April 19-25 Question #2

I'm not sure if I agree with all of the etiquette rules in this chapter and I have definitely seen people not abiding by them and I too have not always followed these basic rules of etiquette.

The cell phone rules make perfect sense and I am completely happy to abide by them. But every situation calls for a different response to these rules. If I am in a fancy restaurant I will not answer my cell phone, but if I am in a taco bell at lunchtime, I have no problem with answering my phone and I don't care if other people do. With cell phone etiquette it all really depends on the situation and the time and place. I think call waiting is great, if you're on the phone with a potential employer than obviously you won't put them on hold to answer a call coming in from your friend. Once again, I think most people are capable of sound judgment and can determine when it would be rude to put someone on hold and when it would be perfectly fine.

I agree with our text about answering machine etiquette. I think, unless you're in high school, your recorded answering message should be succinct and professional. Imagine how a future employer would view you after having to leave a message if your recording was in joke form. I used to have a goofy recorded message when people called my phone, but that changed quickly when I started looking for a job.

I think the advice about conference calls was very useful because I have never participated in a conference call before and it's good to know how I should act in order to come off as professional and respectful.

I have definitely had to change my screen name once or twice just make sure it was appropriate and professional. My old screen name used to be fun and focused on my hobbies. But now, I have a simple screen name that is just my full name. It's easier for people to remember and it's also easier for people to know who wrote an email before they open it. There's no second guessing about who I am.