The Ipad and 'House Sharing Etiquette'

Hello readers,
today we will be looking at the 'Ipad' and the etiquette I am working on named 'House sharing etiquette'

The Ipad

The Ipad is a computer ‘tablet’ created by Apple. It’s marketed primarily on it’s media functions. Able to provide books to read and audio.

The IPAD has evolved as a result of the ‘I’ evolution. Beginning with the ‘Ipod’ followed by the ‘Iphone’ etc.

These aesthetically pleasing, streamline machines feature a touch screen, internet connect ability and copious amounts of ‘apps’ (applications available to be downloaded on to the device)

There has been mixed responses to the IPAD. Namely the overall response has been positive. Apple has an extensive fan base however, so it is hard to decipher whether the response from the public is bias or based on the product and it’s efficiency.

House-Sharing Etiquette

As mentioned previously, Emily Post is well-known author on etiquette. As an assignment I have been asked to create my own ‘etiquette’.

I have chosen to do this on ‘house-sharing’.

The assignment required the student to meet a textual, visual and audio component to the assignment. I have met this graduate qualities by writing the etiquette itself on a tenancy agreement and filming a short film, using sock puppets.

This will be featured on the blog at a later date. However as a ‘tit-bit’ below is some of my etiquette!

The assignment also required each student to write an exegesis outlining how we created our artefact (the model aspect of the etiquette- the tenancy agreement) as well as an outline of Emily Post and specific theoretical tools we have used to create our ‘etiquette’.

The draft of the exegisis will be featured on this blog at a later date.

Item Greetings General flatmate engagement Flatmate Relations Kitchen Lounge/ Dining Toilet/ Bathroom Finance Smoking Sharing

Description: When a flatmate returns from his/ her travels, greet with a simple “Hi how are you?” the detail and length of the response will signify whether the conversation need be continued. A short response establishes no, the individual wants space. Likewise if you do not want to engage in a lengthy dialogue, make up a truthful/ untruthful response and exit the room. On retiring for the evening, if all flatmates are in the room with you, lounge for example. It is courteous to bid everyone goodnight. However should everyone be in bed. It is not advisable to knock on everyone’s door to wish them goodnight. This will be considered down-right unnecessary and annoying. When leaving the house the same ‘rule of thumb’ applies. When leaving the establishment. It is almost always unnecessary to bid farewell. Unless going to the shop or some such, in this case it is courteous to ask if anyone requires anything. Never ever come on too strong when moving into a flatshare. It is advisable within the initial month. To not overly engage, be too drunk, take drugs, or bring sexual partners home. This will paint an unsavoury picture of one’s self to one’s new flatmates. It is also advisable that, if you are a loud, extrovert personality that within the ‘flatmate interview’ you portray yourself as vivacious and successful rather than the lout you may be. In this circumstance it is acceptable to lie or ‘embellish’ the truth a little. After the initial month, you may relax these rules. However do not discuss the above mention lifestyle traits and act as if ‘all is fine’ at all times. It is not advisable under any circumstance to sleep with fellow flatmates, nor advisable to develop feeling. This will not result favourably and you may be ‘kicked out the house.’ By all means break this rule and those of ‘general flatmate engagement’ if you want ‘off’ the lease. One must  endeavour at all times to keep kitchen surfaces clean and hygienic. If one drops a food scrap on the floor, one must immediately clean. This is simply common courtesy to fellow flatmates. Dishes must be washed, dried and put away immediately after use. This is paramount to prevent confusion over whose dish is whose, and prevents one from doing more than what they need (God Forbid) Cleaning of the stove must be done when it appears dirty. If unsure what constitutes ‘dirty’ give it a wipe regardless. Likewise for the floor. Do not dirty or leave belongings in the lounge room. This is unsavoury for other flatmates entering the lounge room after you. Be sensitive of cultural difference and traditions, if one enters and a fellow flatmate is praying/ cleaning toes etc do not disturb nor critisise. This is after all there right. Also known as ‘risk-territory.’ We never really know what happens in here, and nor do your flatmates want to know. This also applies to belching and farting. Keep it quiet and do not discuss. Male flatmates must put the seat down on completion of bladder movements. And a fragrant air-freshener must be used to mask any offensive odours. Keep all toiletries on your designated shelf. Lock the door at ALL times Pay ALL bills and rent on time.                                                                When living with fellow smokers, one must politely ask if the other would like to join you for a cigarette. Smoking must be done outside at all times. Ashtrays must be kept in an orderly fashion. Cigarettes are not to butted on the floor no matter how drunk one may be. Offer foods which you can spare to flatmates. It is important to offer food occasionally to appear generous, however do not make this a regular habit as it will be expected. Also remember in a flatshare you must give without expecting anything in return. As you may not and this may lead to resentment. Many a flatmate will endeavour to live in a flat- ‘share’ as selfishly as they possibly can. Many individuals are also picky and pedantic this may also appear the same to those whom are easy-going and less ‘anal’. The best way to handle this is to not discuss. Just do not do anything or give anything that may lead to one feeling resentful. Likewise never ever steal… Unless it is something someone will not notice is missing, it is vital that one is 100% positive of this prior to taking said food stuff.