I must be one of the few people who aren't irritated with people on their phones... didn't think this was a big deal. I always have my phone on silent/airplane mode and stay away from it till the after the movie but it's never bothered me when other people do it unless they actually call someone.
-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
AMC responds to 'texting' controversy
- Thread starter Nibel
- Start date
- Status
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
I'm much the same and mostly actively ignore my phone most of the day. It's handy to have easy access to email, the net etc. everywhere, but I feel no need to be constantly checking it, constantly communicating with people etc. Then again, I'm mostly a loner and my close friends are mostly the same and we'd rather just talk in person when we hangout rather than be texting or calling constantly.
LyleLanley
Banned
What the hell are you even arguing about anymore?
MagnaderAlpha
Member
C'mon now, we just stuck it to antsy phone fucks that care not about ruining the experience for others cause they get withdrawals if they go a minute without basking in the glow of their cellphones. We sure as hell don't need AMCs to become artsy-fartsy Hipster hubs. Keep that shit exclusive to smaller, indie-styled theaters, thank you very much!
Though, that would be kinda cool(food and beer).
Bruce Springsteen
Member
Apple Watch is the answer to all texting issues during a movie
It's bright, distracting and annoying. The lights go out to immerse you in the experience with zero visual distraction. You're an outlier.
Ray Wonder
Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
People accuse me of annoying people, without evidence that I am.
I inform them that I'm actually not.
They say I'm terrible, and tell me how impossible what i'm accomplishing is. Like i'm trying to get to the moon with a ramp and a tricycle.
Crossfit people also think they're not annoying, because they don't realize they are and also think "lol they're talking about other people, I don't do that"
The evidence is the overwhelming amount of people telling you it's annoying. Your word doesn't supercede everyone else's.
old manatee
Banned
I'm pretty sure you're trolling at this point, so this is my last response to you in case you're not.
No one is disputing that you're not thinking about those around you. It's the fact that you insist on placing your urge for texting above the those around you. Yes, you "consider" those around you by minimizing the light, bravo. I do the same thing... when putting my phone on silent before the movie starts. That's what most people do. You don't, because you seem to think you're better than everyone and can do it in such a way that no one sees. You're the exception to the rule. The plebs can't figure out how text in a theater because they're not considerate enough. That seems to be you're line of thinking. However, the reality is the plebs are more considerate than you by not even touching their phone until the movie is over.
Ray Wonder
Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
I'm willing to bet some aren't annoying. Solely because they're better at not being annoying than others.
You clearly came in the end of the argument. I have a guide now. lol. It's not about whether seeing a phone lit up is annoying or not. I think it is too, but I know when I'm choosing to do it, it's not bothering anyone. Literally that's all I'm saying.
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
Speaking to the Regal VIP section I mentioned above, it doesn't draw that crowd at all as they just have the current blockbusters playing in those two theaters. So it's just the regular crowd for those flicks, minus the kids and teens (due to being 21+) and talker adults (the higher ticket price seems to keep them away).
So it's a better experience, in nicer auditoriums with fewer seats and all seats being big recliners with foot rests, full bar service and decent food (not just the concessions crap). We pretty much only see movies if they're playing there now and wait for Netflix for the rest that they don't show in those two auditoriums.
You'd have to first prove they aren't noticed by others before that line of thinking makes sense.
Heebie Jeebies
Banned
Sounds like someone pitched the idea as an April Fool's prank and the idiot higher-ups took it seriously.
LumpOfCole
Member
I wouldn't mind theaters implementing a Spotlight of Shame and shines a ridiculously bright light on texters for the ushers - dressed as prison guards - to come escort the texter away.
outunderthestars
Banned
My phone is off during a movie. I will check my messages after the movie is over. And I highly doubt there are emergencies that require your immediate response. Whatever is happening in the world, it will be OK if you wait 2 hours to respond.
You don't know that though.
If you like to sit in the back of the theater, especially in a newer theater where the back is pretty high up, you see those people near the front all the time. Sure, the people immediately next to the texter didn't see anything, but the people 10+ rows back did. People like Ray Wonder don't think about that, though.
You'd have to first prove they are noticed by others before that line of thinking makes sense.
I'm not saying everyone who uses a phone isn't annoying anyone, but I also don't think it's some crazy feat of ingenuity to use a phone without creating a distraction in a movie theater.
edit:
Like, as a general rule, people shouldn't text during the movie. If you need to do something, take it outside. I agree on all of these points. I also don't think it matters that much and if one guy really wants to text or tries to be super discreet, go for it. Who cares.
I don't have to, the onus is on you to prove because you made the assertion. All i've done is point out the flaw.
Ray Wonder
Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
Apparently you didn't read my guide sir. Because I literally mention that I text while behind people because I sit further back than most while in a non crowded theater.
Thanks to this thread I have a new idea for a VR game. Theater Texting Simulator. In this game you must attempt to send various texts in a movie theater while not alerting those around you. It will be a true simulator in that it'll likely be an impossible game to beat.
Prove what? That people might have texted without you knowing about it? Do you want to prove to me that there might be ants in your walls?
I'm saying it's possible for someone to text in a movie theater without someone else noticing. You're saying that's impossible. Which one is crazier?
Obviously it's annoying to notice and that people who want to be courteous just shouldn't take the risk. But if some guy insists that he's not bugging anyone I'm not going to call him a "bad person" because I've never seen him.
I'm not going to read your stupid guide on how to almost not be an asshole.
Ray Wonder
Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
I was starting to feel insane in here to be honest.
This is pretty childish of an argument. lol. Like "Lalalala I'm not listening"
Yes, you'd need to prove that no one notices, since you said it. People are dogpiling on Ray because he's being obtuse.
outunderthestars
Banned
Maybe take some time to reflect on why everyone in the thread seems to feel like your behavior is selfish, yet you are unable to see it.
Not really. I have zero desire to text in a movie theater, and if I chose to do so, I'm pretty sure I could figure it out with out ever reading your guide. Nor do I care to know about the all the steps you take to be "considerate" of others.
Iorv3th
Member
This. Still people that do it or even take phone calls sometimes.
Why don't you just watch the movie you paid for? You can leave your phone alone for 2 hours. If it's an emergency that's one thing, but you act like you do it all the time. Which would be annoying to go with you.
Yeah unless you are an EMT/Dr/Firefighter or new parent or something there is no reason to check your phone or even leave it on vibrate/ring.
Morrigan Stark
Arrogant Smirk
Of course you aren't. Inconsiderate jerks never are.
Your buddies are probably too nice to tell you that you're a jerkass.
Why should we believe your claim when it's so spurious?
Crazy isn't it. How did we ever live before smartphones? How do people manage to spend 2 hours without looking at their phones??
I can bet you that near 100% of the time when people text at the theatre, it's not remotely an emergency anyway. The whole "what if it's an emergency" excuse is wearing thin.
Edit:
Damn, now that's irony.
Joe Shlabotnik
Banned
Yeah the "what about emergencies" thing doesn't really fly. Are you a doctor on call? Is your wife due soon? If neither of these are "yes" then there aren't many other realistic "emergencies", just bad news you might not hear about for an hour. Which I appreciate people wanting to know about as soon as possible but that's a psychological thing more than a practical one.
sssstententen
Member
Gonna quote the top reddit comment because it basically captures how I feel about this "outrage" news
DynamicImpulses @Reddit said:
ElBoxyBrown
Banned
The spotlight of shame is when the whole theater can see your phone and then everyone roasts you.
WickedLaharl
Member
If you can't understand why you shouldn't text in a theatre you might have NPD.
I don't see anything wrong with AMC asking people if texting should be allowed or not. This is a sign of a responsive, pro-customer company when they ask if you want something and then act accordingly.
With that said, there's almost no reason to text in a movie theater. When I'm waiting for the movie to start, I turn my ringer off and turn brightness all the way down. If I get a text during a movie I might check it by holding my phone close to my chest or in my lap while looking at lock screen notifications, so that other people can't see my phone. However, short of needing to respond to my babysitter, I cannot recall ever responding to a text during a movie. It's just not needed.
With that said, there's almost no reason to text in a movie theater. When I'm waiting for the movie to start, I turn my ringer off and turn brightness all the way down. If I get a text during a movie I might check it by holding my phone close to my chest or in my lap while looking at lock screen notifications, so that other people can't see my phone. However, short of needing to respond to my babysitter, I cannot recall ever responding to a text during a movie. It's just not needed.
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
Exactly. Movies are my time. I'm never going to get a text, call, email etc. that not taking immediately would be a matter of life and death to anyone.
Bad news, a work "emergency" from a colleague or anything else will be there when I'm done. I've deliberately built a life for myself that's low stress, low drama and emergency free beyond the general death, illnesses etc to friends and family. And I'd rather get that kind of bad news after the movie since there's nothing I can do about it anyway.
Hero_of_the_Day
Member
What I was going to say. The one around here doesn't do shit about it.
BobTheFork
Member
Better than Theater texters at least.
i don't go very often but that makes it even worse because i've paid money and allocated a big chunk of time to see a movie i'm really interested in and some asshole lights up his or her cellphone in the middle of it. people who do that tend to be repeat offenders too, very rarely do i see a screen come up just once in a movie.
it's why i pretty much only go to alamo drafthouse these days. it costs more but they have a good beer selection and everyone knows the rules.
- Status