Treasured hates

I received an email this week; one which was mostly a comment on the tvdetective books, but contained a question too.  I liked it, and lots in fact, so here comes my answer...

My correspondent was kind enough to tell me of his enjoyment of the series, and his particular fondness for Adam. It's our detective friend's upright and moral ways which were most appealing, and importantly his dedicated dislike of ill manners.

Mobile phones, and their inconsiderate use was a key theme.  As you might expect, Adam has to have a mobile, but doesn't greatly care for it.  If he receives a call in a pub, or restaurant for example, he'll always answer it outside.  He regards people shouting (as they always seem to feel they must) into a mobile in the company of - and more to the point, to the annoyance of - others, a great discourtesy.

Do I, my correspondent enquires, share that view?

The answer is a very sizeable yes! It's incredibly annoying and utterly inconsiderate, when people are trying to relax and chat, to be forced to listen to half a conversation - and one which is invariably entirely tedious anyway.

I agree with Adam and his oft-aired view, that etiquette hasn't caught up with technology, but how I wish it would hurry up and do so.  I have a secret (not so secret now!) fantasy that mobile phone use in pubs and all public buildings will soon be treated in the same manner as the fate which befell smoking.

And while I'm in the familar rant mode - here's another keen Hall detestation regarding mobiles.  As frequent readers of my ramblings will know, I often take a walk around the river here for its beauty, enjoyment, inspiration, sense of tranquility, all that.  And how often do I suffer someone shouting into a mobile as they walk, and thus totally missing all those natural wonders, not to mention polluting the peace with their lack of consideration?!

Ok, deep breath, rant over.  But hey, that was cathartic and how I feel better for it.  These blogs can be so therapeutic.

One more thing to mention here, and it's a Murder Mystery night in Plymouth in a fortnight's time. The Stoke Writers' Group are plotting a bloody scenario which we're going to be invited to solve, and I've been asked to compere the night. 

It'll be my pleasure.  The last one was great fun, and I even picked up a few ideas for the tvdetective books!  If you fancy it, I know it'll be a mighty fine night out.  There are more details on the News and Events page, if you're interested - www.thetvdetective.com/news.html

Here's wishing you a fine - and mobile intrusion free! - weekend.