Creative Psychosis

I’ve had an iPod since November 2002, and it’s been amazing to me how they’ve multiplied in the time since. Back when I got it, I rarely saw other people with them… at the time, I suppose it was still too advanced for general consumption. There wasn’t even an iTunes Music Store yet.

But times change, and like cell phones or PDA’s before them, I now see the iPod in the hands of people everywhere when I walk the streets of Manhattan, or on the train. But like their technogadget predecessors, new users often are missing some unwritten rules of public iPod usage. So, here’s a few tips:

1. You leave your iPod sitting on your work desk, in your cubicle, or in your car. While this may be what you used to do with your old Walkman, you have to remember you paid 5x as much for this. RULE: If the white case was personified, it would say “Steal Me!” Now that every thief in the country knows how much an iPod is worth and there’s no way to trace your iPod, be sure to keep it concealed as much as possible.

2. You keep your iPod concealed, but your white earphones are a dead giveaway that you have one. RULE: Ditch the factory issued phones, and pick up a black or color pair that could go with another music device. In addition, most other earphones sound a lot better anyway.

3. Just because the in-ear phones are IN your ears does not mean people around you cannot hear your music. RULE: Turn it down when you’re in close quarters with others in public, like a train vestibule, elevator, or waiting in line in a store or restaurant.

4. You have your music playing, but you’re spinning the iPod wheel through some alternate selections. By default, the iPod is set to make a clicking noise while you browse, which again is heard by all around you. RULE: Remember to set the Clicker to ‘Off’ or ‘Headphones’.

5. Your iPod crashes or the battery dies. But the place you bought it from tells you that you’re not under warranty. RULE: If you’re still able to do so, make sure to get the Apple Insurance for your iPod before an accident happens. It may seem like a waste at $60, but trust me— this is a godsend if it breaks down.

If anyone else has some tips for new users, please add them. Until then, happy listening.