Etiquette expert challenges overuse of phone texting

More and more Timaru people are swapping conversations for keypads as a way of communication.

From being reminded about hair appointments to organising meetings, talking through a text message is becoming a popular way to converse for local businesses and employees – much to the horror of etiquette experts.

Using texting to communicate has been under the spotlight after Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor offered his resignation by text message to Prime Minister Helen Clark. She texted back he could keep his job for the time being.

Community and Public Health health promoter Jacqui Robinson said she used texting a lot to contact teenagers she dealt with.

"When I am dealing with teenagers for things such as Sadd (Students Against Driving Drunk) it is often easier just to text them and I know they have received the information."

As a parent she said her children often have whole conversations via text.

"It's just the way they are choosing to contact their friends."

While text messaging was an easy way to get in touch with people for her job, she usually only used it to organise events as there was an etiquette that went with the action.

"There are some things I wouldn't text such as specific information.

"For that I would pick up the phone and talk but when it's to organise a meeting I text around to let people know."

A Timaru salon has also got in on the texting craze.

Barbara Kelly from Shine Salon and Day Spa said the salon used text messaging to remind clients of appointments.

"We text clients the day before their appointment to remind them that they're coming in."

The text also gave the recipient the option of changing the appointment.

The system was run through a computer and they had being using it for about four years, she said.

"It's very effective and is great for advertising and is good for reminding people."

However, Timaru etiquette expert Judy Dodwell felt text messaging was not always good manners.

"Texting should not be used to change plans as it is not always reliable.

"I just think it is very bad manners to not ring someone when you can't attend an event."

"People often take the easy way out so they don't have to face the responsibility."

n Herald Staff