Communication

I have a few opinions that I am going to share about communication---now most of you may not agree with me, but it is making me feel like I'm "old school" with some of these opinions (which have come for good reasons). 

I am afraid for my children growing up that they will not have the opportunity to practice the communication skills that were once taught and used....like actually talking on the phone with friends, and calling someone etc.

Texting:  Not the biggest fan I have to admit.  I like texting for the purpose to communicate short simple things when phone calling is not convienent or when you know someone can't talk.  I don't like to carry on conversations with texting---if it is going to take more than 2 texts to get the message accross (going back and forth), then JUST CALL ME!!!  Yes, I am not the fasted texter, but I love my phone and the full key board to text and do text, but for things such as getting a message to Lynar when he is unable to talk at work, or letting someone know an FYI, or texting address or phone numbers so I don't have to write it down when I am talking.  And, please don't text while driving....almost as bad as a DUI.  Really, can you truely concentrate on the road while you are driving if you are texting??  Even checking a text??  I hate it when Lynar checks his email and texts while he is driving---kind of scary!!!  If it's that important, pull over and read it!!!  It'll be there when you have to stop....the text isn't going to disappear between now and then!

Email:  I have fallen prey, but am learning what I like to email and what shouldn't be emailed.  A little personal communication is very nice once in a while and since people use email so much, personal communication has diminished.  I admit I use email all the time and am addicted, BUT.....so much is lost in email communication that it is starting to bother me.  Same thing as texting.....if we have to send so many emails back and forth---CALL!
I wish I could give examples, but for the better of things, I'd better not! 

• What email is good for: 

1. Communicating late at night or when you can't get ahold of someone.
2. FYI information
3. Reminders
4. Work stuff
5. I know that some people will communicate better through email and that is the only way they'll respond to you, so then you have to email.

• What email shouldn't be used for:

1. Important information that you need an answer for soon!
2. Most family news---some things would be nice with a phone call!!!
3. When there is a problem or issue with one person....don't copy everyone on the email if it is only one person's problem.  This happened with Lynar with some scouting stuff---made me very upset that the guy didn't just email Lynar directly, or call him instead of sending these emails to everyone.  Lynar had no clue that this guy hadn't recieved the letter that Lynar mailed and he kept sending out these emails, that were meant for Lynar to everyone.  ERRRR still bugged by that one! 
4. Church stuff for kids.  Make the kids learn to use a dang phone and call their friends to let them know what is happening!  Growing up we used to have to call all the girls in my church class to remind them of the activities and what to bring.....every week....it didn't kill me either.  Actually...it helps with communication skills.  Kids need to be forced to use the telephone so they can learn how to communicate with others over the phone.  Yes....there are jobs out there that you actually have to call people for appts...or other things.  I know, some people hate the phone, but sometimes it will do you good to use it so you know how if you ever need to use it.   

Big group emails are good, but address are left off quite often and then people get offended....or someone will take something the wrong way and get offended. 

I know many people who don't frequently check their email and then others get made because they haven't responded.  I get so many emails a day---many junk, and if I don't respond right away....I forget about it, then feel bad. 

Facebook:  Yes, I have fallen prey to this one as well.....haven't figured out why so many people send personal messages to friends so others can see it.  I don't mind and really like seeing what's up with people, but not what they did with their friends the night before or are going to do.  I've just seen too many people communicating back and forth on other people's comment sections

I do love electronics, but feel that the "old school" of communication still needs to be taught to children these days.  So sad when you sit in the same room as some one and have to communicate by texting or facebook or email instead of opening your mouth.

I'm sure I could list more, but will stop since I've said too much.  I love to actually talk to people and not look at the stupid screen all day.    I'm just on a rant today.