Telephonic invasion
Posted on July 29, 2008 @ 9:25 am
As I’ve mentioned before, my wife and I are among the few remaining people on Earth who don’t own a cell phone. In fact, at last count, I believe it’s down to us, a handful of off-the-grid survivalists in Montana, and a stubborn Kalahari Bushman named O’wa.
I realize that it’s a little out of the ordinary for a iPod-toting, blog-authoring technogeek like myself not to own a cell phone, but it occurred to me the other day that I barely even use our landline. I often go four or five days at a time without speaking to another human being over the phone. Apparently, my beef isn’t with cell phones, per se; it’s with the entire concept of telephonic communication.
If I had a time machine, I’d probably travel back to 1876 and punch Alexander Graham Bell in his smug, beardy face. Then, while I was there, I’d do whatever I could to prevent Colorado’s admission to the Union (but that’s an altogether different story).
To recap, I’m not just a Luddite. I’m actually an antisocial, unpopular Luddite. With a grudge against Alexander Graham Bell. And Colorado. Just so we’re clear.
Posted by Jess | Filed Under Random Musings |
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If I weren’t constantly needed to put out “fires” at work (or currently have a pregnant wife), I probably wouldn’t carry one either.
As a resident of Colorado I’m completely intrigued as to why you don’t like the state’s inclusion in the union. Are you thinking that its an unneeded buffer between Kansas and Utah, or that the name should have been Jesirado? Morrisado? Casa Blanca?
Love the graphic with this blog!
I can’t stand phones, either. I pace and get sweaty when I have to talk to someone I don’t know. Of course, I do that all the time anyway. kidding
Wow! I think I remember in some tiny corner of my brain reading this on your blog before, but it’s taken me by surprise nonetheless. Interesting. I, on the other hand, couldn’t live without my mobile phone, but much less so for the talking as the all-in-one computing device that it’s become. Note taking, e-mailing, texting, blogging, etc.
I hate phones. My landline was unplugged for years (only there anyway for Internet/power outages), and I rarely turn my cell phone on. I was a reporter for 2 years and I don’t know how I did it.
My mother is a phone stalker type and goddammit, I AM TIRED OF TALKING ON THE PHONE.
Chalk me up as someone else who hates talking on the phone and doesn’t own a cell phone. It basically sticks you with the on-the-spot nature of face-to-face conversation and the absence of body language that is a problem with online conversation, for the worst of both worlds, IMHO.
I too detest “chatting” on the phone but dude–for quick and dirty transfer of info?? WAAAAY better than snailmail.
Oh wow, I am glad to find out that there are so many people like me here. I hate hate hate phones. Hate. Phones. I have a cell but it’s rarely charged. Our landline hasn’t worked in a month and I haven’t managed the energy to fix it. And all this time I thought I was alone. We should have an anti-phone convention, as long as we can organize it via blog post and email.
Ok, I’m DYING to know why you hate Colorado… there’s got to be a good story there that needs to be shared!
It’s nothing personal against Colorado; I just thought the U.S. flag looked better with 37 stars.
well unfortunately for me, most of my relatives aside from my parents have no clue what email is, and a good number of my friends never check theirs, so phones are where its at. If I’m gonna have a phone, it might as well be a cellphone.
my cellphone is my date book, my alarm clock, my calculator, and now that I have an iPhone it does just about everything else for me too. if they would only invent that one or two apps its missing I’d marry it.
oh and if you’re going to hate a state, I suggest Texas, Indiana or Utah. Maybe even delaware (shakes fist).