Online Poll: "Should Cell Phones Be Banned in Certain Places?"

Instructions: Cell phones are fast becoming a part of nearly everyone's daily life. If you don't own a cell phone, you know many who do. As our society continues to embrace this new technology, there are many etiquette norms we have yet to figure out. For cell phones, one of the primary debates is whether there some places people just shouldn't use phones. Visit http://www.cellmanners.com/polls/ and vote for where, if anywhere, you think people should not be allowed to use a cell phone. After you vote, check the running totals. While you're at it, click on the "forum" and read about other people's experiences as both caller and bystander.

Have you ever heard a cell phone ring in the middle of a lecture? What should the instructor or speaker do if that occurs? Do you think there are some places where cell phones should not be allowed? Do you think it's better to try and get voluntary compliance from people not to use their cell phone in those places, or is it better simply to ban the phones outright?

In summary: The use of cell phones in everyday life is still a relatively new phenomenon for most people. While we're all trying to figure out what is appropriate cell phone usage and what isn't, the best etiquette advice is to err on the side of discretion. If in doubt, shut your cell phone off or take the call outside. For further discussion and suggestions on how to use a cell phone in a polite and respectful manner, consult Chapter Nine.