I'm talking movie theaters here. One of the problems theaters are facing these days are the mobile phone users. God help us all. There is nothing more irritating to me as a paying customer than going to a movie theater to see a film I have been psyched up for only to have the whole experience negated by the inconsiderate individual sitting a few rows in front of me sending out text messages during the movie.
Part of me wants to reach down and slap the back of their head and snatch the phone. But I remember the story about the guy who said something to someone who was using their phone during a movie. The phone user ultimately stabbed the complainer in the neck with a meat thermometer. People certainly get touchy about these things and reacting with that sort of violence can be a turn off. Sadly, to the benefit of the individual being the distraction.
So, it was with great joy I came across this bit of fun. A movie theater in Austin, Texas called the Alamo Drafthouse has a policy, "we see you using your phone, we throw you out." I rather like that rule. And they enforce it.
But, before you get all pissed off with me for liking this sort of activity, keep in mind there was a time when one could go to the theater without these distractions. "But, my babysitter might be calling." Or, "My house might be on fire and someone may be trying to call me." Or, "I'm a doctor and I am on call." We have heard them all. Look, parents went childless on dates before there were mobile phones. Seriously, what are the odds that your house will catch fire while you are at the theater? Besides, what are you going to be able to do about anyway? And if you are on call, don't you think you should keep that in consideration before going to the theater in the first place?
Back to The Alamo Drafthouse. A patron gets caught using her phone and she get's thrown out. She takes that very same phone and leaves a nasty message to the theater. The theater, sensing a fine opportunity, takes the message and creates a public service message they run before the movie. Bad language and all. I absolutely love this.
Now, THAT is a great example of getting your message across. Don't you just love it when people do wrong and think THEY are the victim?
There is something in that PSA that reaches down deep into my soul for some serious satisfaction. Since we can't legally shoot the stupid (in most cases), there is a real bit of justice to this and I hope you all enjoyed that as much as I did.
Discuss amongst yourselves, I'm headed back to the movie.
Stay Tuned...
