etiquette

Geek Etiquette: Manners In a Digital World

By Tara in Geek Etiquette 1 Comment Tags: , ,

manners in a digital world

Guys, I’ve been saying that technology is changing some of our rules on etiquette for a while, and now Emily Post agrees. (“Emily Post agrees” is one of my favorite phrases/arguments ever.)

The new book, “Manners in a Digital World” answers questions such as:

  • Do you have a healthy digital diet?
  • What are your digital house rules?
  • What are the top ten mobile manners?
  • What three things should your kids know before they go online?
  • Should you friend your boss?
  • Is online dating right for you?”
It’s the perfect gift for grads, your new social media intern, or your parents. We know they need digital help.



You can find it for $12.69 at Amazon.com.

What’s your best online etiquette tip?

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Geek Etiquette: Fireworks Safety

By Tara in Geek Etiquette No Comments Tags: , ,

Every year a large group of my friends head down to my parents’ place to celebrate the 4th of July. We get matching patriotic shirts (the most awful ones we can find), tons of food and drink, and plenty of fireworks. It’s a grand old time for everyone, and we’ve been lucky (and smart) enough to stay mostly safe year-after-year.

As this 4th of July approaches, I thought I’d share some basic fireworks safety tips with you. If you have additional ones (or a ridiculous fireworks-related story!), please leave a comment!

  • Check your local laws on fireworks before purchasing. Americanpyro.com has compiled a great list!
  • Read the labels before using the firework, and make sure you’re using it correctly.
  • Had a couple drinks? Pass the fireworks off to someone sober. They’ll make wiser decisions.
  • Make sure you have a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby.
  • When lighting the firework, use a long punk or lighter to gain a bit of distance between yourself and the firework. Once the wick is lit, BACK AWAY.
  • Wait until the firework has been fully finished for at least 15 seconds before approaching it. You never know if there’s one last grand finale in there!
  • Be respectful of the time and place you light your fireworks. People expect a lot of fireworks on the 4th of July, and this year people should also expect a lot this weekend. A month from now? A week before Thanksgiving? You’ll be getting a noise complaint faster than you can yell “God Bless America!”

Stay safe and have an amazing 4th of July! And get a cool pic of yourself waving a sparkler around, for me.

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Geek Etiquette: Stop Waiting

By Tara in Geek Etiquette 5 Comments Tags: , ,

I was flipping through a magazine the other day, and came across this ad for a Honda CR-V. I was a bit startled by its sentiment, which is one I’ve heard from many friends. “Before I get married I want to…”

I’m sorry, but if getting married means you wouldn’t be able to do anything on your bucket list anymore, then why are you marrying that person? I think every item shown on this list would be more fun with a partner. And if your partner DOESN’T want to be on a superhero kickball team with you, then I think it’s time you start looking for someone else. Seriously.

Stop putting off life decisions or exciting opportunities because you haven’t accomplished something yet. Don’t wait until you’ve lost those last 10 pounds to make your awesome cosplay outfit. Don’t give up a sweet job or opportunity because you’re not sure if you’re ready to move or if your friends will still be there. And don’t put off marrying the person you love because you haven’t experienced everything by yourself yet. You will still be you. You can have your independence. You’ll just have a partner waiting for you when you get home or right there with you, supporting you and cheering you on.

Are you putting off a big life decision? What’s holding you back?

 

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Geek Etiquette: Be Willing to Change

By Tara in Geek Etiquette 2 Comments Tags: , , ,

I love collecting vintage self-help books. It’s fascinating to see what ideas and guidelines have changed over the years, and what have stayed exactly the same. This past week, I picked up a copy of “American Etiquette” from 1926. Along with chapters on visiting cards (WTF are those?) and chaperones, is one on the twentieth century. This book, created in 1926, was aware that the telephone and other upcoming inventions would change our ways of inviting friends to events and communicating as a whole. Here’s their take:

…Invitations to any but strictly formal functions are now sent by telephone, if agreeable to both parties; though it is still considered better to adhere to the more respectful written form if there is any doubt about the new way being acceptable to the party of the second part. While I counsel conservatism in these changes, I am convinced that the new dynesty of wire and wireless is destined to dominate us; and as discovery continues and inventions multiply, the time is near when immediate communication will be had at long range; possibly telepathy–who knows? Or, possibly tele-photography with it–why not? Then, the slow, laborious writing of messages will be as much out of date as the superannuated stage-coach.

But–not yet; we are still in the process of evolution. It is still safe to heed Pope’s famous advice: “Be not the first by whom the new is tried, nor yet the last to lay the old aside.”

It’s refreshing to see a nearly-century-old etiquette book give more modern advice than I’ve seen in many current-day books. When it comes to etiquette, it’s ok to change with the times. If someone tells you you need to send a formal invite for your dinner party, but your friends respond best to Facebook invites or tweets, do it your way. And if you’re still getting push-back from the person, show them this passage. As I learned while wedding planning, people can’t refute your etiquette argument if it’s backed up in a book.

What etiquette rules do you think need modernization?

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Geek Etiquette: Business Etiquette Tips from Inc.

By Tara in Geek Etiquette No Comments Tags: , , , ,

The Geeky Hostess is gonna help you get your manners on! Have an etiquette question or topic suggestion? Email tara@geekyhostess.com!

This past week, Inc. posted an article on business etiquette from Eliza Browning of Crane & Co., and I really enjoyed it. They understand our world and business structures are changing, but believe that certain rules of etiquette still apply. Whether you’re working retail or starting the next huge social network, these tips will help you. You can see them listed below, but I recommend you read the whole article here. It’s ok, I’ll wait.

The main etiquette rules are:

  • Send a thank you note after every interview or meeting with a client or business partner. I still believe that in this day and age, it doesn’t need to be a hand-written note (though props to you if you send one!), just a quick email will do. Easy rule of thumb: Contact them in the same way they contacted you.
  • Know the names of everyone you work with. This is a tough one for me (I’m bad with names), but it’s as simple as making more of an effort to introduce myself to new people and follow up with people, asking them about their day.
  • Don’t talk about a meeting you just had until you are out of the building. You never know who might be able to hear you!
  • Focus on the people around you, not on your phone. We’ve talked about this before–I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve been in business meetings where everyone’s been on their phone the whole time, and it makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. Heck, I’ve been to movie nights and parties where everyone’s been on their phone. That’s even weirder!
  • Don’t judge others. This is another tough one. We naturally want to figure out why people do the things they do, and compare ourselves and our performances against each other. I love that this etiquette rule is posted. It’s a great reminder to focus on yourself and your own strengths.

Overall, their etiquette rules are grounded around one question: “Will this make them feel good?” Try to put out that effort and positive energy, and you’ll see yourself rewarded. It reminds me of a quote I’ve been seeing a lot lately: “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”—Malcolm S. Forbes.

So this week, try to be nicer to those around you–even if they can’t immediately help you get ahead. You never know where you’ll both be in a year or even a couple months!

And if you haven’t yet, please check out the full article at Inc. It’s great!

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Geek Etiquette: Protect Your Table

By Tara in A Geeky Home, Geek Etiquette 2 Comments Tags: , , ,

The Geeky Hostess is gonna help you get your manners on! Have an etiquette question or topic suggestion? Email tara@geekyhostess.com!

Coasters are great for soaking up condensation, preventing rings from forming on your tables, and keeping the surface clean, but how often do you use them? How about placemats?

I encourage you to try using some table protectors this week. It may feel like a hassle at first, but the cleanliness of your table (and how fancy you feel while eating) may make you a convert.

Get the right coasters and placemats, and you’ll be keeping your place clean and decorated at the same time! Check out these ones from Fab.com:

Map Pin Coasters, $10.50 for 4

Chat Coasters, $10.50 for 4

Cinema Placemat, $7 for 2

Folder placemat, $7 for 2

What are your coasters/placemats of choice? And will you be partaking in the “protect your table” challenge this week?

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Geek Etiquette: Female Role Models

By Tara in Geek Etiquette No Comments Tags: , , ,

The Geeky Hostess is gonna help you get your manners on! Have an etiquette question or topic suggestion? Email tara@geekyhostess.com!

A Katniss Barbie doll is available for pre-order today, which makes me pretty excited. This tough girl is family-oriented, not fixated on beauty, and extremely brave. The Barbie is not dressed in her flaming red dress or anything cutesy–it features her arena outfit with a loose braid and no makeup.

The doll and the success of the Hunger Games has made me wonder: are we getting stronger, more well-rounded female role models? Are girls “playing pretend” as Katniss instead of a princess waiting to be rescued? And is Katniss, a character in a very violent book/movie series, a good role model? Or is it teaching girls that violence is an acceptable response?

I’d like to open this up to all of you: What are your thoughts on society’s current female role models, fictional or not? Who is your female role model? And if you have kids, who do you steer them towards?

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Geek Etiquette: Tips from Comic Artists

By Tara in Geek Etiquette 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , ,

The Geeky Hostess is gonna help you get your manners on! Each Monday, we’ll focus on a topic of etiquette. We’ll take a look at the classic rules (using Emily Post as a guide), and then evaluate the rules for our daily lives, creating a guide to “Geek Etiquette.” Have an etiquette question or topic suggestion? Email tara@geekyhostess.com!

At Emerald City Comicon, I asked my favorite web comic artists to share an etiquette tip. The results were… well… just watch:

You’re welcome/I’m sorry.

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Geek Etiquette: Convention Etiquette

By Tara in Geek Etiquette 13 Comments Tags: , , , ,

The Geeky Hostess is gonna help you get your manners on! Each Monday, we’ll focus on a topic of etiquette. We’ll take a look at the classic rules (using Emily Post as a guide), and then evaluate the rules for our daily lives, creating a guide to “Geek Etiquette.” Have an etiquette question or topic suggestion? Email tara@geekyhostess.com!

Emerald City Comicon, Norwescon, PAX East, and tons of other conventions are just around the corner. Are you ready? Here are some tips to make sure you have a safe and fun time without pissing anyone else off.

  • Get Some Sleep. Conventions often turn into an all day/all night adventure, which means you should stockpile your sleeping hours the few days before the convention. Try to get at least 8 hours, and eat well and exercise while you’re at it. You’ll feel better about those convention nachos and 10 hours on your feet if you’re prepared.
  • Drink Plenty of Water. Water will keep you feeling full, hydrated, less sluggish, and less hungover. It will prevent you from getting sick. It will make you popular when your friends don’t have any. Always make sure you have some on  hand! Water can be expensive and rare at conventions, so bring your own bottle or mark all of the water fountains on your convention map.
  • Wear Deodorant. Let’s get real for a moment. Geeks have gotten a bad rap for being smelly. Geeks aren’t smelly. Thousands of people stuck in one room that are on their feet all day and seeing really cool things that make them sweat with excitement are smelly. Including me. Wear deodorant. You may even consider picking up a tiny travel version to keep in your bag. Alternatively, don’t wear too much perfume/cologne. A lot of people have allergies.
  • Bring a Bag/Backpack. You’re going to be bringing a lot of stuff with you, and probably collecting even more at the con. Bring a sturdy bag/backpack/purse with you that you’re comfortable holding for a while. You may consider bringing a smaller portable bag to fill up once your main bag is full.
  • Bring Antibacterial Gel. Conventions, like airports, are a breeding ground for germs. If you’re at a convention where you’re touching the same thing as everyone else (think of the game controllers at PAX…), antibac gel is a must. You can find travel sizes at any drugstore, or you can pick up a nice-smelling one from Bath and Body Works.
  • Bring A Charger. Your phone/camera/DS/iPad WILL die. Be prepared with a charger or extra battery.
  • Bring Something to Keep You Busy. If you’re planning on trying out the newest game, attending that sweet panel, or shaking the hand of your favorite celebrity, you’re looking at waiting in line. Bring something like a book, Kindle, DS, or even a card game to keep you busy in line. If you bring a game that plays more than one or two people, you may even make friends with those who are in line with you!
  • Dress Appropriately. Make sure you’re comfortable at all times. This is no time for high heels. Wear comfortable shoes you can walk/stand in and dress in layers. I’d recommend a fun, geeky tank top or t-shirt with a sweater/sweatshirt/light jacket in case it gets cold. Cosplay is great if you want to get a lot of photos taken, but you may want to be prepared with a comfortable outfit to change into in case you get uncomfortable or want to go incognito for a bit. If you’re at the convention as Press or plan on talking more seriously with a celeb or convention representative, don’t cosplay. As awesome as you are, people may not take you as seriously. I’d recommend picking one day to do cosplay, and spend your other days wandering around in normal apparel.
  • Know how to talk to the celebs. Celebs are people too. Seriously! If you’re meeting a celeb, feel free to introduce yourself, tell them what you like about their work, and then allow them to move on to the next person. You will probably not end up their best friend, and probably won’t be able to take them out for drinks after. Whatever you do, avoid acting like a stalker. I once met Nicholas Brendan at a con and told him that his character on Buffy reminded me so much of my husband (then fiance), that it felt like I was engaged to him. Although I meant to tell a funny story, the stalker alarms were definitely going off. Learn from my mistake.
  • Take Plenty of Pictures! These pictures will end up being your Facebook profile pics for the next year. Take tons of them! Everyone at the con wants sweet pics, and most people will be willing to take a pic for you. Don’t be afraid to ask! If you take a great picture of someone else, ask them for their email address so you can pass it off to them later. If you see an adorable child in cosplay, make sure you ask their parents’ permission before taking their pic. You don’t want to be the creepy person photographing children.
  • Children First. This convention may be their first foray into geek culture. Let them have a good time! If they can’t see, let them go in front of you so they can. If the DC booth only has one free comic left, let the kid have it. They’ll be learning about con behavior based on how they’re treated; help create a generation of thoughtful attendees.
  • Set a Spending Limit. Comicons can be a scary place for your wallet. There will be limited edition art, sweet t-shirts, books and more to purchase. Decide before you attend how much you want to spend, and keep an eye on that limit. Some people just take out that much in cash, and will only use that at the con.
  • It’s Free Stuff, Not the Antidote. I’ve been pushed away and practically run over for free stuff at cons. I’ve heard of children getting toys ripped out of their hands. GUYS. STOP IT. It may seem cool in the moment, but what are you going to do with that tiny plastic tank or that XXL branded t-shirt once you get home? Assess the free stuff being handed out practically and only take what you’ll actually use.
  • WWWWD? If all else fails, remember the words of the wise Wil Wheaton: Don’t be a dick.

Do you have any tips I missed? Leave them in the comments!

What conventions will you be at? I’ll be premiering Job Hunters at Emerald City Comicon this Sunday, April 1st. Check out our panel in room 2AB at 2pm!

The next week, I’ll be speaking on some panels at Norwescon. Find me at “Gaming and Community,” “How to Sell Yourself,” “Privacy in the Age of the Internet,” and “New Media DIY: Video.”

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