Communications Technology.

Our ability to communicate with others is amazing these days. E-mail, voice mail, Blackberries, cell phones, the list is becoming endless.

All of these devices are designed to increase productivity, and to a large extent, they have. However, with all new technology, there comes a time when a universal set of "courtesy" rules needs to be developed.

Here is a start on that list, based on my pet peeves:

* When leaving a voice mail, clearly state your return phone number at the start and at the end of your message. Long-winded messages with a slurred or too-fast to-De-written-down phone number at the very end of the message are killers.

* The "Blackberry prayer." People normally go to a convention to meet and talk with others. At one convention's luncheon, the folks at my table held their Blackberries on their laps, bowed their heads, and stayed that way until the dessert was served.

* Convention breaks and cell phones. It's an odd sight to see all of those people during coffee breaks wandering around and talking on their cell phones instead of the others at the convention.

* E-mail salutations and sign-offs. I consider an e-mail to an outside party the same as a good old-fashioned letter. That means a "Dear" is in order, as is a "Best regards."

What's on your list?

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