Editorial: Mobile chats shouldn't be shared

Paul Brooks

I'M SORRY. I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your private conversation. Nor did all the other people who felt compelled to listen in.

In fact, we had no choice. None of us did.

You were on your mobile phone, walking up the street, bellowing, spreading your personal business to all within earshot. Quite interesting, some of it was too. No, not really.

That's the thing about mobile phones -- you have to yell so the person on the other end can hear.

As convenient as digital communication might be, the quality still hasn't equalled good old copper wire.

So, keep on yelling and we'll keep on listening.

We really don't want to hear what you have to say and most of us find you a nuisance, especially when we have to stop our own quiet, face to face conversations and wait until you have passed before we can continue.

You're creating a doppler effect, although you wouldn't notice. You're really loud as you approach and not quite so loud as you pass on by -- but still too loud.

We really like it when you're on the phone in a confined space, like a shop.

You walk in, loud as, then don't moderate your volume for the changed environment.

So we have to listen or leave. Some of us leave and I'm sure that goes down well with the retailer. Another sale lost.

It's especially good when you walk into a coffee shop when you're shouting on the phone, like you did the other day.

People were trying to order their coffees and food but had to wait while you paused in your conversation so the barista could hear them. Most considerate.

Anyway, we all know your private business now but we're not as keen as you to share it.

But it might be something to bear in mind the next time you answer your phone or dial out.