|
07 Aug 08 - 09:13 AM (#2407508) Subject: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,MartinHughes During a recent Bedford Session at Sidmouth, a man was caught making/making a mobile call while a singer was on. The session supervisor decided that it was necessary to give the totally unrepentant phone user a public dressing down that he would never forget,and that would also send a clear warning to others. How has this been handled in other sessions/festivals and what guidelines can others offer to handle this type of problem. Regards Martin (red accordian player) |
|
07 Aug 08 - 09:15 AM (#2407510) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Joseph P When the said man plays / sings, all others make phone calls ... |
|
07 Aug 08 - 09:31 AM (#2407523) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,MartinHughes Good idea, but it would not have worked in this case as the offender was only a member of the audience. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 09:44 AM (#2407536) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Scooby Doo We have a sign in the folk club no mobiles allowed due to the noise.But we also know the peeps who need them on like GP'S etc,etc who come to the club. Scooby |
|
07 Aug 08 - 09:44 AM (#2407537) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: SINSULL Better to ask everyone to turn off their phones before the session begins and make it clear that calls need to be made outside. You will still have some rude jerk who thinks he is too important to comply but you could also have a doctor on call - the exception to the rule. Personally, I think the drssing down was overkill. A polite yet mildly sarcastic comment would have the same effect. SINS |
|
07 Aug 08 - 10:02 AM (#2407551) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: jacqui.c Most phones these days can be put on to vibrate and that can allow the recipient to leave the room before answering. I'd take a guess that most of those who need to be in constant contact would know that and, out of simple courtesy, would do that. It's very easy to forget to turn off the phone in these situations but most of those who do forget would, I am sure, turn it off or leave the room hastily if the phone erupted. For the a*******s who won't - embarrass the hell out of them! More entertainment for everyone else. :0) |
|
07 Aug 08 - 10:08 AM (#2407556) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Snuffy "Session" implies that it was taking part in a part of the pub open to the public. In such cases, unfortunately the punter has as much right to be there as the musicians, and as much right to use his mobile as they have to use their instruments. He is a customer of the pub, not "only a member of the audience". Nothing stronger is warranted than a polite request/reminder to refrain from using mobiles. However, if the "session" is taking place in a room that has been specifically booked for music and singing, and the supervisor has previously requested mobiles to be switched off, then he is quite within his rights to escalate the admonition. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 10:12 AM (#2407560) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: pavane How about a short song to sing at the appropriate time? |
|
07 Aug 08 - 10:14 AM (#2407562) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Barry Finn At sessions that I attend you couldn't hear a phone if it went off, of course that's not the issue. Put up a sign or announce that mobiles should be put on vibrate (they all have a vibrate mode these days) & answer it elsewhere, away from the music. Agreed Jacqui Barry |
|
07 Aug 08 - 10:45 AM (#2407587) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: PoppaGator A couple of months ago, I forgot to put my phone into "silent mode" before playing my little once-a-month one-hour performance, and it rang while I was on stage (!!?!?). Fortunately, I was between songs at that moment. I answered, said something along the lines of "I'm busy right now" ~ audibly, near the microphone ~ and tried to turn it into a little joke for the audience's benefit. I told them I was grateful that they had turned off their phones, and was sorry that I had forgotten to do the same. Back to the incident reported int he opening post, having the phone ring at an inappropriate moment is a forgivable oversight, but answering at length and carrying on a loud conversation is quite another matter which deserves a good scolding (at least). |
|
07 Aug 08 - 10:57 AM (#2407599) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine On a lighter not, I just looked at the video linked from the "telephone piano" thread. I wonder if he knows any trad tunes? |
|
07 Aug 08 - 11:23 AM (#2407620) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: DMcG A couple of months ago, I forgot to put my phone into "silent mode" before playing my little once-a-month one-hour performance, and it rang while I was on stage (!!?!?). A year or two ago I was watching Fairport Convention on stage when one of their phones went off on stage ... It was Dave Swarbrick ringing! We all - Fairport, Dave and the audience - has an inpromptu chat. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 11:35 AM (#2407627) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Charley Noble We're working on a song where one of our cellphones ring and the subsequent conversation is part of the song, and when the chorus comes round everyone pulls out their cellphones. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
07 Aug 08 - 12:50 PM (#2407700) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Bee-dubya-ell Having just returned from a 2000 mile road trip during which I witnessed a lot of idiotic driving courtesy of mobile phone use, I can state without reservation that I'd rather have a hundred people talking on mobile phones in sessions than one person doing so in his car during rush hour traffic on Interstate 65 in Nashville, Tennessee. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 01:08 PM (#2407710) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Ernest If you ask people to turn off their phones you give out the chance to call the out-of-tune-or-rythm (insert unfavourite instrument)-player and tell him he is urgently needed somewhere else.... ;0) Ernest |
|
07 Aug 08 - 01:11 PM (#2407714) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Alexis I agree with snuffy - a session, by implication is an informal gathering of musicians / singers (and assuming in a pub) without a monopoly on noise. A folk club type environment - orchestrated is different. Long live the session. (but please don't read anything derogatory into that statement) |
|
07 Aug 08 - 01:14 PM (#2407715) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Scooby Doo I except sometimes people need them. Scooby |
|
07 Aug 08 - 01:29 PM (#2407726) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Amos Turn off your cellphone, While people are playing, While singers are singing, And tunes fill the hall. Oh, turn off your cellphones, Like civilized people, No-one here gives a damn if You might miss a call. (Tune:"Suddenly Seymour", Little House of Horrors) |
|
07 Aug 08 - 01:57 PM (#2407744) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Marje I think I witnessed the incident mentioned, from nearby - was it on Monday, early afternoon? Just to put it in context for others: yes it was a session in a hotel lounge open to all, but it was an area that was earmarked for sesssions during the Folk Week. It was the sort of session with quite a bit of solo or group performing that others were there to listen to. The bar opens out on to a hallway where anyone not too involved with the music can stand and watch, and on the other side of the hall there's another bar area that was only occupied by about four people at the time (one of them me - there were three of us playing melodeons together, which is enough to deter any casual mobile users). Forgetting to switch off your mobile is understandable enough, but in that context it would seem to me like very bad manners to answer a call in the music session and continue one's conversation there. Anyone with a scrap of consideration would have apologised and hurried out of the room to take the call in one of the adjoining areas. If the person was not prepared to do this, then I think others were entitled to tell him how rude they found his behaviour. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 02:02 PM (#2407750) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Jack Campin (cookieless) This is a nice response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaIQiJSluYo |
|
07 Aug 08 - 02:03 PM (#2407753) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Dave (Bridge) I usually inform people they have two choices if their phone goes of at the folk club. 1 it goes down the toilet or 2 they buy a round. Using vibrate does not always work because if it is on a table and goes off it makes more noise. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 02:22 PM (#2407769) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Rapparee Shooting's too good for 'em -- throw the bums out. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 03:35 PM (#2407828) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,MartinHughes Marje was correct. It happened last Monday. I abridged the story for brevity. It appeared that the person was making a call (as no ring tone had been heard) but he could equally well have been answering it. He was first given the "look of shame" by the session members, then asked to turn off the phone and, if his call was important, to take it outside. He refused to comply, at which point the dressing down took place. Eventually he left having got no sympathy from anybody he appealed to for support. Moral: If he had gone outside in the first place he could then have come back in again with little or no embarrassment. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 04:05 PM (#2407840) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Steve Shaw As with everything else in the world, it all depends on circumstances. I can't think why it's up for discussion really. A handy hint is for you to put distance 'twixt your phone and any amp, since otherwise for sure you will hear the rhythm of the Willian Tell Overture loud and clear even if the darn thing's on silent. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 04:18 PM (#2407850) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Bonzo3legs Mmmm, absolutely disgraceful! |
|
07 Aug 08 - 04:21 PM (#2407856) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,MartinHughes Well here's my take on this. The only phone that should be aloud to ring in any establishment open to the public is the one behind the bar, or the reception desk. Some establishments are now displaying "No Mobile" signs and fining people whose mobiles go off with an audible ring tone, with the proceeds going to charity. I am totally against the idea that the antisocial practice of making/receiving calls inside pubs, restaurants, theatres and even shops can become acceptable over time on the basis that "times change". My mobile is always on silent and it does not contain a vibrator. I keep voicemail on so that callers can leave a message/number. Otherwise they can text me. If I want to make a call, I go outside and make my call at a discreet distance away from the building. Job Done! |
|
07 Aug 08 - 06:28 PM (#2407945) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Mr Red I wasn't at that session, but on Thursday I did get a call in the session. It is all about intrusion, I have the phone on vibrate and ignore the call, leaving at a suitable juncture to go outisde etc to return the call. This is to facilitate the best enjoyment of the festival for those I am with. As far as I can tell it has never intruded. I am sure I am typical, but not everyone is. The only time I let the ringtones loose is to demonstrate what Horses Brawle (in the key of GG) sounds like or La Morresque. Most musicians know the tune, but not always the name. Phones (mobile/cell) have positive uses, sometimes. The guy with the red bodhran (and phone) |
|
07 Aug 08 - 06:46 PM (#2407961) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: goatfell I hate the bloody things and mobile phones as well, as for people that need them on because of their job, well they can either turn them off or put them on silent (vibrate) mode, or better still don't bloody come to the session/concert. But then you can't tell these dickheads what to do anyway, because they are dickheads. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 07:48 PM (#2408007) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Steve Shaw The intolerance being demonstrated here is unbelievable. It may well be that in your setup the presence, sound or use of a mobile is unacceptable. Good for you. We play our pub gigs and sessions with a mobile or two to hand. Some of us have spouses or children at home in the wilds of rural Cornwall and we feel better when we can be in touch if necessary during a long pub evening when we're 20 or 30 miles from home. We are discreet and considerate about their use, which is very infrequent. We are all very happy with this. Some of you absolutists need to get off your high horses. You pontificate in generalities from the very narrow position of your own circumstances or prejudices. And deep down I hate the bloody things as well, but King Canute I ain't, unlike some of you. And I can spell William. |
|
07 Aug 08 - 07:54 PM (#2408014) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Dave MacKenzie As a former employee of BT I've never bought into the idea that Phones have to be answered just ecause they ring. I'm lucky in that when I'm singing, I can't here my own phone even if it's switched on, and anyone who tries to use one while I'm singing gets 10 out of 10 for masochism. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 03:10 AM (#2408193) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: mandotim When I was part of a duo, we had a simple way of dealing with it; we would ask, politely, before we started that phones should go on to silent, so as not to disturb people who wanted to sleep during our set. This usually got a laugh, but got the message across. If a phone went off, the first time we let the audience deal with it; lots of 'shhhh, there's people trying to sleep here' and so on. If it happened a second time, we would instantly switch from whatever we were playing to the 'Nokia tune', with the explanation that 'this one seems popular tonight'. Again, usually a laugh, message sent, and on with the show. Worked for us, without antagonising the audience. Shaky eggs were a different matter... I think you have to accept that there will be people there who really do have to have a phone switched on, and work around it by asking them to use silent settings as suggested by Mr Red above. Tim |
|
08 Aug 08 - 03:11 AM (#2408194) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Ralphie Martin. Your phone doesn't have a vibrator? A quick trip to Anne Summers should sort that out for you! Regards Ralph |
|
08 Aug 08 - 03:35 AM (#2408207) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Jim Carroll At the first Ewan MacColl weekend in Salford, during the course of one of Sandra Kerr's songs, a man's phone rang three times. We asked him to switch it off - he refused, saying he was a journalist and he couldn't help it if people insisted on calling him at all hours. He eventually left in a hump - and another anti-MacColl story entered the repertoire. Jim Carroll |
|
08 Aug 08 - 04:01 AM (#2408216) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Marje There seem to be various alternatives to letting a mobile ring out loud: you can have it on vibrate (are you really sure yours doesn't, Martin? Mine is an ancient Nokia and it has a vibrate setting)and keep it in a pocket; you can ask close contacts to text if there's a need; or you can switch off, ask them to leave a message and you'll check regularly and call them back. None of these need impinge on other people. There are mobile users who will ignore the above suggestions because think it makes them look important or needed if they're constantly on the mobile - they need to understand that the message this gives to others is "Look, I happen to be with you guys but there are more important people than you in my life and they have precedence," which is simply rude, there's no other word for it. I think there's a modern obsession with being in touch 24/7 which is not entirely healthy, almost like an addiction. Sometimes it's good just to let go of the ties and trust that other people will be able to get on without you (and you without them) for a while, instead of being in a state of constant readiness for an emergency, and needing continual reassurance that there isn't one. But if you can't do that and regard your mobile as an extra limb, you still don't need to have the sodding gadget belting out your favourite tune at every opportunity. There's simply no need. (Memo to self: make sure, when I'm at Dartmoor Festival this weekend, that my own mobile doesn't embarrass me with its tinny rendering of "Barwick Green" at the wrong moment) Marje |
|
08 Aug 08 - 04:05 AM (#2408218) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Ralphie I think Mandotim has got it right. Off to learn the Nokia tune on my concertina immediately!! |
|
08 Aug 08 - 07:09 AM (#2408290) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Ernest Hey, lets be patient with the poor sods who have to answer to every Tom, Dick or Harry`s call - it is probably not even their own phone but one provided by some employer who isn`t able to do anything on his own... |
|
08 Aug 08 - 08:40 AM (#2408340) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: The Fooles Troupe "the Nokia tune" Ok - I missed that one.... |
|
08 Aug 08 - 09:09 AM (#2408355) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: goatfell I don't mind them in sessions, because you can't really hear them anyway, it these idiots that go to concerts/folk clubs/or theatres that really that annoys me or when you're on a bus or train and some bampot phone goes off and then they shout so loud that everyone else can hear them, I mean they are mobile that mean you move your legs and shift, however if you are on the bus please speak quietly so that only you can talk and no-one else can hear you, in other words have respect for everyone else please, the same goes for these bampots whose mobile phones play that awful head bursting noise all the time on bus/trains. I mean I could go on all day. but such is life. as my sister Joanne says don't let them ruin your day, because they can't help being idiots. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 09:37 AM (#2408379) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Mr Red in silent mode! When getting a "vibrate in the pocket" from a dear one it will get a laugh if you tell them it was on vibrate and "was it good for you". Well it will get a laugh once. I like the comment by Jan ver Haas, snooker referee. He said during a televised match "If that goes off again - tell them you are on your way home". |
|
08 Aug 08 - 10:24 AM (#2408404) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: mandotim Nokia tune; it's the one that goes 'diddle-um-dum, diddle-um-dum, diddle-um-dum, dum'. Generally only heard on the phones of those who don't know how to change the ringtone. Tim ;) |
|
08 Aug 08 - 10:48 AM (#2408417) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: SINSULL " He refused to comply, at which point the dressing down took place. " At that point I would have applauded the dressing down. That was just plain rude. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 12:06 PM (#2408486) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Johh from Kemsing There is a notice in one of our local pubs to the effect that, anyone whose mobile phone sounds, will be invited to contribute £0.50 to a local hospice. Should anyone deign to answer the call the invitation will be for £1.0 contribution. There are no interruptions and I have yet to see anyone make a call. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 12:08 PM (#2408488) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: strad Have an agreed room policy - if a phone rings, then everyone stops singing, playing etc., all turn and stare at the offender and give absolute silence to allow the culprit to use his phone. Good red face value and it works! |
|
08 Aug 08 - 12:38 PM (#2408517) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Ray Some idiot's phone rang at the Bridgewater hall during a classical concert a couple of years ago. The conductor stopped the band, turned to the audience and announced that they would start the piece again once the person with the 'phone had been ejected - good on him! Ray |
|
08 Aug 08 - 12:50 PM (#2408526) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,MartinHughes For Ralphie and Marje Ralphie, thanks for the Ann Summers tip. Perhaps my daughter can help me here as wife left the scene some time ago. No Marje, it really does NOT have a vibrate mode because it was the predecessor to the Philips Savvy but without the vibrator part. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 01:04 PM (#2408536) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Volgadons "I hate the bloody things and mobile phones as well, as for people that need them on because of their job, well they can either turn them off or put them on silent (vibrate) mode, or better still don't bloody come to the session/concert. But then you can't tell these dickheads what to do anyway, because they are dickheads." There are people, policemen being an obvious example, who have to have their phones. Why should they have to miss a session just because of that? How about consideration from others, after all, a moment of irritation is just that, a small moment. There are more important things. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 04:05 PM (#2408727) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Mrs.Duck I always have my mobile switched on in case there is an emergency with the kids. I do however make absolutely certain that it is set to silent/vibrate. I tend to do that even if it is an open session or even if I am in a public place like a restaurant or whatever. I encourage texts rather than calls unless a real serious emergency. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 04:21 PM (#2408741) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Banjo-Flower "How about consideration from others, after all, a moment of irritation is just that, a small moment. There are more important things." I agree with this all the way we have a very ill aged parent(90+)if something happens I need to Know Gerry and yes I'm still entitled to a social Life |
|
08 Aug 08 - 04:25 PM (#2408745) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: greg stephens Volgadon, Banjo Flowewr etc. About a million people have pointed out in this thread that you can set your phone to vibrate. You don't have to behave anti-socially, unless you choose to.NObody has the slightest objection to your receivingg silent reminders at sessions. They object to dick heads receiving calls and talking noisily in the middle of somebody singing a song. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 04:28 PM (#2408751) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Liz the Squeak I wrote a mobile phone shanty once... it's been used to some effect during a session, but the phone owner still didn't take the hint. Husbands are like that. LTS |
|
08 Aug 08 - 05:23 PM (#2408821) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Banjo-Flower "About a million people have pointed out in this thread that you can set your phone to vibrate." I would if I knew how to but i'm of the age where technology does not come easily(note to myself I must find a 4 year old to teach me how to set my phone to vibrate) Jane, perhaps the twins could run a Workshop at Whitby Gerry |
|
08 Aug 08 - 05:29 PM (#2408830) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,Volgadon Greg, I was replying to a specific post, that's all. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 05:35 PM (#2408832) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: PoppaGator I used to have a normal cell phone that would vibrate when set to "silent mode" ~ in fact, there was a third option to vibrate first and then ring. But when I had to replace it (and chose the least expensive available unit), I got a phone that gives NO signal, silent or otherwise, when the ringer is turned off. Worse yet, I was unaware of this shortcoming when I bought the thing and for MONTHS thereafter. I hate it. I'll turn it to silent for whatever appropriate occasion, then forget to reset it, and subsequently miss calls for days. As someone mentioned above, "vibrate" does not always equate to "silent." If the phone is set on a wooden table or other such "soundbox," rather than put in your pocket where it'll be muffled by cloth and flesh, the amplified buzz can be even louder than the normal ringtone. |
|
08 Aug 08 - 07:14 PM (#2408898) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego We find that emasculation sends a clear and convincing message to the miscreants to insist on entertaining everyone around them with electronically transmitted drivel. Cell phones in any entertainment venue are about as welcome as farts in a diving bell. |
|
09 Aug 08 - 06:41 AM (#2409156) Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions From: Snuffy In an "entertainment venue" I would totally agree, but the behaviour complained of was in a bar, open to the public for anyone to wander in. Different ball game, different rules. There are pubs where the locals who drink there all year round do not appreciate a load of "dickheads" coming in once a year and taking the best seats and making a bloody racket with instruments and singing so loudly that you have to shout to be heard when using your mobile. They have as much right as us to be there and to do what they normally do there. I find that goodwill and reasonableness is usually reciprocated - as is the opposite! Live and let live. |