Tech Etiquette

How many wireless devices do you wear? There are several cardinal sins that should be avoided:

• Putting your phone on the table when you arrive at a restaurant. All electronic devices belong out of sight.

• Making calls in elevators. Texting works best.

• Disruptive ringing. Your phone should be turned off in quiet places and meetings—switch to vibrate.

• Taking calls in the company of others is rude.

• Serial calls. Making long calls or one call after another on public transportation or in public places is inconsiderate. Some people think the world is their office.

• Talking too loudly or offensively. It is like secondhand smoke. You just can’t escape it.

• Holding a phone or text-messaging while driving. It is tempting, but taking your eyes off the road to dial, read, or send a message is just plain dangerous.

• Not being able to resist glancing at your e-mails at a meeting or restaurant. Few things are more irritating than speaking to someone who is obviously distracted.

• E-mails that never end. Keep your messages brief, especially since so many people are reading their messages on handheld devices.