstag]

My simple answer to avoiding the "OMG WHY AREN'T YOU TEXTING/CALLING ME BACK IN 30 SECONDS" is that I condition friends to expect occasional long delays from the start. Sometimes I reply in seconds, sometimes I reply a day or three later. Once people are used to it from you, you avoid all the annoyance.

This has worked well for me too.  I turn my phone off or turn the ringer/vibration off when I'm busy or don't want to be bothered sometimes, so when I choose to ignore a call people who know me can choose to believe that I just wasn't aware of it.

[Vigo]

My simple answer to avoiding the "OMG WHY AREN'T YOU TEXTING/CALLING ME BACK IN 30 SECONDS" is that I condition friends to expect occasional long delays from the start. Sometimes I reply in seconds, sometimes I reply a day or three later. Once people are used to it from you, you avoid all the annoyance.

This has worked well for me too.  I turn my phone off or turn the ringer/vibration off when I'm busy or don't want to be bothered sometimes, so when I choose to ignore a call people who know me can choose to believe that I just wasn't aware of it.

Does not work for me, and it is frustrating. I've had a cell phone for 7 years, and to this day my friends cannot understand why I don't pick up or reply to a text at any given moment. I think it is something that began in my generation, as people 3-5 years older than me usually don't seem to have this problem.

[Samstag]

Does not work for me, and it is frustrating. I've had a cell phone for 7 years, and to this day my friends cannot understand why I don't pick up or reply to a text at any given moment. I think it is something that began in my generation, as people 3-5 years older than me usually don't seem to have this problem.

It does take longer to teach younger people this lesson, but it can always be taught if you're persistent.  If they have trouble getting it, give them a second number for emergency situations.  Here in the US I give them 911.

[RandyT]

What I am against is the attitude that I am obligated to have one.  I am against the exact attitude you're presenting.  You want it, you have it, go have fun.  It doesn't bother me.  Shoving the thing on people who don't want it and telling them they are irresponsible is the problem.  Not once, in this entire thread, did I say anyone who likes their phone should get rid of it.

The whole "you might need to save someone's life" idea is a crock of crap.  How exactly is having that phone supposed to help when most people would drive right past a car flipped in a ditch to begin with?  Few people here are willing to be an hour late for work in order to help someone in trouble.  That was true before cell phones and it's true now.

Heh.  If you have never, ever, used someone else's cell phone, or expect them to use it for you when you get into a jam, then by all means, rock on with your disconnected self.  Otherwise, you are just looking for someone else to pick up your slack, and that would not be very nice of you.  If you don't physically have the means to get one, that's a different situation, but otherwise there's not much else to say about the angle from which you are coming.  Of course, you will be fine without one, because few would deny you if you needed to borrow one.  But you can't expect there not to be at least a little resentment when you do.

[Hoopz]

It's no different than any of the following when they came out:

indoor toilets
radio
television
home telephone
color television
remote control television
video games
personal computer
cordless telephone
CD player
satellite television
DVDs
HD television

remote keyless car entry fobs
microwave ovens
cordless power tools

None of them are a necessity to exist but some of them add more value to your daily life (some more than others).  Anyone can look at all the crap in their life and I'd bet than 80-90% of it isn't necessary.

I think some/most of my list can add value whether it's entertainment or safety or whatever.  I've had a cell phone for almost 15 years.  For a few years, I had one for work and one personal cell.  I recently ditched my personal and only use my work phone.  I'll argue that it is much more than a phone though.  Besides a communication device with email and texting, it's also a PC that I can do quite a few things on like web browsing, updating Google Docs, completing forms in pdf format etc.  It's not always the easiest way to do it but it's not hard either.

We got rid of the land line about 10 years ago or so.  I'm not sure that I'll ever have one again.  With kids in the house, it's something that I think about because of 911/babysitter situations.  Regardless, when I did have a land line and what I still do with my cell phone is if I don't either recognize the number or I don't want to talk, I don't pick up.  Period.  It doesn't matter who it is or when it is.  Just because I have a phone (cell or land), I have never felt obligated to answer.  It's my time that I'm on, not theirs.  I also don't call people back if they don't leave a message.  Just because I have called ID and see that someone calls doesn't mean I'm going to do anything.  If you want to talk me, leave a message.

[newkillergenius]

Chad- don't ---smurfing--- give in.   The way I see it, no news is good news.

I could live with only an NES & TV, produce, water, beer and my car.  

Now would I prefer to?

[Mikezilla]

My simple answer to avoiding the "OMG WHY AREN'T YOU TEXTING/CALLING ME BACK IN 30 SECONDS" is that I condition friends to expect occasional long delays from the start. Sometimes I reply in seconds, sometimes I reply a day or three later. Once people are used to it from you, you avoid all the annoyance.

This has worked well for me too.  I turn my phone off or turn the ringer/vibration off when I'm busy or don't want to be bothered sometimes, so when I choose to ignore a call people who know me can choose to believe that I just wasn't aware of it.

Does not work for me, and it is frustrating. I've had a cell phone for 7 years, and to this day my friends cannot understand why I don't pick up or reply to a text at any given moment. I think it is something that began in my generation, as people 3-5 years older than me usually don't seem to have this problem.

Its even worse when they know you have an iphone. "Dude, you have an iphone, I know you check that thing constantly, why didnt you text/call me back?" Are you serious? Just cause I have an iphone doesnt mean Im on the damn thing all the time. Sheesh. 

I also notice a lot of you have a "car in the ditch" problem. Thats gotta suck.

[CheffoJeffo]

Its even worse when they know you have an iphone. "Dude, you have an iphone, I know you check that thing constantly, why didnt you text/call me back?" Are you serious? Just cause I have an iphone doesnt mean Im on the damn thing all the time. Sheesh. 

Imagine if you had a phone that confirmed delivery of messages ...   

As I read this thread, I am reminded of the various "How do I get my Wife/GF/SO to let me build a cab?" threads where the younger guys rag on the older guys about how they have to stand up and keep the wife in line.

It seems to be the younger guys taking crap for not responding to a stupid text message.

 

[CheffoJeffo]

  Regardless, when I did have a land line and what I still do with my cell phone is if I don't either recognize the number or I don't want to talk, I don't pick up.  Period.  It doesn't matter who it is or when it is.  Just because I have a phone (cell or land), I have never felt obligated to answer.  It's my time that I'm on, not theirs.  I also don't call people back if they don't leave a message.  Just because I have called ID and see that someone calls doesn't mean I'm going to do anything.  If you want to talk me, leave a message.

 

You can stay on the lawn!

[Mikezilla]

Its even worse when they know you have an iphone. "Dude, you have an iphone, I know you check that thing constantly, why didnt you text/call me back?" Are you serious? Just cause I have an iphone doesnt mean Im on the damn thing all the time. Sheesh. 

Imagine if you had a phone that confirmed delivery of messages ...   

As I read this thread, I am reminded of the various "How do I get my Wife/GF/SO to let me build a cab?" threads where the younger guys rag on the older guys about how they have to stand up and keep the wife in line.

It seems to be the younger guys taking crap for not responding to a stupid text message.

 

Dear god that would be terrible. "I saw that you read my text at 12:49 but you didnt respond til 1:15. WTF?!" Haha man.  
Cause this generation doesnt know what the hell being a man is about. I saw a dude wearing a "deep V" t-shirt and "man-prees" (sp?) and claims to be a heterosexual. Yeah, my GF might pee the bed once in awhile, at least she isnt telling me how to dress. Pfffft. My gf keeps wanting to move in with me and I keep telling her no. Just cause I bought a house with 3 rooms doesnt mean I want my GF living with me.  

[leapinlew]

I'm late to the party but whats the story here? Chad wants everyone to support his disconnected lifestyle and when people are pointing out good reasons why he's wrong he's mad that people expect him to have a cell phone?

I mean... you could manage without electricity too, but I'm sure you see the benefits and convenience.  Get a phone, but don't be one of those guys who's glued to their phone. Carrying a cell phone is the responsible thing to do. I've seen this cell phone argument transform over the last 10 years.

At first it was "I don't want a cell phone. I don't need to be connected all the time". Now they have a cell phone and can't imagine life without it. Remember when we would all meet at the mall at a certain time? We'd spend 30-45 minutes looking for our friends by wandering around not knowing if they arrived at the mall at all?

Then it was "I don't need to text. It's easier and faster to call". What a LOL that is. Sure, in theory it's quicker but good luck getting on/off the phone with someone you haven't talked with in 2 months and all you need to know is how they made rice krispie treats.

Now it's "I just need my phone to be a phone. I don't need all those apps." Here we go again.

Get a phone or don't... but not having a cell is like not having a computer at home.

[Hoopz]

Yeah, my GF might pee the bed once in awhile, at least she isnt telling me how to dress.

WTF?  How did this conversation get here?
 

[Vigo]

Yeah, my GF might pee the bed once in awhile, at least she isnt telling me how to dress.

WTF?  How did this conversation get here?
 

Doesn't every good thread eventually turn to the running joke of Mike's GF peeing the bed? 

[newkillergenius]

 
I have a few barely pissed on mattresses if you're interested.

[Donkbaca]

I am a manager of a cell phone store, so no, I couldn't manage without cell phones.

[Gray_Area]

Too many people today don't seem to want to manage themselves.

+1

Yeah, and then some perv asks for a video of it and offers $5 or so.


Offer still stands, Mike, LMK!

+2

[Mikezilla]

Yeah, and then some perv asks for a video of it and offers $5 or so.


Offer still stands, Mike, LMK!

Hoopz, Vigo, and PBJ...You guys are hilarious. Thanks for making my work day not suck. 

[SNAAKE]

I am a manager of a cell phone store, so no, I couldn't manage without cell phones.

 

[Donkbaca]

Actually, that's a complete lie, I'm not a cell phone store manager but hey my real name isn't donkbaca either. That's what the internets are for, really.

Its like when me and my buddies were in our early 20's we got fake business cards made up to get into fancy bars and impress chicks.  Mine said "Joe Bruckheimer - Dolphin Trainer".  Told people that Jerry Bruckheimer was my dad, and that luckily, because he was so wealthy, I could pursue my childhood dream and become a dolphin trainer.  Nobody knows what Jerry Bruckheimer looks like, or how old he is, so for all they knew, he WAS my dad.  Nothing makes chicks melt faster then saying you work with Dolphins, except for maybe if you worked with Dolphins AND your dad was some sort of billionaire Hollywood type.  Its amazing what people will believe if its printed on a nice business card.  It was a pretty sweet set up,you meet some crazy broads.  One time  I met this one chick that kept pissing the bed and bothered me about letting her move in with me.....

[Ond]

This thread has improved by 22.7 %

[Donkbaca]

Feel free to steal my business card idea. Maybe I should name my next cab the dolphin trainer and send my old business cards to Ray B

[Vigo]

Feel free to steal my business card idea. Maybe I should name my next cab the dolphin trainer and send my old business cards to Ray B

  I don't know, Ray might be conscientious that dolphin training could be considered dorky.

[Mikezilla]

 One time  I met this one chick that kept pissing the bed and bothered me about letting her move in with me.....

Yes, she is hot. Cmon now, she HAS to be!!!

Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- that was great. Good form Donk. 

[yotsuya]

Dude, it's clear chicks aren't into business cards any more. It's all about douchy clothes and being dumb.

[SNAAKE]

douchy hair with hightlights work too...Id know..

[HaRuMaN]

There's a pic of SNAAAKE here somewhere, bit I'm too lazy to look for it...

[Hoopz]

There's a pic of SNAAAKE here somewhere, bit I'm too lazy to look for it...

Wasn't that the one with his blanket in the picture?   

[SNAAKE]

There's a pic of SNAAAKE here somewhere, bit I'm too lazy to look for it...

new hair

[lilshawn]

Dude, it's clear chicks aren't into business cards any more. It all about douchy clothes and being dumb.

[newkillergenius]

There's a pic of SNAAAKE here somewhere, bit I'm too lazy to look for it...

new hair

Maurice Moss?   

[Dude111]

Just curious.  It's a topic people constantly bring up with me because I don't have one.

I dont have one either AND DONT WANT ONE!!!!!

I value my privacy......

[Gray_Area]

Just curious.  It's a topic people constantly bring up with me because I don't have one.

I dont have one either AND DONT WANT ONE!!!!!

I value my privacy......

Are you worried about being spied on?

[lcddream]

In response to the original question - yes.

[Blanka]

I can manage, but a lot of people around me can't manage I don't have one. Subscriptions on cellphones should be paid by the ones who want to call you, not by the non-caller. I see a bright future for a plan where you as owner can set a percentage of montly costs and direct it too various callers in your addressbook. I would have 3 people pay for everything then....

[Bones]

Don't own one and never have.

[DCsegaDH]

I have a Tracfone, but it's only for emergencies like car problems. I don't really care for cellphones, so yes, I could manage without one.

[Blanka]

Looks like the users here are not the average... 

[Ed_McCarron]

Nope.  I can be on the road 3, 4 hours a day and customers expect to be able to reach me.  I want to eat?  I need a cellphone.

Some of us have jobs that we don't clock out of.