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More and more people are forgetting about proper cell phone manners. What I mean is the loud, boorish attitude that almost everybody carrying a mobile phone is becoming guilty of. The annoying ring tones and the incessant yakking spare nothing; not even weddings, funerals, and conferences. You think I'm kidding? A lot of people can attest to this sad fact. Executives, salesmen, doctors, lawyers, and priests know what I'm talking about.

From avenues to theaters, from clinics to boardrooms, from diners to churches, rude cell phone users can victimize you. They practically forget the most basic of courtesies. A lot of stories have emerged that attest to this. My favorite so far is the one about a panel member who was in the middle of a demonstration. When his mobile phone rang, he just stopped right there and answered it! This is getting to be ridiculous, and we need to put a stop to it.

A recent survey says that carrying out loud conversations in public is the worst habit of cell phone users. Moreover, atrocious cell phone manners is observed by almost everybody at least once a day. But let us be clear on one thing. Cell phones are not the issue here. People are. The sales of cell phones are rising. So are the sound level and the rudeness. Mobile technology is being abused all around us. It's time to take a stand against it. Here are some dos and don'ts.

Don't take a personal call using your mobile phonesin the middle of a business meeting. This rule also includes meetings with co-workers or subordinates, and job interviews. You'll be surprised to know how many job applicants flunk this one.

Keep a 10-foot zone away from people when you use your cell phone. No one needs to know about the banalities of your life, really. Inform all your callers that you're talking on a cellular phone, so they'll know to expect distractions or disconnections. And keep all conversations short and sweet.

Do not use a cell phone inside theaters, elevators, libraries, churches, memorial parks, hospitals, cafeterias, museums, or any other enclosed public spaces. Try also not to hold an emotional phone conversation while in public. If you really must, use an earpiece in noisy locations, so that you can control the volume of your voice.

Don't use those irritating ring tones that distract others and damage eardrums. There are a lot of better ring tones. Grow up! Also, forget about multi-tasking with your cell phone. Avoid making calls while buying groceries, walking, waiting in line or doing other personal business. And one more thing. Tell everyone that you're now using improved cell phone etiquette, and request them to do the same. It's very important.

Technology and good manners can co-exist. Just ask the millions of Internet users, who've adopted the rules for email etiquette. You can always use the vibrate function, use voice mail, or go to a secluded area before making a call. All it takes is a little bit of consideration.

Azlan Irda is the co-founder of http://www.AgeComputer.com, your cell phone superstore. Visit our website to find all the mobile phones and accessories you will ever need.