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I feel the author's point about having a dedicated physical device. I feel that way about my preference for a fountain pen and a notebook versus my laptop. Th

I feel the author's point about having a dedicated physical device. I feel that way about my preference for a fountain pen and a notebook versus my laptop. The thing I absolutely cannot relate to though is the joy over getting "surprise" phone calls. I don't want a land-line, even if the quality is better, because I don't want another device making noises and demanding my attention. Sure you could unplug it when you're not using it, but I'd feel like too much of a jerk doing that. Voicemails are also just another thing that make noise or lights and demand attention. I hate podcasts, and have issues with audio processing in general - but in some ways I actually think ham radios are the ideal. I don't normally talk on mine - but sometimes I like listening in on some of the local repeaters and hearing the convos there. I'm out in the NC mountains right now, so It's kind of cool to hear the accents of some of the older guys (reminds me of my grandad's accent), plus they're always swapping crazy stories. I also like the give-and-take nature of ham radio, since people tend to be very cognizant of how much time they are taking up and the need to make space on the channel to let others jump in and talk. And of course, I like that you can just turn it off if you're not feeling like hearing people's voices.

ravenstine 7y ago
I remember the days of surprise phone calls, and enjoyed them because there really weren't other forms of distraction. People usually called because they were interested, not always because they needed something or to work out the logistics of something else. Today, surprise phone calls seem unwanted because we already have other devices beeping, vibrating, and popping up at us constantly. Because people overshare their lives on social media, few talk one-on-one to ask each other how they are doing. When they do call, it's because they need something, or because of bad news, like a relative dying.
- cortesoft 7y ago
  My problem with "surprise phone calls" is that they don't fit in my schedule. With a full time job and two going kids, I am always busy with something. The chance of the call coming when I have 5 free minutes is very unlikely. I am either busy with work, making dinner, putting the kids to bed, etc. I can't just stop those things to talk to someone. This is especially true for calls about something I need to think about... I can't context switch that easily.
  - egypturnash 7y ago
    There used to be a protocol for this: Oh hey, cool person I like and would like to talk to if I wasn’t in the middle of something! I’m in the middle of (thing), can I call you back in like ten minutes?
- kovac 7y ago
  Nowadays surprise calls are mean someone's trying to sell something I don't need and to scam me.
freepor 7y ago
We have a rotary phone with a super loud ringer that only family can use (have the phone number). It’s super fun for the kids.

ravenstine 7y ago

I remember the days of surprise phone calls, and enjoyed them because there really weren't other forms of distraction. People usually called because they were interested, not always because they needed something or to work out the logistics of something else. Today, surprise phone calls seem unwanted because we already have other devices beeping, vibrating, and popping up at us constantly. Because people overshare their lives on social media, few talk one-on-one to ask each other how they are doing. When they do call, it's because they need something, or because of bad news, like a relative dying.

cortesoft 7y ago
My problem with "surprise phone calls" is that they don't fit in my schedule. With a full time job and two going kids, I am always busy with something. The chance of the call coming when I have 5 free minutes is very unlikely. I am either busy with work, making dinner, putting the kids to bed, etc. I can't just stop those things to talk to someone. This is especially true for calls about something I need to think about... I can't context switch that easily.
- egypturnash 7y ago
  There used to be a protocol for this: Oh hey, cool person I like and would like to talk to if I wasn’t in the middle of something! I’m in the middle of (thing), can I call you back in like ten minutes?
kovac 7y ago
Nowadays surprise calls are mean someone's trying to sell something I don't need and to scam me.

freepor 7y ago

We have a rotary phone with a super loud ringer that only family can use (have the phone number). It’s super fun for the kids.