First off, I appreciate Raleigh for telling me to write about this experience. The other day, I’m sitting in the small waiting room while my car was being worked on, and the other guy in the cramped room answers a call with his Bluetooth headset. And he starts talking… loudly. A true gentleman will notice two issues with my scenario. First – when to wear a headset.
Bluetooth headsets while driving? Okay, keeps you safe.
Bluetooth headsets everywhere else? Not at all okay.
In the Wired magazine piece Ditch the Headset, Marin Jinnett delves into the possible reasons a guy would be mistaken into thinking BT headsets “make them look like the King of Coolsville,” but it really just makes guys look like “Count Clueless of Dorkylvania.” (Jinnett, M., Ditch the Headset, Wired, August 2009) The big reason for this probably has to do with Mr. Bluetooth’s insecurities. Throughout history, people of higher status would separate themselves from the commoners with ornate jewelry and other trinkets. Today’s overt gadget users are the manifestation of that same behavior from previous civilizations; self-ascribed people of status trying to put some social distance over the rest of us “plebs.” (Sorry, you’ve got to dig into your history book to get that last one.) See the footnotes for a link…
Problem numéro deux: Now that we know that Bluetooth headsets belong in the car, let’s address the proper way to use a phone around others. When you answer the phone, go somewhere off to the side or in another room. That way you can have a private convo with your pals and not disturb the people near you. Yes, we all have cell phones now and are fully aware of Bluetooth headsets – nobody’s impressed anymore.
Despite my whine-fest, I really do think new innovations are incredibly helpful. Information is at our fingertips and we can connect like never before. It’s an exciting time to be alive! With all of these conveniences and means of communication, it’s easy to forget the fundamental ways we should behave around and with each other. Trust me, there will be more discussion about the “communication best practices” for aspiring gentleman (and decent human being) in a future installment.
Be considerate of others around you, gentlemen. People will appreciate it.
I think all of the crazy technological innovations have made us less connected to more people... You should write on the importance of face to face relationships vs. Facebook, texts, and e-mails.
ReplyDeleteNice post Joel. Love the Blog! I totally agree with Anonymous. Keep it up bro, not long before the book :)
ReplyDeleteJason LaBaw
Seattle Internet Marketing
Thanks, Anonymous. That's a good point. Actually that very topic will come up in a future installment. I appreciate the idea.
ReplyDeleteHa ha - I appreciate that Jason! It would be cool to eventually write a book. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteNice, a much needed post. I work at Costco and there's nothing more irritating than somebody, men or women alike, talking with their blue tooth and I can't tell if they're answering yes to my question or somebody else's. I think a best practice for everybody in general would be to stay off your cell phones when shopping :)
ReplyDeleteI love pretending that the people on BT headsets or talking loudly on their phone are actually talking to me. Sometimes I answer their questions or offer commentary on their conversation. This is especially fun when its a headed talk!
ReplyDeleteOnly you, Damian. You're an evil genius!
ReplyDeleteHaha I try. Now if I could only edit my comment; headed != heated.
ReplyDeleteHOLY COW!!! THANK YOU for THIS>>> Bluetooth headsets while driving? Okay, keeps you safe.
ReplyDeleteBluetooth headsets everywhere else? Not at all okay.
I want to make a shirt with a pic of a headset and put "Doochbag indicator" AND id wear it proudly!