Monday, 3 December 2012

Happy Birthday SMS

It was twenty years ago today [No, this isn't a Sergeant Pepper track!] that the first experimental SMS text message was sent. It said "Merry Christmas" and was sent by Neil Papworth, the British Engineer who developed the software. It was originally intended as a paging system for use in offices. No one expected it to take over from actual phone calls but it's now estimated that over 15 million messages are sent every minute... and that includes mine!

I love text messaging and the following are just a few of the reasons why:

  • You can pass a message on without interrupting someone, even if they're in the middle of their dinner.
  • You can send a happy smiley face to someone without saying a word.
  • You can reply when you've got the time. That's why I'm happy to text if I think someone might be driving whereas I'd never phone them.
  • You can send someone something like an address or a contact name and they don't have to scribble on a piece of paper with the phone under their chin.
  • You can get a reminder from the doctor/dentist/hospital/garage about an appointment so you've no excuses for forgetting.
What are your favourite reasons for text messaging? And if you've never tried it then why not give it a go. Even Mr A does it!

39 comments:

  1. Keeping in touch when you and/or yours/friends are in different time zones around the globe and you haven't got a clue whether they are asleep or not! Also, to while away the time in hospital waiting rooms and on trains when you know others around you would hate - yes, hate! - to hear you announce that you are in a hospital waiting room or ON THE TRAIN!

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    1. Good one, Christina. I hate sitting on a train to the strains of 'I'm in the train' rising from each seat in turn.

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  2. Wow - those are interesting facts! Hard to believe it's been 20 years!

    I love being able to leave a message for someone without bugging them - so convenient them!

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    1. Yes, Jemi, it feels as if they've been around for longer.

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  3. Hi Ros .. I hardly use text, but I am getting to do more of it. I noted the 20 years today ... I can see the use of it - but the constant updates would drive me nutty. My phone gets left at home when I go out - unless I feel I might need it!! I'm definitely still in the 20th century!

    Cheers and good for Mr A ... happy texting .. Hilary

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    1. Gosh, Hilary, if I leave my phone at home by mistake I go into a hyperventilating panic!

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  4. Texting is my life! It's so easy and convenient and it has all the advantages you've listed. I love it. (I just got a new Android phone though, so I might have new online habits soon.)

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    1. My phone pick up tweets and emails but I must say that texting is still my communication of choice. Hope you enjoy your Android, Ann :-)

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  5. My favourite reason for text messaging? It kept me and my then-fiancee connected while we were engaged and half a world apart!!
    Duncan in Kuantan

    Kuantan nature photos

    Teaching English with Mr. Duncan

    Dan Brown Portal

    Roger Federer Shrine

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    1. And hopefully, Duncan, you're both still texting each other even when you've just gone to the shops!

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  6. Oh, I didn't know texting has actually been around for 20 years. Interesting! I love it too, I actually hate talking on the phone so texting is a godsend for me!

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    1. You hate talking on the phone? Gosh, Julie. I am often talking on the landline phone and texting at the same time!

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  7. Texting is very useful, for all the reasons mentioned above, but I do worry.

    I see an alarming number of people texting whilst driving their cars! And even trucks! I'd like to see a strong campaign to bring awareness on TV, and radio, of how dangerous and potentially life threatening this is...at the moment the fine doesn't seem to be a deterrent.

    Fabulous invention though...but I still like a good natter with friends.


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    1. You're right, Maria. I wish the police would come down harder on people who use their mobiles whilst driving. If I've seen lots of them then surely the police must see them too!

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    2. It is a mystery...I'm baffled. I respect and value the Police, but I don't understand their thinking on catching those who use mobile phones whilst driving.

      By the way, I've replied to the comment you kindly left on my blog, and left a trail and some links to the delicious cake. :-) Well worth a visit.

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  8. It was the way I kept in touch with friends and daughters while I was on my long trip. It didn't matter what they said, the subtext was. 'we have not forgotten you, even though you are up a mountain.' It would have been a much more difficult trip without them.

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    1. Bet you're not surprised that I forgot to include "keeping in touch with family whilst up a mountain", Jo! An exellent reason for texting :-)

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  9. I'm much more of a texter than a phoner. I remember Hubby getting his first mobile and declining the text option (because it WAS an option back then) because he didn't think he'd use it!

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    1. Haven't times changes in such a short number of years, Annalisa.

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  10. Text is so convenient. I usually text my husband when I get to work and then sooner or later get a response. We both drive an hour in opposite directions, and traffic is nuts. It's just nice to start the day knowing we are both where we should be. I had no idea the "invention" is 20 years old. Wow

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    1. That's exactly the sort of non-intrusive communication that texting is perfect for, Joanne.

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  11. I like texting, but I'm not sure about the driving thing. Once I was on my way to visit someone and she texted me. I knew it was her because I read the text while stopped between inching forwards in a traffic jam, and I saw she needed an immediate reply. I only had to text "no" but it would have been easier if she'd phoned me.

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    1. Not sure about the law in Israel, Miriam, but here it is supposed to be illegal to receive a phone call while you're driving. I do know what you mean about text messaged though. You're wanting to know what it says all the way home... but we must have will power!

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  12. Wow that was really interesting, I can't believe it's been 20 years!

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  13. wow! thats really interesting, I can't believe it's been 20 years!

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    1. It took me a while but I've worked out that you and Anne Allen are the same person! For me it feels as if I've always had texting. Can't imagine being without it, that's for sure.

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  14. Twenty years! I only learned to use a mobile phone about 15 years ago.

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    1. I wasn't much before you, Lizy. It's interesting to see how the use of mobile phones has crept up the age bracket until you now see quite elderly people chatting on their phones in the street.

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  15. I was shocked to learn that texting has been around for 20 years! Texting is quite handy at times, but I wonder if it will replace actual conversation with this young generation. I tried to listen in on your radio interview, but, darn it, I missed the deadline.

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    1. Sorry you missed the radio deadline, Darlene. For some reason they only keep them up for a week. Not sure why.

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  16. I didn't know it had been around so long either, although if I think about it, I seem to have been sending sms's for even longer. I love them too, Ros. However, as I have to have a smartphone for my work, I like the latest development even more - the what'sapp app :) It's much cheaper than an sms, so you can send even more of them!

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    1. I've never heard of that app, Val, but then I've got a deal on my phone that gives me free text messages. Bliss :-)

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  17. Goodness I didn't think it was that long ago. I agree with what you said about texting but some things bug me. People who don't reply to your text for about 2 days (daughter in law ) People who reply with a yes or no or don't know (son) And how its killed the art of phoning someone for a good old natter.

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    1. I still have a good old natter on the phone, Anne. Texting will never replace that for me. Know what you mean about the delayed responses. I start imagining all sorts of things have happened when one of the kids don't respond. I guess it's the pain of being a mum!

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  18. I didn't think I needed texting until my husband got me a smartphone for our anniversary. Now I love it! It's just a great way to send little bits of info. and I love sending smileys! :)

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  19. The reminder aspect is great! I also like that you can send messages to people without having to ring them and have a long conversation. No, I'm not antisocial, haha!

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    1. I'm not antisocial either, Talli, but there are times when a quick message is far more appropriate.

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  20. Keeping in touch with family miles away in an instant:)

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