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Theater owners want cell phones blocked
UPI ^ | Dec. 17, 2005 | UPI

Posted on 12/18/2005 7:27:25 AM PST by Kjobs

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The National Association of Theater Owners wants the Federal Communications Commission to allow the blocking of cell phone signals in theaters.

John Fithian, the president of the trade organization, told the Los Angeles Times theater owners "have to block rude behavior" as the industry tries to come up with ways to bring people back to the cinemas.

Fithian said his group would petition the FCC for permission to block cell phone signals within movie theaters.

Some theaters already have no cell phone policies and ask moviegoers to check their phones at the door, Fithian said.

The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association -- a Washington-based cell phone lobby that is also known as CTIA-the Wireless Association -- said it would fight any move to block cell phone signals.

(Excerpt) Read more at upi.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: annoyingpeople; cellphones; emilypost; etiquette; grace; gracious; hollywood; manners; missmanners; pests; theater; theaters
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To: Wurlitzer

Put the organizer in a bind, I'm sure! I'm all for giving the handicapped opportunities for culture, but a special arrangement should probably have been made for the group you mention, and for others (such as young children) who can't reasonably be expected to keep quiet for long.


21 posted on 12/18/2005 7:43:04 AM PST by Tax-chick ("Dick Cheney never trims his own nails. He simply stares at them until the tips melt off.")
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To: Doohickey

I very seldom hear a cell phone but if they really want better service, bring back the sound proof areas for crying babies and fussy kids. Stop selling refreshments during the show too. I hate when people come in late and then we all have to let them out for drinks and popcorn. Then they have to go to the bathroom. What'happened to get there early and go before the movie starts.


22 posted on 12/18/2005 7:43:17 AM PST by CindyDawg
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To: dha
"And parents who bring their little kids/babies to non-kid movies and see nothing wrong with letting them run around or scream the entire time."

One of the reasons I haven't been to the "movies" in over 3 years.
23 posted on 12/18/2005 7:43:18 AM PST by Dallas59 (“You love life, while we love death"( Al-Qaeda & Democratic Party)
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To: Kjobs
This is what happens when rude behavior become the norm. I have a home situation that requires me to be reachable immediately. So, if my incoming calls are blocked, I will never go to a theater.

And, I have never made a call from inside the theater. I hate most people, byw.

24 posted on 12/18/2005 7:46:47 AM PST by don-o (Don't be a Freeploader. Do the right thing. Become a Monthly Donor!)
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To: Mamzelle

"I'm going to see Narnia--I hope it won't get wrecked..."

Good luck. I went to a matinee opening day. More young kids than adults. Maybe a later showing would be better. Anyway, pretty good movie. Enjoy.


25 posted on 12/18/2005 7:46:47 AM PST by gate2wire
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To: Glenn

"It's 2006. I cannot be out of touch with the rest of the world for 2.5 hours."

No? Ah, well. Then set your Blackberry on vibrate. However, if you're sitting next to me in the theater and you have the backlight on on your Blackberry, that will disturb my enjoyment of the movie. You won't mind if I object to your encroachment on my movie, will you. Perhaps I'll give your Blackberry a nice toss under the seat.

If you cannot be away from contact with others, then stay where you can be in contact. Watch your movies at home.


26 posted on 12/18/2005 7:46:48 AM PST by MineralMan (godless atheist)
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To: Glenn
It's 2006. I cannot be out of touch with the rest of the world for 2.5 hours.

Why not? And how did you handle this problem before the BlackBerry was invented?

27 posted on 12/18/2005 7:47:45 AM PST by Dog Gone
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To: Shalom Israel
If enough people agree with you, then I'll lose business and change my policy. If not, too bad for you.

I'm sorry. I assumed you knew at least something of which you spoke.

"Cell" communications are for pagers, business devices, emergency devices, computers and just plain phones. The idea that some dolt could flip a switch and throw out the baby with the bathwater is dangerous. I could give a care less about your immature customers who are so ill-mannered that they would take a call in the middle of a movie. Police that. Don't cut off a lifeline to the rest of the planet because you are too damned afraid to straighten a patron out for the sake of the rest of your patrons.

28 posted on 12/18/2005 7:48:40 AM PST by Glenn (What I've dared, I've willed; and what I've willed, I'll do!)
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To: Dog Gone
And how did you handle this problem before the BlackBerry was invented?

Do you own a car, Mr. Luddite?

29 posted on 12/18/2005 7:49:17 AM PST by Glenn (What I've dared, I've willed; and what I've willed, I'll do!)
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To: Kjobs
Why do they need permission to block (electronically jam) cellphone calls? Just put up a sign at the entrance advising patrons that their phones will be inoperable in the theater. That way, the customers can decide whether or not they wish to see the movie with that policy as a condition.

Anyone who considers himself so indispensable to society that being out of phone contact for a couple of hours is unthinkable probably shouldn't be watching a flick anyway. I am unaware of any constitutional right to see a movie. This reminds me of the couple (on another FR thread) who threatened to sue the San Francisco 49ers because they objected to being searched upon entering the stadium. If you don't like the policies of a private business, then don't patronize it!

I look forward to the development of pocket-sized, affordable cellphone jammers. I'll buy one and take it with me everywhere. Think of the peace and quiet at bars and restaurants, theaters, golf courses, cars, and office meetings.

30 posted on 12/18/2005 7:50:15 AM PST by southernnorthcarolina (I've upped my standards! Up yours!)
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To: Tax-chick
"Put the organizer in a bind, I'm sure! I'm all for giving the handicapped opportunities for culture, but a special arrangement should probably have been made for the group you mention, and for others (such as young children) who can't reasonably be expected to keep quiet for long."

When the event is 100% based upon enjoying sound this should not be tolerated regardless of age or IQ. 10 years ago, when I took my daughter to these concerts and she would start to act up I removed her from the theater and took her to the lobby until she shut up.

The artists for these concerts don't make the mega-bucks like the normal screech and dance trash and usually just get paid enough for expenses plus a little. Many of the artists are my friends and I know most are paid under $1,000/concert.

31 posted on 12/18/2005 7:50:38 AM PST by Wurlitzer (I have the biggest organ in my town {;o))
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To: CindyDawg

Perhaps people who have to have cell phones and pagers with them at all times are too busy to be going to movie theaters.


32 posted on 12/18/2005 7:51:17 AM PST by LibertarianCandidate
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To: Dallas59
One of the reasons I haven't been to the "movies" in over 3 years.

I don't go to movies anymore because I refuse to give my money to people who hold this country is such low regard. That being said, I do believe that those of us who are on 24-7 call should be able to attend functions without everyone getting their panties in a bunch. Putting your phone on vibrate is just common courtesy.

33 posted on 12/18/2005 7:51:29 AM PST by w1andsodidwe (Jimmy Carter allowed radical Islam to get a foothold in Iran.)
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To: Kjobs

They don't want the government to do something, they want to be able to block the signal. Right now the government is PREVENTING them from doing something. And what the theaters want to do is the right thing to do: block the signal.

People went to movies for 8 decades without the "security" of cell phones in their pockets.

If you're that afraid of being out of touch, stay home and sign up for netflix.

By the way, there are things the average person can do. I encourage people to buy those devices that jam cellphone signals. I won't provide a link here, but y'all know what I 'm talking about.


34 posted on 12/18/2005 7:51:49 AM PST by samtheman
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To: Glenn
t's 2006. I cannot be out of touch with the rest of the world for 2.5 hours.
Then stay home. That way you won't be far from the toilet, either.
35 posted on 12/18/2005 7:53:03 AM PST by samtheman
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To: Wurlitzer
this should not be tolerated regardless of age or IQ

I agree. I was suggesting (for example) a separate performance for the handicapped and/or children, if the performer wished to make the effort.

36 posted on 12/18/2005 7:53:43 AM PST by Tax-chick ("Dick Cheney never trims his own nails. He simply stares at them until the tips melt off.")
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To: samtheman
Then stay home. That way you won't be far from the toilet, either.

What a witty response!

Lemme guess. You don't even own a cell phone.

37 posted on 12/18/2005 7:54:06 AM PST by Glenn (What I've dared, I've willed; and what I've willed, I'll do!)
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To: Shalom Israel
In this case I'm supportive: they're begging for the right to do what they should be free to do anyway on their property.

I'm with you on this as well.

It is private property and the owners should be able to exercise this option.

Trouble is, the FCC has outlawed cell phone blocking devices in this country. You can order them from a British company that I'm sorry to say do not have a link for.

I've done some casual 'consulting' with several friends who happen to run restaurants and such and those devices would be a Godsend for the atmosphere that they are trying to create.

My 2 pennies worth.

38 posted on 12/18/2005 7:54:26 AM PST by Looking4Truth (Sick and tired of being sick and tired of being screwed over.)
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To: don-o

"I hate most people, byw."

LOL. That is so cold. Unfortunately, I agree with you, and I hate myself for it!


39 posted on 12/18/2005 7:55:19 AM PST by Wage Slave (peevish coot)
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To: CindyDawg

I don't disagree with you. This must be a problem somewhere. Even kids are well-behaved in the theater I go to. I live in a pretty busy area, but it's pretty heavily Republican. That must be it.


40 posted on 12/18/2005 7:55:44 AM PST by Doohickey (If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice...I will choose freewill.)
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