Like maybe we shouldn't assume a game is always going to take priority for people.
Always being the keyword. No one is assuming it
always takes priority--over everything else.
Game time is game time. If you're there to play, play. Otherwise, you're welcome to hang out as long as you're not disruptive to the groups' enjoyment of the game. Pretty simple, really. Enjoyment being the keyword here. Cracking jokes and such can be amusing so isn't an issue generally.
That's not what people were talking about.
No, they aren't talking about that. Of course, they aren't talking about the initial point, either.
They are rampant, hyper-exaggerated posts, taking a simple concept and blowing it all out of any sense of logical and reasonable proportion.
And being on call, would you think it would be reasonable to be told you can't have your phone at the table unless it's for your character sheet, ...
No, of course not. But that isn't what I was talking about or said.
For my part, you are conflating "put them away" (which is what I said) and being "told you can't have your phone at the table". Not having them "at the table" implies you can't even have them on you (like, oh, maybe in your pocket?), which is not at all what I wrote.
What I wrote "put them away" says nothing at all about being at the table, on the table, or under the table (right
@DEFCON 1 ?)-- in fact, the word "table" is never even used. Now, you might be referring to someone else's post concerning "at the table"? If that is the case, my apologies. If not...
You never asked for clarification (which would have been more productive to an actual conversation) about exactly what I meant when I wrote that. So, to clarify (for everyone) "put them away" means don't be on them, using them, when we are playing. I don't care if they are physically laying on the table, as long as players aren't using them for things other than the game, which as players, is their character. Not just "sheet", but also referencing a spell or feature. Many players have their characters on DND Beyond and use their phones or laptops at the table.
the post that kicked off this derail was about having your phone at the table.
Again, not "at the table" as you read for yourself, but "put them away". Big difference, which apparently you didn't realize? To be clear...
Acceptable phone use "at the table":
- For your character (sheet, features, or whatever). It is a tool for helping you play, just like a laptop. Use it appropriately.
- Emergencies. So, yes, expecting a call from work/boss, babysitter, etc. If you get a call, step away from the table to talk.
- During a break, anything you want.
Unacceptable phone use:
Pretty much any other use. Ordering food is done at the start of the session, other non-emergencies can be handled during a break.
Sure, unexpected things happen, and you know what? We deal with them pretty easily. Everyone is happy with our phone rules and abides by them. If a player is abusing them, the group doesn't appreciate it, and it will lead to a discussion about it, and worst case scenario, their removal from the game.
Hopefully that will stop further derailment.