The third and final entry for today is from the delightful Willoughby. If you have never visited his blog, I suggest you do so now.
His entry is actually for Standinaqueue Day, but has been a little tardy in its arrival:
This is a queue in my local HSBC. There is always a queue there, so this was no surprise. But can you imagine my upset when I realised that the guy right at the front of the queue was actually reading a paper!
I don’t know about you, but I felt this broke queue etiquette by being just a little too brazen about how long he intended to hold us up.
I’d love your expert opinion on this.
November 17, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Definitely no newspapers allowed in line. MP3 players ok. But no reading materials please!
November 17, 2006 at 5:45 pm
I must admit that I am not a great fan of those who choose to read while standing in a queue. Especially if a gap opens up between them and the person in front, it can make me feel quite anxious.
To bring this man’s attention to your discomfort it would have been necessary to clear your throat very loudly. Tutting or eyebrow raising would not have worked in this instance.
I agree with Hsien about MP3 players and think that they’re fine. I do not even mind if the person hums or sings along, as I find this quite endearing. Repetitive bass, however, is not charming in the slightest.
November 17, 2006 at 6:05 pm
I feel a paper is a necessity in HSBC, I waited for over an hour once and only had the reading material provided by HSBC to entertain me.
Any information on current accounts, overdrafts or business banking??? Feel free to ask me.
November 17, 2006 at 7:05 pm
lolol You guys are the best!!
November 18, 2006 at 3:01 pm
Wow! I’ve become a blogger commenter! I have taken your advice William and visited Willoughby’s blog and even went so far as to leave comments!
Be careful Gary Wood. You may hear some throat clearing coming your way soon.
November 18, 2006 at 4:57 pm
I’m all ears.
November 20, 2006 at 1:44 pm
Yes, definitely no newspapers.
A queue is not a place for selfish enjoyment. It is a place for communal boredom and anxiety.
November 20, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Thanks very much for your opinions and feedback. I now feel armed with some sharp words if ever I meet him wandering Kilburn high Rd.
Second thoughts, I’m not sure that’s wise… but I’ll certainly think them.
November 22, 2006 at 3:48 pm
I disagree. A newspaper isn’t for reading, it’s for use as a shield to avoid eye contact with others. However, care should be taken not to become so distracted by activity on the Dow Jones that one forgets to monitor queue activity. Newspapers held by queuers don’t hold people up in queues, people hold people up in queues. People also hold up newspapers in queues.
November 22, 2006 at 6:58 pm
Sam Tana, that is an outstanding thought.
You always have something interesting to say. Do you blog?
November 23, 2006 at 6:59 pm
Kind of you to say so, William. No, I don’t have a blog of my own. I much prefer commenting to commentating.