Mind your BlackBerry manners

Your BlackBerry is cemented to your hand. It may not be there when you go to sleep, but it is as close as anything gets to you. You probably even use your BlackBerry at time-consuming meetings.

But there is a growing debate about BlackBerry etiquette in the boardroom and on the street. When should you break away from your BlackBerry? And when should you ignore the static around you and focus on your own special messaging system?

Some companies are banning BlackBerry use at meetings. A recent poll of more than 5,000 workers found that a third of them frequently check their e-mails at meetings. Some 20 percent said they had been scolded for poor manners regarding wireless devices, according to a recent New York Times article.

So what does the future hold for BlackBerry addiction? It looks like its time to leave your PDA alone. It may take some practice to kick the habit, at least for the duration of the meeting. It could be time for some rules, but then again, rules are always made to be broken.

For more on BlackBerry etiquette:
- check out this New York Times article