All About Text Messaging
Text messaging is a great communication tool. It allows quick and easy messaging that's less disruptive than a voice call but more immediate than e-mail and it potentially allows for true two-way communication. However, for many people text messaging can be a confusing language, an etiquette maze, a nuisance, a needlessly costly service, or otherwise confounding issue.
On this page you can find all the text messaging help you need. We cover everything from the language and costs to blocking and messaging by voice and everything in between.
By using the expandable Table of Contents below you can quickly find the information you need.
Text Messaging Abbreviations
Symbols, Lingo, and Abbreviations for Beginners
Text messaging is a language that by necessity, is abbreviated to make it fast and easy to use. If you are new to text messaging it is important to understand that all you can about text messaging abbreviations:There are a number of ways to learn more about text messaging lingo, symbols, and abbreviations via sites online. See below for some handy resources.
More Text Messaging Lingo Help
- Transl8it.com
- A listing of common text message acronyms and abbreviations.
- WebWasp
- A text messaging dictionary.
- Lovetoknow.com
- Common text message symbols/acronyms.
- Internet Slang Dictionary
- Have text messages you don't understand? Type it in and get it translated.
- Netlingo.com
- A great online reference that can assist beginners in learning the text messaging vocabulary.
- Webopedia
- Another resource for text message lingo.
- Lingo2Word
- For help in either translating a text message received or figuring out how to compose a message.
- Transclick.com
- Transclick can assist with text messages in other languages.
Learn More About Text Messaging Abbreviations, Symbols, Lingo, and More
Text Messaging Survival Guide
Amazon Price: $10.40 (as of 11/09/2009) 
E-Z Text Messaging 4 Grandparents
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Textapedia Text Messaging Pocket Guide Texting Book (Textapedia Text Messaging Pocket Guide, 1st)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)
Text Messaging: Reading and Writing About Popular Culture
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Texting Etiquette for Beginners
A Bit More About Text Messaging Etiquette
Cutting Text Messaging Costs
Text messaging can get expensive if you're an avid user. Need text messaging help to cut those expenses? The two most common ways of cutting the cost are to:Cutting Text Messaging Costs: Sending Text Messages Online
There are a number of ways to send a text message via an internet connected computer versus via cell phone, many of which will save you some of the cost since there are generally charges for both sending and receiving text messages on a cell phone in the US.Most cellular providers have an area on their website where text messages can be sent to customers of their services. For instance, Sprint has this page, T-Mobile this page, Alltel this page, Verizon this page, and so forth.
In addition many popular sites have messaging services. Google , AOL, and Yahoo! all have such messaging services.
There are also a number of online options such as textmessage.cc and onlinetextmessage.com which give users the ability to send messages for free; with charges going to the person who receives message.
Reminder: Text Message Limit
Don't forget: Text Messages are brief. Generally there is a 160 character limit per message. Thus, all of the abbreviations are needed even if speed wasn't an issue.
Unlimited Text Messaging
If you use text messaging sparingly, an unlimited plan is not the best route to cutting costs. It is better to match your usage up to the plan.However, for those who make frequent use of the service an unlimited texting plan can save a significant amount of money. Such plans add on a predictable $10 to $20 per month versus a per message cost.
To find the unlimited plan that "fits" consider the following:
Most cellular providers offer a texting option with a cap at several hundred messages which will be less expensive than an unlimited plan.
Be sure the plan doesn't cover only in network messaging.
This is important only if you will be using such services.
Some "unlimited" plans still have a cap on how data can be transferred and charge more for any amount that goes beyond the cap.
Note: Most unlimited plans don't include international text messaging. If this is a service you will use, be sure you know the cost.
For the best deals, we recommend
Group Text Messaging
Most cellular providers allow users to send the same message to multiple people at one time for the cost of a single message. The user merely needs to set up a group and then send the message to the group. This can be time saving, fun, and economical.
How Do You Cut Down Text Messaging Expenses?
Vote or Add Your Own Ideas
Use a lifetime text only device
Peek has a lifetime messaging device, which has no more...0 points
Text Messaging Plans in the News
- Verizon Releases DROID Eris Video, Will Charge $30 for Tethering ...
- I subscribed to automated text messaging services to drive the cost of my "unlimited" text messaging plan through the roof--- my way of sticking it to the man. Best of luck to everyone facing off with VZW! ...
- Page Plus to add unlimited text messaging plan | Prepaid Reviews
- Page Plus to add unlimited text messaging plan. Hi there! If you're new to the site, you may want to subscribe to the the feed. Like MetroPCS and Cricket, Page Plus Cellular is improving on its plans, rather than introducing completely ...
- Dedicated tweeting gadget TwitterPeek launches | The Digital Home ...
- If you have money for this, and you tweet, you probably have the bucks for a cellphone and a decent text messaging plan, so you can do your twit-stuff that way. This is probably going to end up on the Top 5 dumbest gadgets. ...
- Synthstuff - music, photography and more...: A health care plan I ...
- Don't get the unlimited text messaging plan and you can afford your doctors visits. Don't order a large pizza and you can afford another doctors visit. Wait, actually becoming an active part in my health? What is this witchcraft you ...
International Text Messaging
Need text messaging help regarding international services? There are a few services online that advertise free or discounted international text messaging services.The first, i-text.it allows users to send messages from their cell phone or PC to anyone in the world that has a GSM/GPRS Java enabled phone. Instead of being charged users must receive ads. The email2sms service also allows users to send messages via their website to cell phones internationally for no cost in conjunction with ads.
Another service is SendSMSNow which offers some free and some discounted messaging services.
See International Text Messaging for more information.
Advice on Blocking Text Messages
- Forum Discussion
- Suggestions for T-Mobile and Sprint customers.
- Stopping Spam
- Learn about stopping SPAM which generally originates from computers.
- Options for AT&T Customers
- Setting up your preferences can restrict text messages.
- Tips for Stopping Spam
- General tips to reduce SPAM.
- How to Stop Unwanted Calls and Messages
- An overview with many tips for preventing and stopping unwanted calls and text messages to your cell phone.
- Text Guard
- A downloadable program to monitor and potentially block incoming and outgoing message. Free 60 day trial.
Safety: Blocking Text Messages (and Calls) While Driving
If you're a parent, you may be more interested in seeking text messaging help that can prevent your teens from texting and driving. DriveAssist is new software being developed for release in 2009. It is said to sense when the indvidual is driving and automatically block calls and messages.Parents will reportedly still be able to send voice messages to their kids despite the block and 911 can always be reached. To learn more about this software from the developer visit this video link.
Another product in development is Keys2SafeDriving which is a Bluetooth device that will allow parents to embed car keys within it. When the key is in use, the teens cell phone will cease to function, both voice calls and text messaging will be unavailable. Designated numbers and 911 will still be accessible and passengers in the vehicle would still be able to use a phone. You can learn more at the link above. This product will likely be made available through cellular providers.
Safety: Parents Can Monitor a Kids Text Messaging
A new product was recently announced by TextGuard that reportedly monitors and potentially blocks text messages, as well as allowing parents to monitor messages without kids being aware of it.
Sending a Text Message to a Landline
With "text-to-speech" technology it is possible to send text messages to landline phones. For the sender the process is the same, the receiver gets a computerized voice call on their landline, and the sender gets a confirmation that the messge was received. Telemessage is one such service that provides such capabilities to providers.Some traditional US cellular providers also provide the ability to send text messages to landlines. Sprint PCS, Alltel, Qwest, and Verizon Wireless are among those that do.
Voice to Text Messaging for Those Who Don't Like Pushing Buttons
There is even text messaging help for those who can't or don't want to push tiny buttons to send their messages. It's possible to send text messages by voice. One route is to use a service like Jott which allows users to call a number, speak their message, and have it translated into text, and sent. The service works for e-mail and for text messages.Humans can also be taken out of the equation with software such as that offered by Nuance or an emerging company called Yap.
Voice to Text Software
![Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Standard [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5169PHNG7HL._SL75_.jpg)
Drivesafe.ly
Drivesafe.ly is the answer to texting while driving
http://www.drivesafe.ly/ How to Text Safely While Driving. The master mind behind drivesafe.ly Heath Ahrens being interviewed in fox business studio. Must have application for blackberry and android phones, coming soon for iphone.
Runtime: 1:43
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curated content from YouTube
Air Writing Your Text Messages?
Don't like typing? The PhonePoint Pen, using an accelerometer, may allow you to simply write with your phone to send messages in the very near future. Read about it here
Other Sources for Text Messaging Tips
- lifehacker
- Just some general text messaging tips for beginners.
- Yahoo!Tech
- A bit about text messaging privacy.
- MSN
- Lots of tips about how to use text messaging to your advantage.
- Grandparents.com
- A few quick tips for grandparents just starting out with text messaging.
- CIO article
- 10 great texting tips for adults to improve productivity.
More Text Messaging Topics
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All About International Text Messaging
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Whether you have loved ones who move away, friends in far off places, or business in other countries, international text messaging is a need for millions of people. With roaming charges, international texting, just like international calling can be e...
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Can I Send My Condolences by Text, IM or Email?
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Even in an era of so many different ways of being in touch with people, there are some personal communications, such as condolences or sympathy, that should still be delivered in person or by snail mail. I started this lens to find an answer to the...
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Business Text Messaging
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Businesses now use a myraid of communication tools. For individuals it's important to learn the do's and don'ts and for companies it can be important to explore how text messaging can support your business; large or small. Learn more about busines...
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Text Messaging Plans
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Text messaging is an important part of many cell phone plans; especially for those who use their phone for business or have teenagers. Below you'll find a brief summary of the text messaging plans available through major US carriers and their most...
Do You Have an Old Cell Phone You Want to Sell?
Text Messaging: Was This Page Helpful? Let Us Know!
If you're looking for cell phone plans be sure to visit our cellular and home electronics store.
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Kids can text faster than they can type. I can't tell you how many times I've caught kids texting answers to another student during a test. They're not supposed to have thier cell-phones on them, but that's beside the point.
I've tried to text, but have no patience for it.
Thanks for sharing
Lizzy
Posted July 28, 2009
ClassyGals wrote...
Thanks so much for creating this lens on text messaging. I really enjoy all of your lenses. Your a truly great lensmaster. Five stars, as usual.
Posted June 22, 2009
JiaPanda wrote...
My children text all the time, which was an irritant to me, this forced me to learn how text. I think this is a great lens, it has a lot of helpful tips! 5 stars!
~Jia Panda~
http://www.squidoo.com/taxpreparation2009
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Posted April 15, 2009
OhMe wrote...
I am behind the times as far as text messaging goes. I have tried to avoid it because of the additional expense but our grown children text quite often. This lens was very informative and appreciated. Thank you.
Posted April 11, 2009
gerardlim wrote...
Excellent content here on SMS. This medium of communication has really become mainstream now.
Gr8 content I hav red 2day. oops sorry toht i was sms'ng : )
Posted March 31, 2009
gerardlim wrote...
Excellent content here on SMS. This medium of communication has really become mainstream now.
Gr8 content I hav red 2day. oops sorry toht i was sms'ng : )
Posted March 31, 2009
Wysiwigs wrote...
Great lens and some excellent information ~ I love the idea of the cell phone blocking software for teens while driving. The laws against texting while driving are starting to pop up across the nation, but it has already become a dangerous habit for too many teens. 5*
Http://wwwSquidoo.com/ConnieCrankpot
Posted March 27, 2009
Juleecommunications wrote...
mostly i dont like messaging. but after reading this lens i prefer messaging most of the time. really cool lens with great information.
Posted October 23, 2008
alteredkat wrote...
Great 5 star lens! Thanks for creating it!...very helpful...and thanks for visiting my Domino Pendant Lens...I appreciate it!
Posted October 22, 2008
Introduction Photo Credit: b_d_solis
Text Messaging Abbreviations Photo Credit: timsamoff.
Cutting Text Messaging Costs Photo Credit: Joshua Davis.
Sending Text Messages Online Photo Credit: i am jae
Unlimited Text Messaging Photo Credit: nate steiner.
International Text Messaging Photo Credit: smellyknee.
Sending a Text Message to a Landline: star5112.
Voice to Text Messaging: Cazimiro.
Safety: Blocking Text Messages (and Calls) While Driving: Benimoto
You can review this site at: The Isle of Squid
This site is also listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
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