Well I agree completely that if you whip out your phone and start filming, snapping, focusing and zooming, you're the one that loses. Hands down. The payoff just isn't there because the photos and audio truly do look like complete shit, -not even worthy of a second glance years later. If you're at a show, save the photos for the people you're with in those in between moments. That's really the whole point.

But I think it's your choice. I don't agree that you should refrain because of other people around you. It's the new normal for kids today and the only reason some find it annoying is because they remember a different cultural habit and like their old way better. Give me someone whipping their phone out for a few moments over that tall guy that just parked himself upfront of me any day. That tall guy has always been there and is never going away. Phones are far less annoying in my book, and people have the right...at least at most types of shows.

On a side note, I was pretty annoyed at my fiancé at the Nick Cave show for poking me a few times and asking me to snap a photo for her while I was totally immersed. She finally got the hint when I involuntarily scowled at her. You are responsible for removing yourself from the moment, -I'm not doing it for both of us :p