Earlier this week I blogged about cell phones here and in other places. Why? Because my campground is thinking about developing a new cell phone policy. I must confess that my initial reaction to hearing discussion about this was frustration and annoyance because the policies are typically created because of people demonizing the cell phone.
In these past few days in which discussions about cell phones at nudist locations has been very prevalent throughout the nudist world, I am now very, very proud of my campground for thinking about a cell phone policy. Why, you ask? Because we are one of the first clubs to really THINK about and discuss the policy. I’m all for thinking! Yay to my camp!!!!!
The discussions this past few days has caused me to think, too. I’ll share below some of the new thoughts that have become evident to me:
1) This isn’t completely an “age issue” as I originally thought. I’m learning that many older adults love their cell phones just as much as I do! Yay older folks!!!
2) It seems that the cell phone and other technology is being blamed for people’s poor behavior. A cell phone doesn’t take pictures by itself so, instead of considering a policy for cell phones (and Nooks and Kindles and all sorts of other things…) maybe it would be wiser to talk about the picture-taking policy and the consequences of not following it. I hadn’t really thought about this, but it truly does make sense.
3) There seems to be a different standard for club attendees and service people at the clubs. When the gas guy or the cable guy comes on to the camp’s grounds, people don’t think twice about him or her having a cell phone. But if a member or day visitor has a cell phone, somehow this is a problem. Why are members and day visitors more suspect than service providers? This is curious to me.
4) One friend pointed out that we can ban all cell phones and electronic books and iPads and the list goes on, but, really, if you’re a true bad guy who wants pictures of naked people, all you have to do is drive down to Walmart and buy a pen with a camera and videocamera built in to it. Pens aren’t banned, right? This brings us back to #2.
5) In thinking about the population at a nudist camp, it’s almost funny that people are so worried about photos in the first place. Most nudist camps have a high ratio of older people (seniors and such) and they also have the same high percentage of people who are overweight and such. Yes, we’re accepting of every body, but, well, are nude photos of grandma and grandpa or those with imperfect bodies (we have no airbrushes here at camp! Lol) really in that high of a demand? I don’t say this to be rude, it’s just a thought to consider.
So, no solution has yet been found. But that’s ok because people are talking about the topic, thinking about it, and analyzing it. That, my friends, is the beginning of common sense prevailing on this issue. And isn’t common sense the best answer, anyway?
Melissa,
As a nudist for many years, it may be ok for you to be on the web with an obscure cell phone, but many of us enjoy the privacy we deserve.
Beth, I think we’re actually in complete agreement about the big picture: photos should not be taken. As much as we’d like the outside world to understand that our adventures at a nudist place are just as innocent and positive as if we were in a clothed place, we all know that the world isn’t at that spot. Many people fear the effects of family and work learning of their nudist lifestyle. How to phrase this photo policy in the rules is the area that I think most people aren’t sure about. For me, I see that technology is changing quicker than I can keep up with it. Only a few years ago, nobody would have thought twice upon seeing a Kindle or Nook at the pool because they didn’t have a camera in them. Now, of course, they have a camera in them and people are more wary of them. Cameras are in many other items now and it seems that new camera-ready devices are created daily. In addition to the number of devices with cameras, there is a huge increase in the number of things that we may use any device for. Not too long ago, a phone was just for talking. Now we talk, text, play our music, check email, do calculations, and the list goes on for what we do with a phone. Basically, keeping up with technology seems beyond any of our scopes, so a policy less specific to devices and more specific to actions makes sense to me. For example, I think we can all agree to and support a policy that says “No photos or videos may be taken without the express permission and presence of management as well as permission from any person whose image is being recorded. Any devices with image-capturing capabilities, including cameras and camcorders, must have the camera lens covered completely by a non-see through cover at all times when in public areas.” I, personally, think this would cover all concerns and protect our members and guests, too.
Beth,
As a nudist of probably just as many years … if privacy is what you seek, going to a nudist club, resort or beach is NOT very private.
I don’t see anywhere where Melissa said it was “ok for her to be on the web with an obscure cell phone.” The fact is … we continue to police ourselves and think NOTHING of policing many of those that visit our clubs and resorts and are NOT nudists and use their cell phone continually … all day and in many places throughout the facility. These are vendors and contractors such as landscapers, maintanence workers, trash collection, LP Gas deliveries, solar heating repair people, food delivery trucks … why do they get a free pass to use their cell phones and many, like you, only focus on the guy or gal next to you talking to their kids or work?
Andy, I think the whole “you vs me” is part of the problem. The reality is that most nudists don’t want photos taken of them without their knowledge of permission and they don’t want photos posted to the web without their knowledge and permission. This is the goal that, from what I’ve seen, we all agree upon. The part that seems to be in question is how to get that goal met. Banning cell phones won’t work. Banning iPads and Nooks and Kindles and laptops won’t work. Even if we ban all of the devices with photo capabilities out there right now, it won’t work. Why? A new device will be created soon that we’ll have to add to the list. So, my solution right now- and maybe I’ll think of a better one later- is to forget banning the devices, though asking that they be hidden or their camera covered does make sense to me as this is universal- is to ban the bad behavior of photo taking without permission and have an extreme consequence in place for anyone who violates the rule. As I’ve said before, we can ban all cell phones, laptops, iPads, electronic books, etc. but then, when some jerk takes a picture using a pen with a camera in it, we have no recourse. That person will simply point out that there’s no rule against having pens in the pool area- and they’d be right. So, let’s unite and realize we’re all looking for the same goal and then let’s use the good brains that we have to realize that the devices aren’t bad, it’s the people behind them that are good are bad depending on the behavior that they choose to evidence.
Absolutely we are on the same page … totally. We(nudists & clubs) aren’t addressing the problem. The problem is those taking these pictures! It isn’t the device. AND … when they ban all cells phones, other electronic devices and “pens” … these people will find something else to take the pics … like camera sunglasses. It’s never ending and we’re not going to stop the technology. We need to stop the people doing this.
We also have a huge problem with the “veteran” nudists. They are unwilling to listen, compromise or change. Stricter screening processes, more poolside ambassadors, but I don’t need some resident or member being a phone nazi everytime I check my phone for a text or email I’m waiting for or to answer a call from my kids
WE are absolutely on the same page but ALL the covers, devices and poolside ambassadors, camera/cell phone lookouts, brightly colored stickers … they are not going to stop voyeurs and perv’s. For that matter … how many of these people are we actually allowing into our clubs???
Each club has their own screening process. I know my club wanted both of our driver’s licenses. If I had acted inappropriately and took someone’s picture without their knowledge, on purpose, like a voyuer type picture … I would expect my club to alert other AANR affiliated clubs of my name and my offense. I shouldn’t be allowed into an AANR affiliated club after that!
NOW … I’ve taken pics of D many times and there have been people, I didn’t see, in the background. If I didn’t see them in the frame, who’s gonna see them anywhere? ALL our pictures are taken with the hopes of never having anyone we don’t know in the frame that is noticible.
We just need to have nudists and the clubs and resorts tackle the real problem … the voyeurs and perv’s NOT the nudists that are responsible and that will follow the common sense rules.
Melissa – I wrote a response over at my blog:
http://arizonavichi.tumblr.com/post/24677512367/yakety-yak
Keep up the good work.