CROSSVILLE —
Texting has become, for most of us, the most convenient way to communicate with our friends, family and even business associates. It is fast, easy, immediate and mobile. We can send a text from virtually anywhere, receive it anywhere and reply from anywhere without being too disruptive to others. But, are we following “texting etiquette?” Or, in other words, are we being polite to the people we text?
If you receive a phone call, whether it is on a landline or a cellular device, most of us answer with a “hello” and end with a “good bye.” Texting, however, isn’t always that polite or considerate. I seldom get a text that says “Hey, Jan” or “Hi, Jan.” It normally begins with the content of the text. This for me is not problematic unless, of course, the text comes from someone not in my phone’s contacts and I am left wondering who originated the text. This puts the burden on me to ask from whom it came. Secondly, and more aggravating to me, is when I am not sure if I am finished texting with someone because they just stop. I assume after a few minutes of waiting for a reply they must be finished. I don’t always do it either, but I think it must be more polite to end our texts with “talk to you later” or “see you then” or “have a good day.”
I started wondering if there are specific rules of etiquette for texting. My internet research indicates there are some hard and fast rules for sending SMS messages. They include:
1. You should text as if you were face to face or having a phone conversation. Be polite and never text what you wouldn’t say face to face or over the phone.
2. You should be aware of your tone in a text as it can indicate frustration or anger, particularly with someone who doesn’t know you very well. Text tones are often difficult for the receiver to discern.
3. Never text while driving.
4. Never ignore a text unless it is from a stalker. If you are too busy at the moment, reply when you have time.
5. Be conscientious of other people’s schedules. No early morning or late night texting is appropriate. Just because you are up, doesn’t mean your recipient is.
6. Do not text extensively when you are face to face with other people at lunch, dinner, etc. This is basically telling the other person they aren’t as important as the person you are continually texting.
7. Do not, as I call it, practice “toasted texting.” Texting while inebriated may bring some unwanted consequences just as “drunk dialing” does.
8. If you are single, never ever, ever break up with someone via text. Ever.
9. Do not text in all CAPS. It indicates yelling.
10. Never reply with just a “K.” “Ok” is only one more letter and one more stroke of the keyboard.
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Crab Orchard Elementary School has named its 2013 superlatives for the eighth-grade class. The title of Mr. and Miss Crab Orchard went to Spencer Pugh and Sammie Kemmer. Jared Debord and Jasmine Brown were voted as Most Intelligent. Josh Scholtz and Mackenzie Callahan were elected as Most Likely to Succeed. Ben Bowman and Bella Davis were Best Dressed. Devin Garcia and Johnie Stokes were Wittiest. Dylon Dishman and Brittney Brun were Most Athletic. Jas Kemmer and Cheyanne Graf were Most School Spirited and Kaleb Stephens and Tanatta Eiammutita “Stamp” were named Most Artistic.
Lifestyles
AROUND THE TOWN: 10 ways to be a better texter
- Lifestyles
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CCHS Class of 1963 congratulates Class of 2013
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Putt for the Cure miniature golf tournament a success
Kids of all ages enjoyed a fun outing of miniature golf Saturday at the first Putt for the Cure event, presented by Dr. Calley Jo Elsea of Cloudland Dental, to benefit the Upper Cumberland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Players teams up with sponsors and host Pirates Plateau Golf Adventure to raise funds to help area women get needed screening exams, support patients and survivors, educate the public and support national research initiatives.
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Around the Town: Attendance is the Key to success in Cumberland County!
High school attendance is up and 10 cars have been given away. This is all thanks to some forward thinking educators along with Dave and Connie Kirk and the staff at Dave Kirk Automotive. This year marks the 10th anniversary, or a decade, of what the high school students call "Dave Kirk Drawing Day." Or, in layman's terms, some junior or senior from Cumberland County High School, Stone Memorial High School or Phoenix School wins a brand spanking new vehicle.
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End of another great year for Neighbors and Newcomers
Referred to as the "best little club on the mountain," Neighbors and Newcomers will be holding its last meeting of the year May 23. After a fun-filled, interesting and exciting year, the group will enjoy this end-of-the-year lunch at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds.
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Seniors to visit Sutton General Store May 18
On May 10, the members of the 127 Senior Center had a good time socializing, playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by Arlene Simmons, with the prizes furnished by Bob Folger, with State Farm Insurance.
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Marriage licenses
Published May 15, 2013.
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Pow-wow set for May 18-19
Everyone is invited to come attend the educational and cultural event, Pow-Wow on the Plateau "Honoring All Survivors" on May 18 and 19 at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. There will be many Indian tribes and dance styles represented. Bert Cox will be the master of ceremonies.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Therapy gym opens at Uplands
Functional Pathways, Inc. is the Uplands Village therapy provider for physical, occupational and speech therapy. A new therapy gym has been established in the renovated Apartment 4 at 23 Heritage Loop next door to the new home health care office and respite rooms. The Village and Fletcher residents will receive their therapy in the gym. Wharton Homes residents will have therapy in the Wharton therapy rooms.
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FAIR PARK: Crossville’s Got Talent is this Friday
Crossville really has so much talent in this area. Some is home grown, and others have decided to enjoy retiring in the county. The Fair Park Senior Center recently held auditions for the third annual Crossville’s Got Talent Show, and everyone who tried out did a great job, but the show is very limited to only two hours. So not all the people who tried out got to be in the show.
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Pruning pines
The time for spring pruning of pines is right now while new growth (commonly called "candles") is still pale green and flexible. Waiting until later in the season or using tools like hand-held or long-handled pruners doesn’t give good results.
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