Cyber Scene Social Notes

This blog has moved

2010-03-07T12:55:00.001-08:00

This blog is now located at http://thecyberscenesocialnotes.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://thecyberscenesocialnotes.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Tipping Soup Bowls

2002-12-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

When your soup runs low, turn your bowl away from you (not towards you) to capture the last remaining spoonfuls.

More Taxi Etiquette

2002-10-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

If you're hailing a taxi, but see that someone was there before you, the only polite thing to do is to let them go first.

Bike Through Town

2002-07-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Frustrated you can't get away for the weekend? Get on your bike (or rent one) and check out your city's local parks. You can get back to nature without having to trek for hours first!

Makeup Routines

2002-07-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ladies, remember that makeup routines are not considered acceptable behavior at the dining table. Just excuse yourself and reapply makeup in the ladies room. Besides, these days there are all sorts of little treats in there like hairspray, lollipops and perfumes to sample!

Remain Calm

2002-05-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Stressed? Fearful? Don't take it out on your fellow New Yorkers. Let's try and remain calm and go about our lives, enjoying each minute we have.

Hold the Door

2002-05-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

Whether chivalry is dead or not-ladies and gentlemen-it is polite and considerate to keep the door held open for someone coming in (or out) after you. Be mindful of those around you, and let them in too!

Stormy weather, stormy emotions

2002-05-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Weather changes and high humidity (and heat) and begin rankling even the calmest sort. Before shaking your umbrella or sweaty brow - and damp frustration - out on someone, check yourself and your emotions at the door!

The Rain is your Friend

2002-04-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Raining? Don't fret! Rejoice that each little rain drop will help our water problem. And, don't forget to be conservative with water from faucets. Do your part to conserve!

Offer Cool Refreshments to Guests

2002-04-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Okay. It's hot out. Before heading out, bring a handkerchief to mop your brow and a water bottle to stay hydrated. When guests come to visit, be sure to offer a glass of cold water upon their arrival.

Importance of Courtesy

2002-04-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

In keeping with our theme of maintaining decorum in our lives, don't overlook the importance of courtesy in the professional arena too. For a good resource, pick up a copy of Hilka Klinkenberg's "At Ease...Professionally"

Time Out

2002-03-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

Got a bee in your bonnet? Don’t forget the value of a quick, intense workout or a walk around the block. Clearing your head first before taking action (verbal or physical) you may regret later is golden.

Frequent Flyers -- ICareAbout Air.com

2002-03-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

Frequent flyer? Protect yourself from nasty germs and stay hydrated: drink lots of water, moisturize and use a handkerchief when you sneeze (to protect other passengers). Also, if you're fed up from getting sick after flying, sign the petition to protect our air in the airplanes at: www.icareaboutair.com

Remember What Mom Told You - Simple Etiquette

2002-03-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

With professionalism extending it's elegant arm into business again (as opposed to dot-com disdain for others), remember the simple things Mom told you at business (and personal!) meals: sit up straight, napkin in lap as soon as you sit down (and keep it there till you leave the table) and use your utensils from the outside in during the course of the meal.

Lost Data

2002-03-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

Lost all your data? Remain calm, pour a stiff drink and email every one you know begging them to send you any files and work you may've sent them to begin constructing your data again.

Have a Cold?

2002-03-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

Have a cold? Remember to wash your hands often so you don't transfer the illness in your office. Germs love to survive on keyboards, telephones and water cooler faucets.

Holiday Card Addresses

2002-01-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

Before tossing all those holiday greeting cards, make a list of who sent you a card to be sure you can reciprocate in the coming holiday.

Clean Up Shared Office Space

2002-01-25T08:05:00.000-08:00

In a shared office space where conference rooms are being used by a multitude, be sure to clean up after yourself when you're finished with the room.

Gentlemen dining

2001-12-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

Gentlemen, please take note! Despite what you thought was fun when you were 8-yrs. old had had your birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese, bouncing on banquettes in restaurants, slumping over your entrée and chewing with your mouth open is NOT representative of good adult dining behavior.

Dealing with Frustrations

2001-12-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a good primal scream (or stiff drink) to work out the frustrations that build up during the day. (http://www.bartleby.com/61/68/P0556850.html) or (http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/newsid_1494000/1494043.stm)

Hostess Gifts

2001-12-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

As the holiday party season picks up, don't forget to bring a little gift for the hosts. Some ideas that are always appreciated are: champagne or wine (perhaps wrapped in a festive manner), gourmet nuts or chocolates (delivered in a festive bowl or platter that the hosts can keep) or fancy cocktail napkins (cloth is nicer). Or, think of the type of party you're going to and the character of the hosts and get something related to their interests.

Elevator Germs

2001-11-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a handy tip from our friends at Acceleration Media: Use your knuckle to depress the floor button in an elevator to save yourself from getting germs on your fingers.

Gloves are Good

2001-11-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

All anthrax concerns aside, a good way to keep healthy this winter is to wear gloves when traveling and going about business outside. This way you'll protect your hands from the dry winter air and nasty germs.

Internet Archive and the Wayback Machine

2001-11-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

Feeling nostalgic for the good old days online? Check out The Internet Archive. Their digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form includes a Wayback Machine, which makes it possible to surf pages stored in the Internet Archive's web archive. It was unveiled on October 24th at Berkeley's Bancroft Library. For a good laugh, look at this!

Thanks for the office (space)

2001-10-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

If you've been extended a courtesy to work in someone's office (whether because of a national tragedy or you're just traveling), be sure to send a nice Thank You gift! You'll be sure to be welcome back and it's good business procedure.

When calling the deaf...

2001-10-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

From: "FAQs and General TTY Etiquette Tips for New TTY Users" Source: RIT Libraries. You should let the phone ring 10 or more times to allow the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person enough time to see the flashing light on their TTY phone and respond to it.

Breathing through the Jostle

2001-10-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

In the rush to get things done in our modern lives, if you jostle or are jostled in the hectic commute or travels, remember that the person you bump into is trying just as hard as you to get through the day too. Take a minute, breathe and smile. If you do so, you may find you've made a friend and not a foe.

No Double-dipping!

2001-10-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Please! No double-dipping! If you're snacking on a veggie at a cocktail party, don't plunk it back into the dip after you've taken a bite.

Flag Etiquette

2001-09-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

The United States flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

For more rules and regulations on the proper display and care of our flag.
http://www.usflag.org/

Dealing with Feelings

2001-09-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

When dealing with feelings of anger, sadness, depression and more, remember this is a time to be gentle to yourself and others. Try and find the healthiest outlet you can, whether it is crying, exercising, painting, journaling, singing, praying or anything else, and use that for vent of your feelings. Don't take it out on others.

We are fragile

2001-09-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

During this time of national tragedy, it's more important than ever to treat each other with kindness and compassion. Before being abrupt or gruff with someone, remember, we're all fragile humans and need to give each other space.

Splitting the Bill

2001-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dining with a group? Make sure everyone knows the full bill before splitting so the remaining guests don't get socked with unfairly forced large contributions.

Impromptu Business Cards

2001-08-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

Forget your business cards? Be creative and write your business information on anything that's handy-sometimes that unique paper item will be the best memory jog for people.

Sidewalk Etiquette

2001-08-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Okay New Yorkers. I know this city is tough to get around, but could we all please try and keep a less aggressive look or anger off our faces and could we really *please* try to not always bump or shoulder someone coming towards you on the sidewalk. A little compassion for your fellow sidewalkers would go a long way!

Brief Escapes for a Quick Cool-down

2001-08-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Getting frustrated with the hot, sticky summer? Head into any casual clothing store to luxuriate in over-air-conditioned comfort and see what the rest of America wears to work.

Cool down with an ice-cube

2001-08-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a refreshing tip on how to stay cool: Place an ice-cube under your tongue to keep cool!

Helping out as a Houseguest

2001-08-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's the simple things that make a difference. When you're a houseguest, a little gift of appreciation at the onset, offers to assist with meal preparation and a handwritten note of thanks are all thoughtful gestures to show your host your thankful for their hospitality.

Stop the "Me too" madness

2001-07-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

If someone accidentally posts an email to an entire mailing list, don't post defaming and derogatory emails to the entire list, further humiliating the person. Lists are usually heavily traveled anyway, so why exacerbate the problem?

Remembering Names

2001-07-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

In networking scenarios, the embarrassment of not remembering someone's name is worse than not being remembered. If someone forgets your name, politely remind him or her and don't make a big deal out of it. As "The Tipping Point" author Malcolm Gladwell states, "humans typically can only manage up to 150 relationships at a time."

Rsvp Means RESPOND PLEASE!

2001-07-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

When an invitation requests Rsvp, it is impolite to not respond with a Oui or Regrets. Your host/ess has graciously extended an invitation to you, and needs to know for planning purposes if you'll be there, so do the proper thing and comply with the "Responde s'il vous plait" request.

Handy Handkerchiefs

2001-07-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Handkerchiefs are back in style! Why not use one today to mop off that damp brow?

Personal Business Cards Establish YOU

2001-06-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Just laid off? Market yourself personally all the time by getting personal business cards made up to hand out to people as you meet them.

Business (note) cards

2001-06-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

After meeting someone and getting their business card, making a few notes about the person or your conversation aids follow up.

Excuse me, You have Spinach in your teeth...

2001-06-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

If you spot a piece of food on your conversation partner (either their face or person), simply make brief mention of it. You will both be relieved to take care of the mishap.

Refine your Listening Skills

2001-06-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Great networking starts by listening to what the other person is saying - and reacting to that.

Magic in the Mingle

2001-06-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Remember when you're at a networking event, you're there to network. Don't forget to mingle. Even if you're having a great time with one person, you can follow up with them later via phone or email.

Party Departure Etiquette

2001-05-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Upon taking leave of a party, be sure to give Thanks to the hosts before leaving.

Baseball Caps are not Stylish

2001-05-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Despite the comfort, gentlemen, wearing baseball caps with your business clothes is not necessarily "stylish."

A Chafing Dish is NOT Your Personal Plate

2001-05-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

PLEASE! Whatever you do-do NOT pick food out of a buffet platter or chafing dish and then stick the food in your mouth! Use the serving silver to put the food on your plate or napkin!!!!

A 5-Minute Blessing Break

2001-05-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Had a rough day? Take a 5-minute break to think about all the good things and blessings you have in life, and the problems will seem less daunting.

Neatness counts.

2001-05-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

Neatness counts.

Message-taking Etiquette

2001-04-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

We're all in a rush, but when inquiring as to a caller's identification on the telephone, "yah, who's this?" isn't really appropriate. Try something like, "Who's calling please?" or "Could I please take your name and company?"

Cover your mouth!

2001-04-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

If you sneeze, please cover your mouth!

Elbows Off the Table!

2001-04-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

After a horrifying view of four businessmen at lunch with one in gross violation, it still needs to be said: "Mabel, Mabel, keep your elbows off the table -- WHEN DINING!"

Smokers Watch Your Ashes

2001-03-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

If you're smoking at an office party, be careful where you drop your ashes!

"Is this a good time?"

2001-03-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

In these busy times, when you call upon someone, ask if they have a moment to speak. They may be in the middle of something and can't take your call at the moment. Your asking will incline them to take the minute or two to speak with you, or appreciate your sensitivity.

Keep those Refills A-Comin'

2001-03-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

When taking a client or customer out for a meal, make sure their water and beverage glasses are always filled. Your guest(s) shouldn't have to ask for refills.

Tea Bags

2001-03-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

When tea is served with a tea bag, do not swirl the bag around the spoon and squeeze it dry, simply lift it from the cup until it drains, then set it on the side of your saucer.

I'm Late, I'm Late!!!! (Call!)

2001-03-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

Running late? Call and let your party know so they can adjust their schedules.

Welcome others to your circle

2001-02-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

When at a networking event, be conscious of others interested in joining your conversation, and welcome them.

* A note to all gentlemen when out networking: when speaking with a reporter, using the term "chicks" in reference to women, isn't a wise idea.

Appropriate Head Wear

2001-02-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

As tempted as you may be, it's not advised to wear boxer shorts on your head.

Learn A Language

2001-02-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

If you're traveling to a foreign land, why not pick up one of those handy language cassettes so you can make your local hosts feel comfortable.

Leave Your Plate

2001-02-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

If you've finished eating but your guests have not, decline the wait person's attempt to remove your plate so your guests don't feel rushed.

Spilled Drinks

2001-01-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

Spilled a drink on someone accidentally when jostled in a crowded party? Offering to assist in the dry cleaning bill is not only a nice gesture, but is proper.

Taxi Etiquette

2001-01-19T10:55:00.000-08:00

Attention all taxi-seeking New Yorkers! If you've just walked out to the curb and get a taxi, and someone comes running up to you with claims of waiting first or longer, it is only common courtesy to allow them the first taxi. Remember they might've been on the far corner out of your view. And, perhaps you can share! Why not take the opportunity to befriend someone as opposed to perpetuate the nasty reputation the world thinks of New Yorkers.

Sensitivity Firing -or- The "Un-Donald" Approach

2001-01-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

During our time of shakeouts, closings and let-downs, don't forget you're dealing with people. Each one deserves noted attention and sensitivity. A personal call or note makes a big difference in this fast-paced business world.

Wash Your Hands

2001-01-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself shaking hands of a few people with colds, be sure to wash yours before eating anything-that's how colds spread!

Introduction

1998-01-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to help facilitate better networking for new media professionals and "Scenesters," here are some pointers.

These are the things your mother always told you to do (or not to do) but you never paid attention because you are mean and were too busy being self-important!

Remember What Your Mother Told You! And if you don't, then Remember What I'm Telling You! :)