Amusement Park Bans PDAs and Smartphones

Ant writes in with news that an amusement park in the UK is trying out a ban on smartphones and PDAs, with the intent to enable families actually to have fun together. The press release says that from May 25 to June 1, adults found using a PDA will be asked to drop it off at a "PDA Drop Off Zone" — no word on what happens if they refuse. But both the Sun and BoingBoing, which picked up their brief story, strike a more ominous note with the claim that "special wardens" will confiscate the devices. If the experiment is deemed a success the park may make the ban permanent.

Comments

/.'ers don't have to worry

[93 Escort Wagon]

Remember - to be affected by this policy, you'd a) have to be in a relationship; and b) have to venture outside. So breathe easy!

Ban watches, phones, mp3 players...

[gelfling]

Ban everything everywhere. Ban it. You WILL have fun goddamnit.

What you should have done:

[Wooky_linuxer]

Walked straight to them, and with authority, proclaimed yourself as Park Police. Whatever that means. Then, after explaining the Park policy of not allowing work with a laptop in its premises, explain ed the penalty: - I am sorry, sir, but I will be forced to confiscate. - No way, this is my private property and I am doing important work here. - I mean the girl.

Good Daycycle Citizen!

[IonOtter]

Good Daycycle, Citizen, and welcome to Alton Towers, where fun is mandatory! Please bear in mind that failure to have fun is considered Treason, and is punishable by painful death reserved for Commie Mutant Traitors and those Citizens who failed to have fun.

Thank you for your cooperation, Citizen, and remember to have fun!

Your Friend,

The Computer

Re:Intrafamily phoning

[dotancohen]

Gee, I wonder how separated people found each other before cell phones... You are aware that the Neanderthals went extinct for this very reason, right?

Re:Sniff, sniff..

[houghi]

If it's all phones, well, you've just eliminated a useful tool for finding lost kids, or for preventing kids from getting lost.

Indeed the children, won't anybody think of the children.

Re:Oh Please...

[mpeskett]

Damn those movie theatres! Infringing on our right to a giant bucket of fried chicken while we watch a movie!

It's virtually censorship... they're preventing my free expression of chicken-eating. I demand chickeny freedom!

Re:Don't forget, it's The Sun

[Anonymous Coward]

Most prominent in The Sun are the "Page Three Stunna" (a different picture of a topless woman every day)

These ideas intrigue me and I wish to subscribe to their newsletter.

Re:I understand their point...

[Petrushka]

Courthouses I believe prohibit camera phones (i.e. practically all cell phones), and the only time I'd ever go there is if I can't get out of jury duty.

For reference, I believe there are other circumstances that can in principle make presence in a courthouse obligatory.

Re:Oh Please...

[Hognoxious]

If I invite you into my home and tell you to leave your cell phone at home, but you choose to bring it anyway, are you telling me I have the right to confiscate it from you and keep it?

You can leave it at the door - your strawman will keep it for you till you leave.