On Monday, Fran described an unfortunate flight experience he had sitting next to a barbarian who couldn’t tear himself away from his mobile device. That tale was posted only a day before Alec Baldwin became the poster boy for surly iPhone game addicts who still insist on flying commercial airlines. Reactions to Baldwin’s door-slamming “Words with Friends” tantrum have ranged from calls to have Baldwin placed on “No-Fly” lists to accolades for revealing how foolish and unnecessary rules regarding electronic devices on airplanes are. Frankly, arguments about whether or not the rule itself is stupid miss the point entirely. The issue here is: If you absolutely cannot follow the basic social rules of being in public, then you shouldn’t be in public. Book a private jet. Avoid airports, bus stations, concerts, restaurants and museums. For the love of God, PLEASE don’t go to the movies! Baldwin’s PR people are saying the actor was singled out on account of his celebrity status. I think it’s a sad day when that’s the best defense a celebrity can muster when forced to take responsibility for inconsiderate behavior that has become all too common. — Patty Mahlon, director of digital media