Margaret Mason, who also compiled a list of blog-convo starters and turn it into a book, penned (or typed, rather) an article entitled iPod Etiquette. I find most of the guidelines to be common sense (ex: don't use your iPod at weddings, funerals, and meetings) and some just too Judith Martin for my taste. But this one I found kind of amusing:
Wearing earphones is like hanging a “do not disturb” sign off your nose. Like an engrossing novel, they help you avoid interactions with annoying strangers on airplanes or subways. Unfortunately, they send the same go-away message at work.
Can I just say that some people do not realize earphones can hamper the hearing? Especially rather large headphones? I can't tell you how many times I've had my large headphones on, since a lot of my work is solitary, and someone has decided that I MUST be able to hear them over the music and the large cushiony pads. These are not earbuds. They are visible. And on my ears. Let's factor in someone not being a loud talker by any stretch of the imagination. No way in hell am I going to hear. That's why I love instant messanger programs. It allows one to discuss things without interrupting the music. (And obviously, I'm not talking major project discussions, but more like "I just crapped myself" kind of comments that really don't need any input from me.) Actually, no one's told me that before. I may just take my headphones to hear that one.
So do I use my headphones as a DND sign? No. I work to music. I get in "the zone". I really have no problem talking to people. But it would be fantastic if they didn't just assume I could hear them immediately. Heck, I used to work at one place where we'd throw shit at each other to get the other person to take of their headphones. It was good times. Nerf guns galore.