More Performers Are Demanding Audiences Lock Up Their Phones (nytimes.com)

More performers -- and other venues -- are discovering a new anti-piracy technology called Yondr -- including comedian Dave Chappelle. Slashdot reader HughPickens.com quotes the New York Times: Fans are required to place their cellphones into Yondr's form-fitting lockable pouch when entering the show, and a disk mechanism unlocks it on the way out. Fans keep the pouch with them, but it is impossible to snap pictures, shoot videos or send text messages during the performance while the pouch is locked.

'I know my show is protected, and it empowers me to be more honest and open with the audience,' says Dave Chappelle...But some fans object to not being able to disseminate and see live shows via videotape...
"In this day and age, my phone is how I keep my memory," one live-music fan told the Washington Post, adding "If you don't want your music heard, then don't perform it." But the device is becoming more common, and according to the Times it's now also being used at weddings, restaurants, schools, and when movies are being prescreened.

Comments

Sorry, but I like it.

[Parker Lewis]

I'm tired to go to nice performances, including circus, movies, etc (i.e., most stuff that is funny in a dark room), and then people insists in get their big phones and tablets and turn on the bright screen in your face and ruin your experience, blocking your vision and spotting light in your eyes.

If people really used to just attend urgency calls, devices like this will be not required. For sure, probably doctors will be allowed to keep their devices. In case of fire, there are employees in the place able to make a call. Like in the old days.

Re:what about security?

[houghi]

As you did not stat you are a doctor, I assume you are not. I will talk as somebody who has been on call (not as a doctor) and being on call means that I get paid to ber available and that also means I am restricted in what I do. e.g. I can not drink any alcohol, as I need to be able to drive. Because of these limitations, I am paid for my time. Not going the the movies is not forbidden, but something that I am not willing to do, because I will be disturbing others. Not by the phone, but by me walking out.

The doctors I know will not go to the movies when they are on call. We will go to restaurants, but it is then very clear that it would mean they could leave any moment, so they avoid that as much as possible.

If you are on call 24/7, you are doing it wrong. If not alone from the point of view of being hit by a bus.

This is why we can't have nice things

[zerofoo]

I've never used my phone during a movie or concert, but I'll be damned if the performer I'm paying to see will force me to part with my property for their convenience.

The primary reason I carry a mobile device is for safety and security. I'm not giving that up because others can't control themselves.

I guess if the performer doesn't trust me with my mobile device, then they really don't want my money that badly.

Re:This is why we can't have nice things

[ChoGGi]

It goes in a neoprene pouch which you then hold on to, you don't part with anything.

Re:Give Out an Official Recording

[i.r.id10t]

This day and age? Hell, the Grateful Dead did it for DECADES ... and yet, they always seemed to sell tickets to the next show.

Why, you can even go and download high bitrate MP3s of shows, often recorded directly from the sound board. Here ya go - only 11000 recordings... https://archive.org/details/Gr...

Re:Interesting, Dave Chappelle.

[NatasRevol]

Venue owners can ban anyone not in a federally protected class of people.

So, smokers yes, races no.

Re: Interesting, Dave Chappelle.

[NatasRevol]

Exactly why do you think a performer, in a private venue, has no expectation of privacy? That can be totally determined by the venue owner. Who may or may not have an agreement with the performer on what is or is not allowed.