Rules of Etiquette

Each one of etiquette rules is very true and still important today. On the subject of screen names, though, are email accounts as well. What you have may seem “funny” or appropriate, but it may not be professional on any level. You wouldn’t want to apply for a job with the email “stoner_gir653” or something related. In addition, and by extension, is your Facebook account: Employers, potential business partners, and perhaps others will look at your Facebook to get an idea of who they’ll be dealing with. Having a lot of images of you getting drunk partying is not the best choice to have all over your account.

Cell phones and beepers have been problems in my past. I’ve seen people who talk loudly on a cell phone when people are trying to work, or even those who prioritize cell calls over all else, causing a different type of disruption. Laptops and tablets have also had a place of annoyance, as they can be in situations where they are unneeded, and are more used for personal instead of professional use, like in school at times.

Call waiting is, though, a touchy subject. Depending on the situation, it can be considered rude or not. If the person being called asks the other, the one being placed on hold, if it’s okay and they say it is without going into a paradox, then it is not exactly rude as they are okay with it. However, if you just switch over to the other person, that’s similar to talking with someone, and then turning your back on them mid-conversation to begin another with someone else.