You enter your PIN and wait, and wait, and wait. Shit, you're supposed to press 'enter' of course.

You enter your PIN and press 'enter' and the machine makes a deep 'error' noise, not entirely unlike the noise that follows an incorrect answer on a quiz show.

I have already written about etiquette while standing at a cash point machine, so now is the time for cash machine manufacturers to work together and make their minds up; do you want us to press 'enter' or not?

As soon as the 'error' noise is heard, you immediately think the worst. Doing anything at a cashpoint machine these days is fraught with fear and paranoia, (I always try and use the machines inside the bank, as my logic dictates that they can't be tampered with). As soon as something out of the ordinary happens we suddenly all think the same thought; a sophisticated gang of hackers have accessed my bank account, stolen my money, and applied for millions of pounds worth of loans that I am accountable for and big men are going to come round my house and take my kneecaps in lieu of payment.

It is the fault of the people who make the machines. Either we have to press 'enter' after our PIN, or we don't. It doesn't matter which one you choose, but be consistent.