In my time at Pace University, I have found that most people don't know how to conduct themselves properly in the elevator and pretty much in general. And since I don't have enough time or the capacity to write a definitive manual for the proper way for people to act, I'll try my hand at creating some standard elevator ethics.
1. Communication in the elevator is seldom okay.
When I mean communication, I mean communication of any kind. No talking to other people, no talking on the phone, and especially no video chatting in the elevator. No one wants to hear your conversations about who said what about who behind who's back and what you think of them. I and everyone on the elevator simply want to get out and not have a memorable experience. So for all of you who enter the elevator talking to a friend on the phone, tell them you'll call them back and then once you are in the comfort of your own domain you may resume your conversation.
2. Pay Attention.
People love to listen to music on the elevator or play games on their phone and you are more than welcome to do that, but please every once in awhile look at what floor the elevator is on and know if you need to get off soon. No one wants to stay on the elevator longer than they have to because you really needed to jam out, so pay attention. This also applies to all of you who get in the elevator and forget to press the button you need to. I just pay attention and not make the elevator ride a miserable experience.
3. The elevator is not made to go down two floors.
This pretty self-explanatory, so don't even do that unless you are handicapped. Exercise is good, so do it.
4. Leave your elevator pitch at the door.
If you happen to be in the elevator who catches your interest, the elevator is no place for an elevator pitch. First of all, it won't work. Second, you are going to piss everyone off. Third, if your elevator pitch happens to be for yourself also known as flirting, just no. Absolutely no.
5. Don't be a dick.
Please allow people to get off the elevator before you decide to barrel in. You are not only going to bump into some angry people, but you are going to look like an absolute dick in front of an elevator full of people.
I hope this article reaches the entire student body of Pace University and all those people I've shared elevators with and I hope one day we can all ride in the elevator in peace.
