Waiting for Goodbye
This (non qualifying) post for my Cell Phone Users and Abusers contest has to do with conversation etiquette.
The issue - when is a conversation over? Have you ever had a conversation with someone who is impossible to get off the phone? Someone who will continue to find something to say long after the topic has been exhausted? Someone who responds to every “good bye” with an “oh just one more thing …”? Someone who never picks up the hint that the conversation is OVER?
______________________
WAITING FOR GOODBYE
An existential cell phone drama in one act, by Brad Shorr
ESTRAGON: It’s been fabulous catching up with you on the weather …
VLADIMIR: Agreed! Have you noticed the dew point has risen every day this week?
ESTRAGON: I really must leave for the funeral. It’s my father-in-law, you know.
VLADIMIR: Have you brought in your patio furniture yet? They say it might snow Saturday.
ESTRAGON: Good God! Can we cut this short? A meteor just hit the garage.
VLADIMIR: I brought in my patio furniture last night. The dew point will fall if it snows.
____________________________________________________________________
These situations give me extreme heartburn. And yet it doesn’t end with phone conversations.
- What about email exchanges when both parties seem hell bent on having the last word? Such exchanges can go on for weeks.
- What about blog comments? Do you, as a blog author, feel compelled to respond to every commenter’s comment? What if the commenter has the same compulsion? When is a blog post conversation over?
I guess I’m from the short and sweet school of digital conversation. How about you? Can you chat on for hours, or do you like to keep it brief?
You start a conversation you can’t even finish it.
You’re talkin’ a lot, but you’re not sayin’ anything.
When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed.
Say something once, why say it again? (Talking Heads, Psycho Killer)
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ROFL! I am sure that I have been guilty of droning on, on occasion. I may also be guilty of being too brief at times. I’m actually not much of a phone talker but this makes me think, “have I ever done this, holy horror!” I certainly have been on the receiving end of never ending conversations where I was ready to stab myself to escape the misery.
Karen Swims last blog post..5 Great Blogs You May Not Be Reading
Hi Karen, My guess is most of us don’t realize we’re carrying on. Your commentary is far too interesting to fall into the Vladimir category, so don’t worry!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
LOL! I think you’re right Brad we don’t realize it. I have one relative that I almost have to hang up on every single time, it’s hysterical and once I really did eye a fork and think that the pain would be far less than the conversation. LOL!
Karen Swims last blog post..5 Great Blogs You May Not Be Reading
Karen, LOL back at you. This conversation is now making me think of a related topic, the Meeting that Won’t End. Drives me bonkers. I’ve been in meetings that kept running an hour or more after they could ended. That’s when I start singing those Psycho Killer lyrics. (In my head.)
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
Brad, you’re right this applies in so many settings. I do have a very dear friend who won’t end phone calls, but I’ve learned a) to multi-task quietly while she talks and b) to tell her when it’s time to stop. We’re close enough I can say it without offence.
Meetings that never end… oh yes. Those clever clogs who think of ‘just one more thing’
There’s also ‘leaving the office that never ends’ - I can remember trying to get away from a colleague who’d keep talking when you had your coat on, as you walked out of the room, as you got into the lift… there was no way to stop it!
PS As for blog comments we could give it a try if you like, keep coming back here to comment you can never leave your pc…
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Why You’re Never Too Late To Comment Here
And you forgot to mention the most obvious place for ongoing conversations - Twitter! The problem is, it’s so easy to just keep goin’ and goin’ like the Eveready Bunny. Not that I’ve, er, ever, um, done it myself, you understand…
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Just When They Think You’re Smart
Joanna, Smashing idea about the endless comments!! Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamed of having a 100-comment blog post. Maybe this one could be it! LOL on your story of walking out of a room with your colleague chasing you. That would make a good Scrambled Toast guest post hint hint.
Robert, Twitter … DOH! You are so right. I never know when to end an exchange. It’s so much fun. Do you think it’s the novelty?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
The novelty… and perhaps the ease of use, too. Plus, the spontaneity of it all contributes as much as anything else.
Hey, you wanna go for 100 comments? I’m game! (tweets this post)
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Just When They Think You’re Smart
It’s axiomatic in my family that you have to start saying goodbye about half an hour before you plan to actually leave, because everyone wants to get in that last conversation.
Cam Becks last blog post..Tough Times Are Coming
“… ever since I was a young boy…”
Hey, I just got it! Bwa-ha-ha-ha! (Er, sorry.)
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Just When They Think You’re Smart
I can be chatty, sure. But more and more, I try to respect people’s time by saying. “OK, let’s just talk for a bit. Do you have time for that?”
My friend is the king of cutting a conversation off. He’ll say, “Hey, it’s been great. I gotta run.” And -poof- he’s gone.
Marcus Goodyears last blog post..Names
Interesting post to shoot for 100 comments on. I’m just curious, will the 101st replier be the one who didn’t know when to stop?
Oh, wait, I’m going on and on about nothing. That’s my cue. By the way…..
As it goes, it’s popular to hate cell phone and their users whenever they disturb your life - which is quite frequently.
That fact only added to the drama during a very serious sermon, when the cell phone of a lady next to me went off with one of those particularly obnoxious and loud jangles.
Everybody in this church - where I attended this highly populated talk as a guest - turned and looked all their “I-hate-cell-users-in-church” daggers. The lady with the cell phone seemed to get a kick out of the fact that I appeared to be the culprit and she smiled and looked my way too:-)
See why I hate cell phones in quiet places?
Ellen Webers last blog post..Christmas Shop with the Brain in Mind
I think one of my biggest pet peeves is the person who says in a meeting, “Well, let me play devil’s advocate here…” and you know good a well that means another endless round of arguing about a subject that’s been debated to death.
For me, I’ve got an excuse when I’ve had enough of any phone conversation/meeting/e-mail: “Gee, I’ve got to run now. I just got a call that the transplant is a go for my kidney/heart/brain.” See ya.
Anita Bruzzeses last blog post..10 of the Toughest Interview Questions Ever
It depends. For certain people, my cell is just for quick conversations. For others, I’ll spend at least 30 min. And even then, it doesn’t have so much to do with the person in question as it does have to do with the circumstances. For example, I have a friend that will call me to kill time while commuting home from work.
Jacob from Group Writing Projectss last blog post..A Blog Carnival and A Writing Contest
I guess, I need to get a bigger dream. I am still dreaming about a ten-comment post.
Btw, This was all Hruzek’s idea.
Oh, yeah since I know that Robert Hruzek is going to be coming back to check on this post, would this be a good place to ask how to pronounce his last name?
Yes?
Ok, Robert, How do you pronounce that name?
Luke, it’s quite simple, really. It rhymes with “Smith”. Bwaha-ha-ha-ha! (Y’know; I don’t understand why Mrs. MZM always rolls her eyes when I tell folks that. I personally think it’s genuinely funny. *sigh*)
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Just When They Think You’re Smart
Ellen,
Wow, that was not nice at all. (trying to think of a good revenge strategy) Oh wait, can’t do that at church…. Oh well.
Don’t forget IM chat sessions. They just won’t go away.
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
Ok, so is it Hith or Rith?
Luke, you are so funny! HaHaHaHaHa The church adds a whole new dimension to the revenge stuff - it’s like sending lightning to an iron rod
Ellen Webers last blog post..Christmas Shop with the Brain in Mind
Hi Cam, If your family gets together for a half hour visit, then what? My wife’s family is like yours. My side of the family is more inclined to the quick, no frills exit. I must say I prefer the former! BTW, I really like your blog.
Robert, Am I giving away my age?
Tabetha, Good point about #101. Perhaps that person should win a prize … perhaps a free copy of the Cell Hell book? Also, I just read your latest blog post. It is wonderful, beautiful.
Marcus, Great advice to ask a simple qualifying question - “Do you have time?” It’s as simple as that! Your friend has a knack. Not everyone can execute a quick exit line without coming off like a jerk.
Ellen, This woman you describe needs to be in church in the worst way. That’s about the only positive thing I can say about your story. You should read my Scrambled Toast post on the very same subject - you’ll probably relate.
http://tinyurl.com/6z24hs
Anita, Oh yeah, that devil’s advocate was sent by the devil himself. What about meetings where you have 2 or 3 or 4 people hell bent on playing that role? Time for a heart transplant, I say!
To new guests/commenters, thank you for visiting Word Sell and sharing your ideas!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
Jacob, The commuter time killer phone abuser is a classic category. I do that myself frequently, but I have an excuse. The Chicago traffic is unbearable.
Luke, Thank you for padding the comments on the Road to 100! Something tells me you’re getting a free Cell Phone book.
Sterling, IM Chat! DOH! The possibilities on this topic are as endless as an IM conversation, don’t you think?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
Absolutely. And one good way to perpetuate a conversation is to end each comment with a question. So with that in mind:
What is your quest?
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
Sterling, I like the way you think, don’t you?
You ask a really good question. My quest is to grow closer to God and learn as much as I can about world history. Getting a 100-comment blog post would also be cool.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
Is there any way that I could answer your question in the negative?
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
Sterling, Hedge your bets with a “perhaps”, perhaps?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
That works for me, I’m all about uncertainty.
When you stop questioning, you stop learning — am I right? Perhaps?
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
Sterling, thank you for prolonging this discussion with your thought provoking questions. We could continue this for hours or weeks, but I think a meteor hit my house.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
Ahhh!! Not the meteor! OK, I’ll shut up.
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
I’m not a phone person. Face-to-face? Much better. Any day of the week.
paul merrills last blog post..Why is it that we always want to be somewhere else?
Hi Paul, Thanks for visiting. One of the first participants in this contest, Karen, refuses to own a cell phone. Perhaps all the overuse and abuse of cell phones will bring people around to your point of view. It does seem that cell phone moderation is out the window.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
Gee, looks like we’re well on our way to your goal, Brad!
Luke, I’m sorry; I actually meant to answer earlier. My name is actually pronounced “ru-zak”. The “H” is silent, like the “t” in the word “door” (ba-da-dum!)
Anyway, I use the “I gotta go” technique myself sometimes, although it can be abrupt to the wrong person. But for one friend, we’ve struck a deal that it’s OK to abruptly end because otherwise he’d talk forever. He knows that about himself and it’s fine with him.
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Why I Hate Cell Phones
By the way, if you’re worried about meteors falling on yourself or your loved ones, just wear one of these and you’ll get at least 0.0000073 seconds warning to get out of the way!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Just When They Think You’re Smart
I will have the last word! Muhahahahh!
Parths last blog post..Make your Quick Workout even Quicker by Timing your Workouts
LOL Brad - I hate long phone conversations. And emails that ask me two questions in one go are a real nightmare.
Blog commenters who want to have the last word can be a pain. I never know whether I’ll offend them if I don’t respond again, or if it’s best just to let them get on with it.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Do You Have Business Questions?
Due to this timezone thing I only just a few seconds ago came along your post and this wonderful comment string. Do you the situation in a meeting where the moderator desperately says: “Please no contributions which repeat things that have been said before”, and there is a person (there always is a person) who exactly repeats what one second before has been said by the man or woman sitting beside him or her?
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The cell phone that wasn’t turned off
This is one conversation I’m glad hasn’t ended! I loved the question about Hith or Rith
Re Cath’s comment: I tend not to reply to a second reply to a comment (unless it was a question) for fear it’ll go on forever. And just descend into niceties.
On IM - I do find it hard to know when it’s finished and there are lots of ‘going now’ and ‘that’s me off now’… but it’s such a cheery medium I don’t really mind.
How many more till 100?
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Thinking About Self-Publishing? Read This Book
Parth, Perhaps, but not so easily. PS, I love the word, “muhahahahh”.
Robert, LOL on that pic! Where do you come up with these things?
Cath, Comment etiquette is indeed a theme worthy of conversation. Very Joanna Youngish … maybe she will tackle it. On the phone, short conversers are totally incompatible with long conversers. Maybe we should all identify ourselves instead of saying “hello” when we answer the phone.
Joanna, We’re not even half way to 100, but it’s been fun even if we fall short. Folks are bringing up all sorts of wonderful perspectives on endless conversation.
Ulla, the problem you refer to happens all the time. It actually exposes the root of the problem. People who blather on are oblivious to what people around them are saying, or what their body language is saying. The poor moderator hasn’t got a chance!
I’m with Luke, the ten comment post seems more like a distant dream to me than a nightmare.
As much as I finishing conversations can be difficult is difficult with all forms of electronic communication, face to face is even more difficult.
That’s where I find that there is some consolation to being single. Whenever I am at a social occasion and would like to leave, as a single, there is no need to wait until my partner has finished a conversation. I simply wait for the first polite opportunity to excuse myself.
I can only imagine how difficult this process must be for couples, particularly if one partner is especially talkative.
Andrews last blog post..Guest post from Brad Shorr
Andrew, You’ve put your finger on yet another nightmare scenario. My wife and I have this precise problem. When I’m ready to go, I’m ready to go. She can say good bye for an hour. Actually, as problems go, this is probably a small one. But vexing nonetheless.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..You Know You’re Old When …
Brad,
I thought it was interesting that you mentioned a meteor yesterday and then that big one landed near Edmonton last night. Coincidence?
[…] Shorr over at Word Sell, Inc. has wanted a 100 comment post ever since he was a little kid. I and a few other of his friends […]
Maybe Brad has the power of suggestion? In that case… I suggest you give me a million dollars!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..A Quick Look Ahead
If Brad has that kind of power, count me in for another million Robert! In fact, since it’s just me, 500,000 will do just fine.
Karen Swims last blog post..5 Great Blogs You May Not Be Reading
I’ll tell ya what, Karen; we’ll split it! Oh, and I’m sure there’ll be enough left over to by you a beer, Brad…
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Inlaws and Outlaws
Luke, Could be a coincidence, but I doubt it … thanks for the plug on your blog!
Karen, Robert, If I had the power, and the cash, you two would be toward the top of the list. Can I offer you a couple free copies of the Cell Hell book instead?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..You Know You’re Old When …
Half way!
You still hanging on the phone Brad?
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Mobile Phone Noise: I’m On the Train!!!
(… sound of muzak in the background…) I think we’re still on hold, Joanna. :-\
Anyway; Brad a book sounds like the *ahem* perfect sub for a million dollars. I need a doorstop anyway would love to read it!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Why I Hate Cell Phones
Hmm… well THAT didn’t work too well! Let’s try this comment again…
(… sound of muzak in the background…) I think we’re still on hold, Joanna. :-\
Anyway; Brad a book sounds like the *ahem* perfect sub for a million dollars. I need a doorstop anyway would love to read it!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..A Quick Look Ahead
Oh, I forgot. Strikethroughs don’t work too well here…
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Roamin’ Holiday
But it’s a great opportunity to highlight lots of different posts using that comment luv plug in. Think I’ll give that a whirl too.
What time does Brad get up to answer his phone anyway?
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Why You’re Never Too Late To Comment Here
Maybe he has it switched off on a Saturday. It’ll be a nice surprise when he switches it back on again on Monday morning and finds he’s got to 100…
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Thinking About Self-Publishing? Read This Book
Joanna, that’s what I’ve been doing (er, selecting different posts to highlight). It is nice to have a choice!
But this new Comment Luv plugin won’t display my posts unless I log into Comment Luv first. Weird. I notice many comments up there don’t have a link. I wonder if they just didn’t bother to sign in first. There’s no instructions or anything.
Or maybe it’s just me?
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..A Quick Look Ahead
Robert, you mean you have to keep on logging on, or you had to log on once? I think I did sign in a month or so ago, but haven’t done so again since.
The guy who runs the plugin’s on Twitter - we could always ask him.
Joanna Youngs last blog post..What Do You Look For in a Book Review?
Hi Luke, Joanna, Robert, Wow, with you folks on the job, I can’t put the phone down for a minute. If nothing else this post has uncovered a new way for bloggers to game the Comment Luv system. My Liz Strauss comment counter won’t work … have to update it manually. We can’t figure out what the problem is. Are all WP plugins so finicky?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..You Know You’re Old When …
I think the problem is they interact with each other. I had to switch ajax editor off again the other day because it was generating an error msg. Shame about the comment counter - esp when you’re getting so many comments!
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Mobile Phone Noise: I’m On the Train!!!
Ever since the new version of Comment Luv came out it’s treated me badly. But maybe it just doesn’t play well with others. I’ve avoided updating mine because of that, but now it’s threatening to go AWOL at MZM. Sheesh!
Joanna, I actually logged on once long ago. But every day I have to actually go to the Comment Luv page, then come back here for it to work. I don’t have to log in again (it shows me already logged in), mind you. I just have to go there first before leaving a comment. It’s strange, to say the least.
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Roamin’ Holiday
Robert, that’s odd indeed. I’ll ask the comment luv guy about it next time I’m on Twitter.
How we doin’ numbers wise…? Up into the 60s. Not bad, esp when it’s just you and me!
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Mobile Phone Noise: I’m On the Train!!!
Hey!!! No one called to tell me we were having a party!
How’s everyone doing today? I’m all caught up now on the conversation. I haven’t had to log in to Comment Luv daily either, odd Robert. Well not that you’re odd but the problem is odd…aw shucks you know what I mean. I hope Brad charged his battery because this is going to be a long conversation! 
Whoo hoo, more than halfway to 100, going to round up some more commenters!
Karen Swims last blog post..5 Great Blogs You May Not Be Reading
Boy, this Drive to 100 really shows you who your friends are.
Karen, Now that you’re here we can really party! I’m eagerly awaiting the Northwestern - Illinois game (one of the lamest rivalries in college football), which has Bowl game implications. It could work out that NU winds up in the Motor City Bowl, which, if weren’t aware, takes place in Detroit.
This Comment Luv issue is way over my head, but my WP developer is always leery of uploading new versions of anything.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..You Know You’re Old When …
There are cell phone talkers I know who don’t talk on and on, but don’t give you an opening to close the conversation, either. They’ll just make a comment and leave it hanging out there. You know what I mean? The kind of comment that doesn’t require a response, that kind of finishes off a topic, but doesn’t make it easy to say, “Well, nice talking to you, bye.” Often in conversations with people like this, I feel as though we are not talking to each other, but talking past each other. I’m not explaining this very well. Do you notice you have poor conversational chemistry with some people but can’t explain why exactly?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..You Know You’re Old When …
Brad, do you mean you’re looking for an opportunity to close the conversation here?!
In relation to the plugins - I’m the opposite, I always update them straight away because otherwise I feel like I’m breaking a ‘rule’. But I still feel like I’m learning the WP ropes - not sure that I’m doing it right at all.
Karen - hi! Hope you’re having a good weekend
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Mobile Phone Noise: I’m On the Train!!!
Cool, I posted the half way comment, and came back just in time to post the two-thirds post.
I wonder if CommentLuv is making you visit each day to increase page views?
Looks like I came late to this morning’s party. We really need to better on scheduling these things. Oh well, it was for a good cause.
Luke Gedeons last blog post..One hundred comments on a single post
Oh cool!!!!
I finally got CommentLuv to work.
Speaking of which, I am changing this one to link to my Thanksgiving Group Writing Project. Will you all help me spread the word?
Luke Gedeons last blog post..Seven Things I am Thankful For - A Thanksgiving Group Writing project
Hi Luke, thanks for changing the link - I gave the post a stumble. My blogging schedule’s a bit choc a block next week so don’t think I’ll have time to write a post I’m afraid.
Brad, now I’m wondering if you read Barbara Swafford’s excellent post on Thursday - be careful what you wish for…?
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Quotes on Experimenting, Writing, Art and Life
Brad, I’ve always been leery of updating stuff willy-nilly too. You never know when something’s gonna break my installation, y’know, and I don’t have the know-how to fix it. I kinda like that “auto plugin install” routine, but it doesn’t work for the Comment Luv plugin!
And last time I auto upgraded WP, it lost my Akismet installation! In the 4 hours it took to reinstate it I musta had 50 spam get through.
By the way, Howdy, Karen! Glad you made it!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Bird in the Hand
@Robert: the way I avoid that is to install WP on a subdomain and play around with it before upgrading my live site. It doesn’t even require a new domain name. Mine’s at http://testwp.camdensoftware.com, and it’s almost always in some ugly state while I’m playing around with WordPress.
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
Sterling, Robert, Sometimes I wish I knew programming. It’d be nice to figure this stuff out for myself.
Joanna, We can keep conversing as long as the collective wishes.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..What Are You Thankful For?
Howdy Sterling! Y’know, that sounds like great advice.
Except…
When it comes to messing with my WP setup directly, I’m a yellow-bellied, lily-livered chicken! I’d much rather get someone who is comfortable with that sort of thing do it for me, even if I have to pay ‘em.
(Note: I know it sounded like it, but that was not a hint. I have someone who will do it if I ask ‘em.)
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Why I Hate Cell Phones
Joanna,
Thanks for the stumble. And, if you decide to post late, I will still link to you.
Luke Gedeons last blog post..Do you have any idea what I am talking about?
@Robert: well, even if you have someone else to do it, it makes sense to “try it before you buy it” and have them upgrade a scratch space and test before you go live. I do that with every WordPress upgrade, because plugins and theme code seem to get broken frequently.
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
I know what you mean, Sterling. I usually give it a bit of time before upgrading anything just to see if there’s a howl of protest from users first. Prudent thing to do, you know.
@Brad - You still got that busy signal? Or have they graduated you to the Muzak track yet?
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Why I Hate Cell Phones
I’m impressed that you guys are still at it! Thought I’d pop by to say “hi!” Wonder what number I will be?
Tabethas last blog post..Are Home Schoolers Socialized? Part 3
OH COOL!! I think I got comment #77!! It’s a cool number and my birth year!!
Tabethas last blog post..Are Home Schoolers Socialized? Part 3
OH COOL!! I think I got comment #77!! It’s a cool number and my birth year!!
Hey everyone! I didn’t want to go off to bed without saying goodnight. I’m #78! Sterling, one of my tech friends shared that same tip with me and it totally makes sense! I plan to use it soon. I skipped the last two WP upgrades, well I didn’t really skip as much as installed, broke my blog, had to figure out how to fix it (thank goodness I had made three back-ups different locations, I’m paranoid about that stuff) and had uninstall the install. Uh oh, I just did it didn’t I? I went on and on, okay well bye for now. 78! Not bad! Almost there!
Karen Swims last blog post..5 Great Blogs You May Not Be Reading
Morning everyone! We’re up to 80. Sadly not my birth year Tabetha
But a good sign that we’re close to hitting 100 
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Mobile Phone Noise: I’m On the Train!!!
Morning from Berlin! Here winter has come, with snowfalls and icy temperatures. While I am writing this I can see white roofs and a blue sky with clouds.
I am on wordpress.com so I cannot install anyhing. I am thinking about moving to wordpress.org now and then, but then I am afraid of the process of moving files.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The cell phone that wasn’t turned off
(sound of Muzak…)
Gee, Ulla; you’re makin’ me shiver just imagining it! Brrrr!
I loved that video of the guy on the train! If the phone had been as big, I woulda thought I ran into him yesterday…
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Inlaws and Outlaws
Calls with my father have the opposite problem–he’ll call, I’ll answer and say hello, and then … silence. Trying to get him to talk! Frustrating! And finally, I’ll have to say, “I’m hanging up now” just to end the conversation.
(Although, to be fair, this doesn’t happen on ALL calls, just, for some reason, the ones on cellphones.)
–Debs last blog post..Pondering
Cheers to Joanna for twittering me over here.
I won’t answer my freakin’ phone on Friday or Saturday nights if the caller ID shows my brother’s number. It means he’s already into his pints and THAT means a long and circular conversation.
ME: “Well, ok then. Hey dude I gotta bail - dinner’s on the table.”
HIM: “Sure! I love you, man! Have you heard from So and So?”
Ugh.
So then I gotta get up off the couch, go downstairs, get the electric razor and hold it up to the phone:
“Hey -buzzzzzzzzz cell-buz-buzzzzzzzz is dyin’ -buzzzzzzzzz damned coverage - buzz - buzz-buzz - click.
Man.
Ok, cheers all!
George
Tumblemooses last blog post..Should a writer self-publish?
I hate talking on the phone for this very reason. I don’t do the small talk thing. If I want to know what you’re doing, I’ll check your Twitter timeline or status message on IM.
That being said, the primary way I avoid wasting time on the phone is to avoid picking it up at all costs. Text me, Email me, IM me, anything except actually calling me. I can easily ignore you or put you on the back burner this way.
Sounds evil, I know…but I got stuff to do. LOL
Rahsheens last blog post..What Do You Do When You Need iPod Repair?
Some time ago I went by train to the south of Germany to visit my family. It was one of these fast trains called ICE, and they have 1st and 2nd class. Because of the rather long way to my destination (more than 7 hours) I decided to take the 1st class and found myself surrounded by businessmen, either hacking away at their laptops or using their cell phones. It is amazing what you learn about the inner structures of companies or the way they treat their secretaries. One of the businessmen almost wiped the floor with one of his secretaries (the poor woman at the other end!), calling her lazy and incapable.
Pretty good marketing that was!
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Winter in Berlin
Wow, I’m glad I followed the link Karen shared on Twitter. This is hilarious! I’ve been stuck in those phone conversations myself. I’ll admit to keeping e-mails going. I guess those are the personal ones (just to make sure we keep in touch). Maybe those aren’t so bad? If they are… my bad! LOL
Awesome post, Brad.
*smiles*
Michele
Micheles last blog post..Subscribe With My New Custom Feed Dolly!
@George, that razor trick is an inspired idea!
@Ulla, I’m often astonished about what people will say about their businesses over the phone too. They tend not to show themselves in a good light at all.
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Mobile Phone Noise: I’m On the Train!!!
@Joanna: or what they’ll say about themselves online! (Guess I shouldn’t talk)
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
Sterling, that is very true. Some of the things I read on Twitter - about clients for example - is beyond me. It’s similar to the mobile phone phenomenon - forgetting that other people can hear.
Okay, that’s us got to 90! Nearly there…
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Mobile Phone Noise: I’m On the Train!!!
Happy Sunday - Thank you all for extending this conversation on your day off. It occurs to me that this post is beginning to resemble Waiting for Godot, the play on which it was based, more than ever! For all of you conversing on this post, I owe you big. How can I repay?
Tabetha, Congrats on hitting #77. I was sound asleep.
Joanna, Congrats on #80. Robert pointed out this post is a spontaneous experiment - right in line with your blogging theme!
Ulla, Your description of winter is beautiful. Sounds as though you are in for a long one. I look forward to your winter photos very much. I hope executives read your comment about the bully on the train. It’s quite instructive and a little scary. How many orders and customers are lost because of inane behavior on mobiles?
Deb, Have you discovered a new type of cell phone phenomenon - the person whose phone behavior differs depending on the phone being used? Maybe cell phones are mysterious to your father and he’s uncomfortable talking into one. I kind of felt that way at first.
Tumblemoose, “Already into his pints”. Love it. So expressive. Have you considered contacting the cell phone companies and suggesting adding an electric razor and selling them as a kit? The Conversation Stopper Mobile Kit. I know companies that could do the packaging.
Rahsheen, Thanks for visiting WS and being so frank. A friend of mine sounds a lot like you. Whenever I call him he does a medium shift and texts me or emails me back. After 7+ years of this you’d think I’d get the hint. Your communication approach sounds more practical than evil.
Michele, Glad you swung over! The question on an email or phone convo is, when is the conversation over? How many times is it necessary to exchange “see you later”’s? Some of us have last-worditis. Sounds like you have that tendency on personal emails. For me, it’s blog commenting. It’s not necessarily bad, but it will annoy certain people. It all comes back to conversational compatibility, a concept I’m developing in this string of comments …
Brad Shorrs last blog post..What Are You Thankful For?
Ulla, Joanna, Sterling -
Yes, it’s amazing what people have no problem sharing about themselves on the cell phone, isn’t it? Many’s the time I’ve been tempted to turn to them and loudly announce, “Why don’t you take this call somewhere else? Nobody here wants to hear it!”
At least, that’s how it goes in my head. In actual practice, it would probably turn out they’re in training for the Olympic Wrestling Foundation. Or something.
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..A Quick Look Ahead
Robert, What if these cell phone blowhards are not actually talking to someone? Maybe the phone is a prop and the bluster is in reality a desperate cry for help.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..What Are You Thankful For?
“…a desperate cry for help.”
Or maybe fishing for someone to complain so they can take out their aggressions on them.
Sterling Camdens last blog post..Chipping the web: November 19th
Too funny. Though I must admit…I’m probably one of those people who rambles on too much, especially in email. :-\
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Nearly there… I just wanted to pick up on this idea before it got buried: The Conversation Stopper Mobile Kit - inspired!
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Why You’re Never Too Late To Comment Here
Amy, Now that you are focused, that rambling behavior will stop.
Sterling, A rather cynical view, but it may be accurate. I’d be afraid to approach any of these folks. Guaranteed headache regardless of their motives.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..What Are You Thankful For?
Actually Brad; you may have a point there. What if these poor folks are really just desperados looking to get help? I think you should take it upon yourself to just grab the phone from them in an intervention! Go ahead - just do it!
Just, er, let us know how that works for ya…
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..A Quick Look Ahead