This was, notes Matthew Sweet, a historian, the first example of what is known today as "spam". It shows that new communications technologies have been prompting questions about etiquette ever since the advent of the telegraph in the 19th century. The pattern is always the same: a new technology emerges on the scene, and nobody can be quite sure how it will be employed, or the appropriate etiquette for its use. So users have to make up the rules as they go along.When we designers play our part in producing objects containing disruptive technologies, it's difficult to plan for the new social situations they may spawn--introducing new language, for instance. "Hello," for example, was not a widely-used word--until Edison had to think of what people should say when picking up the telephone. (Bell's rejected bid: "Ahoy, ahoy.") The Japanese phrase "moshi moshi" is not a meaningful phrase, but something you say on the phone to confirm the other party can hear you. In South Korea (and lately in New York, we've noticed) people tend not to leave voicemails as much, but assume that since you can see your "missed calls" you will simply call them back. In Scandinavia it's reportedly common for people to text you seeking permission to call. As this stuff fascinates us, and we have a global readership, please tell us in the comments: What forms of techno-etiquette exist in your area? We're sure it will make interesting reading for all.
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"This is Bob" is a hold over from the days when families shared a single phone number. With five kids in the house you had to identify yourself. If only so your parents knew who to blame when they didn't get that important message from work.