Google Glass Etiquette List Suggests You "Don't Be Creepy Or Rude"
The team responsible for shaping the social impact of Google Glass on society – or so it would seem – have revealed a list of "do's and don'ts" for the headwear this afternoon. This list suggests many things, several of which are givens, a few of which we'd expected would be more unique to the user. It all boils down to being reasonable, it would seem, and having common sense.
The Google-made list as it reads today suggests that users "take advantage of Glass voice commands" as well as screen lock. They suggest that you be an "active and vocal member of the Glass Explorer Community." No silent Susans allowed!
One of the more important "do's" on the list is "Ask for permission". Suggesting for the first of several times that using Google Glass should be no different from using your smartphone in this respect, Google says you shouldn't just take photos and video of people randomly. No more randomly than you would with a more recognizeable camera, that is.
The "don'ts" list is a bit more interesting. Google's list this week begins with "Glass-out". This is a term used when you've been using Google Glass constantly – for you, Google suggests the following.
"Glass was built for short bursts of information and interactions that allow you to quickly get back to doing the other things you love. If you find yourself staring off into the prism for long periods of time you're probably looking pretty weird to the people around you.
So don't read War and Peace on Glass. Things like that are better done on bigger screens. " – Google
Google suggests that you don't wear Glass while doing "high-impact sports", including water skiing, bull riding, or cage fighting. While we've seen at least one of these done so far, none would recommend someone do any of the three whilst wearing a high-end piece of machinery like Glass in good faith.
Google also suggests that you are going to need to be somewhat outgoing if you wear Glass regularly, because you will not be ignored. People will come up to you constantly asking what Glass is all about. Google doesn't want you to be rude to them and they certainly don't want you to nail them in the face because you're frustrated with the attention.
Instead, if you want to keep Glass with you but need some quiet time, Google suggests you "just take it off and put it around the back of your neck or in your bag."
"Be creepy or rude (aka, a "Glasshole"). Respect others and if they have questions about Glass don't get snappy. Be polite and explain what Glass does and remember, a quick demo can go a long way. In places where cell phone cameras aren't allowed, the same rules will apply to Glass. If you're asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well.
Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers." – Google
Finally there's the rule you're seeing above. We've heard this term several times over the past year, most of the time at tech events where Glass is most concentrated. Don't creep on people – just be cool about the whole thing. Be decent, for goodness' sake.