COLUMN: Let’s try harder to avoid their purpose (sarcasm)

“I get a phone call tomorrow. I never knew a dime could bring such sorrow...I get a phone call tomorrow. The first time you called in a month or two.”

from the 1989 Miracle Legion song “Gigantic Transatlantic Trunk Call”

Late last month, Washington Post column writer Heather Kelly listed the proper etiquette for cell phone use these days. I do approve of some of her suggestions, but overall it was another subtle explanation to me of how we are to try harder not to use the devices as originally intended and make the cost justification even more screwed up.

Her bottom line is we should be cautious of human, audio interaction.

Kelly claimed her research was based on a very wide age group with consideration toward relationship between the caller and the receiver. I get that. The deeper you know someone, the more tendency the rules may not apply.

Right from the beginning, Kelly writes, “Voice mails are an artifact of the days before text messages. If you have information that needs to be communicated in an accurate, timely manner, you’re far better off putting it into writing as a text or email.”

I beg to differ with Kelly. Some people may process, absorb and retain information in different ways.

“John, we’re meeting at Pizza Ranch at 5:30 p.m.,” has more impact on me in my ears than in my eyes. It doesn’t matter the relationship I have with the caller. Yes, I’ve received similar texts, but the voice message is what wins for me. I may not get to an email until later in the day, and it may be too late by then, to act on the message.

Not creating voice mails is another way of not fully using what we paid for. Years after Sept. 11, I watched a documentary on the number of families that kept the last message heard from the loved one as they were trapped in one of the buildings or on one of the airplanes. That is not what Kelly’s column was about, but to me, a voice mail has impact and urgency for me - and it doesn’t have to be an emergency.

“Calling someone without warning can feel stressful to the recipient. Instead, text them ahead of time to ask if they’re free to talk now, if they can call you when they’re free, or if they can pick a time they’d like to chat,” Kelly wrote. “Wording and context are key for these pre-call texts. A simple ‘call me’ text can feel urgent and make someone think there’s an emergency. Clarify if it’s urgent or just to catch up.”

If our phones are causing stress for what they were designed to do, we have done something wrong. Forty years ago we didn’t have the option of a text. The call had to be made and all of us from those times survived, right? And maybe somethings can’t wait.

“Factual updates, coordinating plans or anything that is more cut and dried often work best in writing. If something is complicated and will drag on too long as a text chain, go ahead and ask if they can talk,” was another suggestion.

This is subjective. During my career, including the ability to text, I’ve had many phone calls with factual updates and changes in plans. I have asked for explanation of things in writing if I’m not comfortable hearing it all. I have told many people, who I have worked with, an email is followed with a phone call.

My suggestions? Just keep calling. Use the phone to talk to people. Text the grocery store list.

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A thank you to all the Creston City Council candidates, Raquel and KSIB Radio, Creston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ellen Gerharz and Southwestern Community College for our forum last week. (The story is in the Oct. 20 CNA).

I wasn’t able to pay close attention to the audience, but a few in the crowd told me afterward the Allied Health auditorium room was nearly full. Thank you for attending, if you did, and to those who watched on Panther TV. Others there said they are appreciative the CNA, KSIB and the chamber sponsors these forums. As long as we have contested seats, I want to have a forum.

I really enjoy those forums. It’s interesting to see how candidates can think on their feet. Years ago, I was told it’s critical any elected official have the same answer if asked in a public forum and casually asked the same in a store aisle. This year was even better knowing how food trucks and the rental inspection policy received so much attention during the past months and year.

Don’t forget to vote Tuesday, Nov. 7. Contact the Union County Auditor’s office for voter registration and absentee ballot information. The CNA will post election results that night as soon as we get them.