Don't be a Rude, Creepy Glasshole: Google Issues Glass Etiquette Guide

Using Google Glass for long periods in public will make you look pretty weird to the people around you - claims Google, which has published an etiquette guide for Glass owners to abide by.

Recognising the social awkwardness of wearing Glass, Google has published the guide as a list of Dos and Don'ts, and suggests ways to use Glass without causing offense to those around you.

Staring at people and recording them will not win you friends

"Standing alone in the corner of a room staring at people while recording them through Glass is not going to win you any friends," the guide states, adding: "If you find yourself staring off into the prism for long periods of time you're probably looking pretty weird to the people around you...don't read War and Peace on Glass."

Recognising the insult coined by some of Glass' earliest adopters, Google tells Glass users - known as Explorers - not to "be creepy or rude (aka, a 'Glasshole')."

Concerned at Explorers' use of Glass affecting how the device will be accepted by potential customers, investors and partners when it goes on general sale later this year, Google warns: "Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers."

The search giant also recognises issues of wearing Glass in places where mobile phone use is banned, such as in the cinema. "In places where cell phones cameras aren't allowed, the same rules apply to Glass. If you're asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well."

Google's Glass guidelines come a month after a man was ejected from a cinema in Columbus, US for wearing Glass, despite him claiming it was switched off at the time. The man continued to wear Glass because it had his prescription lenses attached to it. The cinema chain later said Glass use in its theatres is "inappropriate".

Don't get snappy...be polite to curious bystanders

To anyone feeling harassed by curious bystanders asking questions, the company insists: "Don't get snappy. Be polite and explain what Glass does...a quick demo can go a long way."

The etiquette guide marks just one of many steps Glass will take before it goes on sale to the general public later this year. It isn't yet clear if using Glass while driving is legal, and it will be some time before we are all comfortable with users potentially recording everything they see.

Price could also be a sticking point, with the device currently selling to chosen Explorers for $1,500 (£900).

As the company admits: "We're at the start of a long journey."