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In an attempt to reduce the abundance of Glassholes plaguing the world, Google has released a
list of Dos and Don'ts to follow while using the high-tech spectacles.
Not familiar with the term "Glasshole?" Mashable's got a few examples for you.
"Inability to maintain eye contact. Constant cheating at trivia. 'Millard Fillmore.
The Louisiana Purchase.' And general douchebaggery. 'Take a picture of this loser not wearing
glass.'" (Via YouTube / Mashable)
Basically it's a person who uses the device in a rude way. Google has offered up five
Dos and four Don'ts for members of its Explorer program — those users with early access
to Google Glass. Here are a few of our favorites:
• Do explore the world around you.
• Do ask permission to snap a photo or record a video.
• Don't glass-out, or space out and focus too much attention on the device.
• And, of course, don't "be creepy or rude (aka, a 'Glasshole')."
A writer for TechCrunch says this guide is an important move by the company, because
it will help shape public opinion of the device.
"At this point, Google's challenge is not building the Glass platform, but training
the general public to welcome Glass wearers into society. ... For most people, their only
interaction with the device is with a random person wearing Google Glass. ... The 'no glass
allowed' campaigns clearly state that these advocates are not putting Glass in the best
light."
The list is likely a reaction to these so-called "no glass allowed" campaigns — in the list,
Google tells users "breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited
about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers."
But a writer for The Telegraph notes an important omission: "While the guide advised against
wearing the device when 'water skiing, bull riding or cage fighting,' it failed to mention
official protocol for wearing Glass while driving."
Which, as WJXT reports, is something Explorers should be considering.
"A Southern California woman received a traffic citation for wearing Google Glass while driving.
And that ticket was later dismissed by a judge." (Via WJXT)
Still, the list only works if Glass users choose to follow the suggestions. Have you
had a run-in with a Glasshole? Shoot us a tweet or let us know in the comments.