Home > Social Butterfly > Archives > 2008 > November > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCould you give up your CrackBerry?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Doug Mills/The New York Times
Barack Obama inherits a troubled economy, will have a new puppy to house-train and his mother-in-law might move in with him.
But that’s not all.
The nation’s new prez will have to give up his beloved BlackBerry.
Obama’s affinity for the device has been documented throughout the campaign. He’s been photographed countless times checking messages - the picture above shows Obama walking and Blackberrying, if that’s a word. This summer, the AP reports, cameras caught him checking his BlackBerry during his daughter’s soccer game. The nation’s next first lady swatted her husband, who put the device away.
Does that sound familiar? Amy Ellerbee Johnson of Cobb County has found the BlackBerry not just addicting, but something of a gateway drug to Facebook, which users can check and update from their mobile devices.
“I carry my BlackBerry around with me constantly,” she said. “It just makes my facebook addiction worse!”
(Full disclosure: we posted a query on Facebook and received her response there - via her BlackBerry, naturally.)
Because Obama’s e-mail correspondence would be public under the Presidential Records Act, he’ll likely bag the BlackBerry during his time in the White House.
President Bush, citing security and privacy concerns, doesn’t e-mail, either.
Here in the ATL, we wish Q100’s Jeff Dauler luck as he attempts life without the BlackBerry. (We’d e-mail to see how it’s going but wonder when he’d get the message?)
Dauler: Say no to CrackBerry. He’s gone wireless-less
NEO at the Mansion has responded to our city’s love affair with gadgets by introducing monthly Unplugged dinners, where the butler guards your BlackBerry while you dine without messaging. The next Unplugged is Nov. 19.
Do you have a CrackBerry addiction you’re trying to kick? Anyone have tips for the new president on how he can part ways with his precious PDA?
Comments
By me
November 17, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Yes unfortunately, I do have an addiction to the infamous CrackBerry! While driving into the office this morning and flipping stations, I heard Jeff commit to giving up his prized BlackBerry… don’t know how he’s going to live without! I remember almost going crazy when mine broke and I had to wait to get another in the mail. My biggest issue is to switch to Verizon and get the Storm, stay on AT&T and get the Bold or convert to the iPhone. HELP!
By Charlie
November 17, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
To quote the late great Henny Youngman, “Take my BlackBerry please!” I wouldn’t even own the stupid thing if work didn’t volun-tell me to get one. Sure they have their use but are so overly abused it is pathetic. Plus, now my employer expects me to answer it all day, every day. Tell you what - when you start paying me for working 24/7 I will start responding 24/7. I could easily live without it. Heck I haven’t owned a cell phone for the past 7 years and I don’t miss it a bit.
By Sheryl
November 17, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
It would be hard to give up my CrackBerry. I enjoy reading various newspapers (including this one) as I ride my stationery bike. Nerdy, I know, but it’s a very useful device. And, you know, the work thing, too. Read a letter to President-elect Obama with advice on how to kick the habit: www.justmypointofview.wordpress.com
By southside girl
November 17, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
I’m addicted! And come Friday, the BlackBerry Storm from Verizon will replace my Pearl! YES!!!!!!
By Get a Life
November 17, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
What’s a blackberry? I mean, if you can’t live without a little piece of electronics, then you have a sad, sad little life. If he wants to endanger OUR country by using it (which will happen), then so be it. He’s going to ruin it anyway.
By Voice of Reason
November 17, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
I don’t have one. Don’t want one. Don’t want anyone to have full access to me and also, I don’t feel the need to be so wired (so to speak). I like me and am comfortable being with myself and my God. I don’t need to jump when others want me to; I’ve learned to preserve my sanity and my space. People are so spastic if they don’t have it (the BB). The world will go on just fine if you don’t retrieve that message or read that email just then. Relax, folks.
In fact, I only have 60 minutes on my cell phone and rarely use 20. That phone is for my safety, not to just aimlessly gab while I’m driving, etc. Let’s talk from a land line while we’re both focused on the conversation, not dodging traffic or while in the grocers trying to decide what’s for dinner.
By Lisa
November 17, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
LOL!! Geez some of you all are so judgemental! Just answer the columnists question and MOVE ON!! Too much unnecessary add-on BS!!