Cell phone usage is getting out of control. By this I mean the loud, boorish attitude that almost everybody carrying a mobile phone is becoming guilty of. No event is safe from the omnipresent ringing and annoying yakking; not even weddings, eulogies, and presentations. And I'm not kidding about this. A lot of people can attest to this sad fact. Executives, salesmen, doctors, lawyers, and priests know what I'm talking about.

From streets to banks, from clinics to conference rooms, from restaurants to churches, boorish cell phone users are anywhere. They practically forget basic courtesies. A lot of stories have emerged that attest to this. My favorite so far is the one about a panel member who was doing a demonstration. When his cell phone rang, he just stopped right there and answered it! This is getting to be ridiculous, and needs to be stopped right now.

A recent survey says that the worst habit of cell phone users is carrying out loud conversations in public. Moreover, people get victimized by loutish cell phone users at least once a day. But let me make one thing perfectly clear. Cell phones are not to blame for this one. People are. I think it’s the right time to seriously think about proper cell phone manners. Here are some dos and don’ts.

Don’t take a personal call in the middle of a business meeting. This rule also includes meetings with co-workers or subordinates, and job interviews. You’ll be surprised to know how many job applicants flunk this one.

Keep a 10-foot zone away from people when you use your cell phone. We don't want to know about the banalities of your life, really. Inform all your callers that you’re talking on a cellular phone, so they’ll know to expect distractions or disconnections. And keep all conversations short and to the point.

Do not talk on your cell phone inside arenas, elevators, libraries, churches, churchyards, infirmaries, diners, galleries, or any other enclosed public spaces. And also, never ever hold an emotional phone conversation while in public. If you really must, get an earpiece, so that you can control the volume of your voice.

Don’t use those irritating ring tones that distract others and damage eardrums. There are a lot of better ring tones. Grow up! Also, forget about multi-tasking with your cell phone. Stop making calls while shopping, walking, waiting in line or doing other personal business. And one more thing. Tell everyone that you're now using improved cell phone etiquette, and encourage them to do the same. It’s very important.

Technology and manners can belong. The same thing happened with the Internet, when email etiquette had to be observed. You can always use the vibrate function, use voice mail, or go to a secluded area before making a call. All it takes is a little bit of consideration.

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