Cough, Cough, Chew, Chew

I've probably mentioned this before, but if you're phoning someone, especially someone in a public service agency, say, like a LIBRARY, it's not a good idea to be coughing, chewing, or popping gum when the other person answers. Nor is it polite to be carrying on a conversation with someone else at the same time, especially if this requires shouting. This can be very confusing for the person you called. At the very least, please cover the speaker part of the phone unit. I do understand that you probably can't do anything about any shrill whistling or buzz on the line, unless you're making the noise yourself, but please try whenever possible to speak to the person you called — me — and be sure that your voice is all the person — me — has to listen to. Screaming or crying babies in close proximity to the phone makes for a very bad connection. This will greatly assist the other person and make it easier for him or her — me! — to help you. Really. And it's such a little thing, easy to get right. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Can you tell I had a difficult time on the phone today? Well, the old gent who always insists on telling me a joke before he hangs up kinda made up for the screeching, chewing, and the loud cough in my ear from earlier calls, but still....

Feeling:

~~~o0o~~~
phone ettiquette