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Are things really better?
I was thinking about the days before we had mobile phones (Mr PP and myself), in fact back in 1996, we didnt even have a landline phone in the house and had to go to the phonebox to make any calls.
My first mobile phone was quite a chunky thing and cost 50 pence a min to make a call and I remember yelling down the phone to my Dad 'Im calling from a mobile, cant speak long' and then hanging up. Why I felt the need to yell when I was on a mobile or even call him to tell him and then hang up I do not know. Its a bit like when you first go abroad you have to call someone in your family - anyone will do, just so you can say 'I am calling from Turkey' and you adopt that loud, slow voice as though you are talking to someone that can't understand you. The first time I got a computer and connected to the internet, I remember saying to Mr PP 'Thats it, we are on the internet now' and then feeling nervous about how much it would cost as we had a 'freeserve' account and were charged by the minute. 'Be careful' Mr PP said rather nervously and I would gaze at Internet Explorer and decide it was indeed dangerous and then disconnect feeling a bit 'naughty' for going on the world wide web. Then I got a laptop and joined AOL - Oh how I loved their site, it was like a well designed living room and I had unlimited internet dial up and would be on there all night, having been sucked into the evils of the net and that was even before I had heard of BE so there is no hope for me now :eek:. Mobile phones got smaller, cheaper, more efficient. Computers got cheaper and more accessible and that meant we could be contacted at any time. The other night I was on the internet (BE and Facebook if you must know:o) and my phone rang and it was someone from work needing some info, I have a wealth of information on my crappy shitty 'big mistake' of a Nokia E72 (regret does not even cover it and Im stuck with the bastard for 2 years), so I was able to help my colleague. Are our lives better for this technology? Did you prefer the days when a day off meant just that and you couldnt be contacted? Or do you like the feeling that people can get in touch whenever they want? I love new gadgets and am continually fascinated with how stuff develops and will admit to wondering how we managed without computers and phones. But sometimes, just sometimes I do miss the days where you couldnt be 'found' and your day off was your day off and nothing could disturb it. :) |
Re: Are things really better?
I absolutely wish we could go back to the days before mobiles. Commuting now is like travelling in a giant phonebox, being assaulted by 10 different conversations held by people who have no indoor voice. If someone calls and can't get you immediately you get the 'OMG where are you, I've been trying to reach you for 12 seconds' hysterical voicemail. Grrr..
I liked being off work meaning I was off work, I hate my husbands clients calling him on a Sunday afternoon simply because THEY have no life and can't wait until Monday morning. Back in the day, if I was late people waited for me, there was no need to know where I was 24/7. Somedays I want to go live in a field.... :blink: |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Professional Princess
(Post 8651735)
I was thinking about the days before we had mobile phones (Mr PP and myself), in fact back in 1996, we didnt even have a landline phone in the house and had to go to the phonebox to make any calls.
My first mobile phone was quite a chunky thing and cost 50 pence a min to make a call and I remember yelling down the phone to my Dad 'Im calling from a mobile, cant speak long' and then hanging up. Why I felt the need to yell when I was on a mobile or even call him to tell him and then hang up I do not know. Its a bit like when you first go abroad you have to call someone in your family - anyone will do, just so you can say 'I am calling from Turkey' and you adopt that loud, slow voice as though you are talking to someone that can't understand you. The first time I got a computer and connected to the internet, I remember saying to Mr PP 'Thats it, we are on the internet now' and then feeling nervous about how much it would cost as we had a 'freeserve' account and were charged by the minute. 'Be careful' Mr PP said rather nervously and I would gaze at Internet Explorer and decide it was indeed dangerous and then disconnect feeling a bit 'naughty' for going on the world wide web. Then I got a laptop and joined AOL - Oh how I loved their site, it was like a well designed living room and I had unlimited internet dial up and would be on there all night, having been sucked into the evils of the net and that was even before I had heard of BE so there is no hope for me now :eek:. Mobile phones got smaller, cheaper, more efficient. Computers got cheaper and more accessible and that meant we could be contacted at any time. The other night I was on the internet (BE and Facebook if you must know:o) and my phone rang and it was someone from work needing some info, I have a wealth of information on my crappy shitty 'big mistake' of a Nokia E72 (regret does not even cover it and Im stuck with the bastard for 2 years), so I was able to help my colleague. Are our lives better for this technology? Did you prefer the days when a day off meant just that and you couldnt be contacted? Or do you like the feeling that people can get in touch whenever they want? I love new gadgets and am continually fascinated with how stuff develops and will admit to wondering how we managed without computers and phones. But sometimes, just sometimes I do miss the days where you couldnt be 'found' and your day off was your day off and nothing could disturb it. :) |
Re: Are things really better?
Got to buck the trend a bit here, and admit I love my phones, ipod and laptop :wub: I'm not a real techie type, not interested in all the ipad stuff, electronic books and all that, but I do like the ability to be in constant contact with friends and family - and even work.
I guess part of it stems from being in a job where I'm effectively on-call all the time (if the bomb drops or the tsunami threatens, we'll all be called in) and its a job that relies on phones, blackberries, emails etc. before this role I worked as an officer on-call for one week in seven, everywhere I went, and I mean everywhere, I had a blackberry in one pocket and a mobile in the other. Even now, doing the same job in the office, the phones have to be put to the blackberry whenever we leave the desk, and failure to answer a call is rumoured to be punishable by death at the hands of a firing squad:eek: So its kind-of merged with real life, my laptop goes everywhere with me, rarely switched off while I'm awake,and I have two mobile phones which only get turned off when I'm on a flight! Must sounds really geeky, but it fits my lifestyle, and its just habit now to live this way. I'm lost without my mobiles which vibrate frantically if I'm walking anywhere as my ears are firmly plugged into my ipod! Having said all that though, I don't like answering mobiles in public - on buses and trains etc - cos I don't think its fair on other travellers. However addicted people are I think its only fair to consider other people who aren't quite as sad and don't live on their gadgets :sneaky: Although I live on my phones its almost all text messages, cos I prefer that level of privacy in my life still. Likewise I'm a big facebook user, but am very limiting as to who I have as friends, cos its mostly for family and people close to me - very different from me on BE. |
Re: Are things really better?
While packing and sorting through old junk for the big move I came across a box in the loft which had a few old phones in it. There was a first edition motorola startak and the dancall dc1. These were my first phones and you couldn't even text on them.
I also found my 'caner' it was a NEC P3 analogue mobile the size of a brick which had been chipped. All you had to do was buy a set of numbers from some dodgy lads, type the code into the phone and instantly it cloned someone elses phone number. It also had a scanner function on it where you typed a code into it and you could listen in to other analogue phones in the area. Anyone who was into telecommunications in the early 90's will know about this. So if your phone number was cloned in the ealy 90's, sorry it was probably me racking up your phone bill ;) |
Re: Are things really better?
I was only thinking about this yesterday ....
We wouldn't have looked at moving so far without the power of technology. But I can remember my first phone could only store 20 numbers in it! :rofl: |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by perksy
(Post 8652040)
While packing and sorting through old junk for the big move I came across a box in the loft which had a few old phones in it. There was a first edition motorola startak and the dancall dc1. These were my first phones and you couldn't even text on them.
I also found my 'caner' it was a NEC P3 analogue mobile the size of a brick which had been chipped. All you had to do was buy a set of numbers from some dodgy lads, type the code into the phone and instantly it cloned someone elses phone number. It also had a scanner function on it where you typed a code into it and you could listen in to other analogue phones in the area. Anyone who was into telecommunications in the early 90's will know about this. So if your phone number was cloned in the ealy 90's, sorry it was probably me racking up your phone bill ;) I feel naked without my mobile to be honest. |
Re: Are things really better?
I'm very envious of all the kids/teenagers growing up today.
When I was entering my teens and learning about the birds and bees it was a real effort getting hold of some decent pornography. You had to raid your mates dad's secret stash of dodgy videos, or hunt down discarded and ripped jazz mags from dumpsites. These days kids have all sorts of filth just a couple of clicks and a google search away. They don't know how lucky they are! |
Re: Are things really better?
Google's fantastic.
I could do without everyone expecting me to answer my mobile all the time, 24/7. I could do without 1000 channels of television and the huge remote controls needed to access the cable box, because you can no longer use the cable box or TV controls to do everything. I choose my gadgets carefully. |
Re: Are things really better?
since coming to Oz I'm more dependent on the net, mostly for keeping in touch with folk back home but strangely I'm less dependent on my mobile, I like to have it with at all times in case I break down or anything but I hardly ever use it compared to what I was like back home. Probably because I don't know anyone here! :rofl:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by oz bound
(Post 8653472)
since coming to Oz I'm more dependent on the net, mostly for keeping in touch with folk back home but strangely I'm less dependent on my mobile, I like to have it with at all times in case I break down or anything but I hardly ever use it compared to what I was like back home. Probably because I don't know anyone here! :rofl:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8651903)
Got to buck the trend a bit here, and admit I love my phones, ipod and laptop :wub: I'm not a real techie type, not interested in all the ipad stuff, electronic books and all that, but I do like the ability to be in constant contact with friends and family - and even work.
I guess part of it stems from being in a job where I'm effectively on-call all the time (if the bomb drops or the tsunami threatens, we'll all be called in) and its a job that relies on phones, blackberries, emails etc. before this role I worked as an officer on-call for one week in seven, everywhere I went, and I mean everywhere, I had a blackberry in one pocket and a mobile in the other. Even now, doing the same job in the office, the phones have to be put to the blackberry whenever we leave the desk, and failure to answer a call is rumoured to be punishable by death at the hands of a firing squad:eek: So its kind-of merged with real life, my laptop goes everywhere with me, rarely switched off while I'm awake,and I have two mobile phones which only get turned off when I'm on a flight! Must sounds really geeky, but it fits my lifestyle, and its just habit now to live this way. I'm lost without my mobiles which vibrate frantically if I'm walking anywhere as my ears are firmly plugged into my ipod! Having said all that though, I don't like answering mobiles in public - on buses and trains etc - cos I don't think its fair on other travellers. However addicted people are I think its only fair to consider other people who aren't quite as sad and don't live on their gadgets :sneaky: Although I live on my phones its almost all text messages, cos I prefer that level of privacy in my life still. Likewise I'm a big facebook user, but am very limiting as to who I have as friends, cos its mostly for family and people close to me - very different from me on BE. |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653657)
Of all the times i have been in yer company,and there have been quite a few,i have never heard yer phone ring nor you take/make a call,Polly no mates me thinks:lol:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8653659)
Like I said, almost all text messages! The only person who rings me is you.....or work.....:rolleyes: and as yer phone doesn't work properly now, that does make me Polly no mates, can I have some sympathy please :o
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653665)
My phone works rather well actually,here in London anyway:p
Hows the hangover? Do you have any recollection of what you said to me last night? :lol: :sneaky: |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8653667)
Thats the problem, I'm not in London!!! :p
Hows the hangover? Do you have any recollection of what you said to me last night? :lol: :sneaky: I didn't 'say' anything to you,i typed 'english scumbag motherfishcake':p |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653676)
Last time i drink with gorgeous german wimmin:wub:
I didn't 'say' anything to you,i typed 'english scumbag motherfishcake':p Impressed at your memory though, you little Irish devil.....or did you have to go back to Fb and check :lol: :p |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8653677)
I knew there'd be women involved somewhere, though you'd moved on from German to Scottish when I caught up with you.
Impressed at your memory though, you little Irish devil.....or did you have to go back to Fb and check :lol: :p |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653682)
I def know who i will be watching the Germany v england game with now:wub::wub:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653682)
I def know who i will be watching the Germany v england game with now:wub::wub:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by kporte
(Post 8653686)
At least you have a genuine reason for supporting Germany now!:lol:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8653692)
Not sure how much of the game he'll be watching though :lol:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by kporte
(Post 8653697)
He will be fine if Germany are on top!;)
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Officer Dibble
(Post 8653701)
It'll cost him extra though. Hope hes got his pensioner discount card on him.
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by kporte
(Post 8653697)
He will be fine if Germany are on top!;)
Originally Posted by Officer Dibble
(Post 8653701)
It'll cost him extra though. Hope hes got his pensioner discount card on him.
Originally Posted by kporte
(Post 8653707)
Think he's a couple of years short for that!:lol:
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Re: Are things really better?
Im a peace loving buddhist and i wish you all no ill whatsoever,im off to steam some lentils.
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Re: Are things really better?
Bunch of sizest flookers im going to rip yer hearts out and feed them to yer children,aaaaaaaaaaaa that feels much better,now for those lentils:D
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653764)
Bunch of sizest flookers im going to rip yer hearts out and feed them to yer children,aaaaaaaaaaaa that feels much better,now for those lentils:D
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8651903)
Having said all that though, I don't like answering mobiles in public - on buses and trains etc - cos I don't think its fair on other travellers. However addicted people are I think its only fair to consider other people who aren't quite as sad and don't live on their gadgets :sneaky: Like techy gadgets - but stop at geekdom. It's a very clear line for me and I won't cross it. |
Re: Are things really better?
I've gone past all the protocols with mobiles.. I now answer mine anywhere and anytime, however, I still yell into it somewhat (some habits are hard to break!)...
I remember my Father going ballastic at some diner who answered their phone at the table in a restaurant we were in years ago... "bloody rude" was about the long and short of it (repeat, wash and rinse).. and he was still the same. Until he got one. Now he texts (which takes him about half an hour per sentence) and yells loudly quite comfortably into it. And talks about 3G a lot. Too much if I am being frank. I forget my phone more and more these days. I think it is a definate Freudian slip . No phone usually equals less problems to solve whilst on the move. I love the whole "hmmmm no bastard knows where I am for a couple of hours" train of thought. Of course unless Kporte is ringing/texting... then that is a whole different situation...:wub: Em x |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by BadgeIsBack
(Post 8653797)
I'm the same. Infact I have a rule that I always tell the caller I am on the train - not loudly:p - and that I have to keep it quiet and not long. This way people around me know I have considered them from the start and don't need to start whincing and exchanging glances.
I had earlier in my career a manager who used to bully staff to always have their phones on in case he needed to get hold of them. I declined because I could not be bothered frankly and I do take my role as GOD at work seriously:p. When the p""k tried to make a point of it in front of the team I countered with a desire to give him a wedgie by his own scrotum. He resigned the next day after a brief encounter in the carpark:sneaky: I also found out 2 things: White men can jump (quite high actually:lol:) and big men do cry. He found out one thing...... dont f""k with the bosse's daughter's boyfriend. Any way what I do with my team is text them if I do need to talk and ask them to call or text me when its convenient. And most importantly if they dont call back or reply during their time I dont get upset after all its their time. When you respect that, they respect you. Lastly dont leave your smart phone on the table at the pub when out on the piss with work:eek: |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Geelong Gent
(Post 8653846)
Agree, I try and keep my phone on silent and check messages and calls in my time. If the worlds going to end quite frankly I dont really want to know in advance.
I had earlier in my career a manager who used to bully staff to always have their phones on in case he needed to get hold of them. I declined because I could not be bothered frankly and I do take my role as GOD at work seriously:p. When the p""k tried to make a point of it in front of the team I countered with a desire to give him a wedgie by his own scrotum. He resigned the next day after a brief encounter in the carpark:sneaky: I also found out 2 things: White men can jump (quite high actually:lol:) and big men do cry. He found out one thing...... dont f""k with the bosse's daughter's boyfriend. Any way what I do with my team is text them if I do need to talk and ask them to call or text me when its convenient. And most importantly if they dont call back or reply during their time I dont get upset after all its their time. When you respect that, they respect you. Lastly dont leave your smart phone on the table at the pub when out on the piss with work:eek: |
Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus
(Post 8653855)
So you had a man fired because you were shagging the bosses daughter and he upset you?
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus
(Post 8653855)
So you had a man fired because you were shagging the bosses daughter and he upset you?
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653864)
He let him live didn't he;)
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8653865)
Sounds a fair enough reason :lol:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus
(Post 8653872)
Dunno, perhaps it's just me, but it does sound a little bit petty and vindictive.
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8653875)
Hmmm I dunno, depends how back he'd upset GG, there ave been times when I would've loved to be able to do something like that - but then I do have a vindictive streak in me!!
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653884)
Who's this vinny and when did he have his steak in you:rofl:
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
(Post 8653889)
Oh didn't I tell you about him? Must have slipped my mind, he was a long time ago :lol: :p
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Re: Are things really better?
Originally Posted by Bernie Barfly
(Post 8653900)
Something was slipped.
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