Bound In Boston: Mobile device policy

In a radio interview, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters said that he used to really enjoy playing at small venues, but that changed over the years. As a musician, he found it increasingly disappointing to be playing for people who were largely behind their cell phones, making recordings, texting their friends, and making social media updates, instead of really being present for his music.

Our restrictive policy on the use of cell phones and mobile devices is based on these things:

• Attendees should be free from the fear that people may be surreptitiously taking unauthorized photographs or video.
• Presenters are due the courtesy of having the undivided attention of class participants.
• Class participants deserve to have their learning experiences uninterrupted by the distractions that are often caused by the use of mobile devices.

With those guiding principles in mind:

• Mobile devices may not be used in classrooms or the main hallways. All mobile devices must be turned off or set to "silent" mode during classes.
• Mobile devices may not be used to make audio or video recordings without prior authorization.
• Mobile devices may be used in the con registration area. If you need to use your mobile device, please use it in the con registration area or in the public area of the hotel.

Exceptions:

• In accordance with our photography policy, the camera function on mobile devices is permitted in classrooms only when the subject is against a wall and no one else is in the photograph.
• Con staff are permitted the use of mobile devices, as required by their con duties.