Alec Saunders SquawkBox

August 20 2005 DRK 012, originally uploaded by Alec Saunders.

I’m pretty pleased with this photo. I hope you enjoy it too.

Over in Goshen, Indiana, the judge has decided that cell phone interruptions are out of countrol. Consequently, cell phones are now banned. 

Cell phones join cameras, which have long been banned from local courtrooms for most proceedings, and weapons.

Over on the Maine Morning Sentinel, the editorial is calling for cell phone numbers to remain unlisted.  The argument is that listing cell phone numbers would make it easier for unwanted callers to intrude.  Some quotes:

The creation of a cell phone directory would almost certainly increase the volume of calls — especially unwanted calls — that many people receive, including those from solicitors and fundraisers.

…the solution is not to suggest that people turn off their cell phones if they want to avoid such calls. First, no one should have to do that. Second, by turning off their phones to avoid irritating calls, they are missing important — or at least less-annoying — calls, too.

A further concern: In many cases, people pay for most or all of the calls they make from or receive on their cell phones. Those minutes should not be wasted on unwelcome, unappreciated interruptions.

The issue of how to manage unwanted interruptions continues to be top of mind, even though solutions like the very popular do-not-call list exist today.

From the Detroit News:  Earth to Cell Headset Users: You’re Not That Important. 

…what worries me most is not the insensitivity of some people who wear the headsets to those around them. But this: the more high-tech we get with cell phones, the more that means that, no matter where I am, or what I may be doing, anybody can ring me up at any time of their choosing.

I hate knowing that. I hate being that accessible. To anybody. Even to my kids. No, especially my kids.

Ultra-connected. Always available.