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Text Messaging

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Text Messaging Help

 

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Text messaging is a great communication tool. It allows quick and easy messaging that is less disruptive than a voice call but more immediate than e-mail and it potentially allows for true two-way communication.

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:

  • single letters or numbers often represent words. For instance, "Y" means "why" and "8" means "ate"

  • Acronyms replace many phrases and sentences. An example is "ADBB" for "all done, bye, bye".

  • Capitalization and punctuation are seldom used.

  • Vowels are frequently left out in order to minimize keystrokes. For instance,"btwn" is typed for "between".

  • Symbols are part of the text messaging language as well. For instance someone might type :) to indicate a friendly or happy tone so that the reciever doesn't misinterpret the intention of a message.

    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 acronyms and abbreviations
    WebWasp
    A texting dictionary.
    Lovetoknow.com
    Common symbols/acronyms.
    Internet Slang Dictionary
    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: Reading and Writing About Popular Culture

    Amazon Price: $61.84 (as of 07/25/2008)

    Text Messaging Survival Guide

    Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/25/2008)

    E-Z Text Messaging 4 Grandparents

    Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 07/25/2008)

    Texting Etiquette for Beginners 

    How to Send Text Messages

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    Cutting Text Messaging Costs 

    Text messaging can get expensive if you are an avid user. The two most common ways of cutting the cost are to:

  • identify services that allow you to send at least some of your text messages for free (see below)

  • sign up for a cell phone plan that offers the best price for the amount of messaging you use. For many people this is a cell phone plan with unlimited text messaging. However, if you use messaging sparingly an unlimited plan won't be your most economical option. The plan should match your usage.


  • Guidelines for choosing a text messaging plan are below. To get an overview of what major carriers offer go to Text Messaging Plans.
  • 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.

    How To Send Free Text Messages 


    How to send free text messages with Google

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    Send SMS Text Messages for FREE

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    How To Send Free Text Messages

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    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:

  • How much texting will you use?
    Most cellular providers offer a texting option with a cap at several hundred messages which will be less expensive than an unlimited plan.

  • Is out-of-network messaging included?
    Be sure the plan doesn't cover only in network messaging.

  • Is picture and video messaging included?
    This is important only if you will be using such services.

  • Beware the data transfer cap.
    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 Free Cell Phones

     

    See Text Messaging Plans for information about plans.

    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

    Unlimited Texting Plans Save Us

    2 points

    The Kids Pay Their Own Texting Costs

    1 point

    We Use Prepaid Only, when it's used up that's it

    1 point

    Send Free SMS

    Find a free sms website and lower your sms costs1 point

    We don't; text that is.

    1 point

    We have a "Call, don't text" rule.

    0 points

    <a href="http://textandquotes.blogspot.com more...0 points

    Text Messaging Plans in the News 

    Why Net10’s unlimited calling plan rocks
    So you're saving $10, $20 per month because you don't have to pay for a text messaging plan on top of the voice. Sprint takes that even further, offering all its basic services (SMS, MMS, mobile Web, plus navigator and TV). ...
    Feed the Animals: the FCC Holds Court in Pittsburgh
    Initially, Martin provided his mobile services to users using a hacked-together SMS gateway, which consisted of a cell phone with an unlimited text-messaging plan attached to a computer. As Deep Local developed into a viable business, ...
    EU approves Nokia's purchase of NAVTEQ
    The new 20-cent-per-message rates go in to effect on August 29, so mark your calendars and hop on a text messaging plan post-haste. [Via: Engadget Mobile]. --- Related Articles at IntoMobile:. AT&T to raise SMS and MMS messaging rates ...
    Text Messaging Plan Question
    So there is no option within AT&T besides unlimited text messaging that covers in-network texting? Like if I text within network it is covered as long as I have some level of plan, but out of network texts go against my total?

    International Text Messaging 

    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 

    It's wise to check your cellular service providers site to see about setting up texting filters. For instance VText.com allows Verizon users to set up texting preferences and on Sprint's site users can go to their Online Tools, click on SMS/Text Messaging and the indicate their Settings and Preferences.
    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.

    Safety: Parents Can Monitor a Kids Text Messaging 

    There are now products/services that allow concerned parents to monitor their kids use of text messaging(as well as calls and e-mails). My Mobile Watchdog from RADAR is one example. It allows parents to track any unapproved calls/messages and keeps incoming and outgoing messages.

    Do You Have an Old Cell Phone You Want to Sell? 

    We recommend:

    Cell For Cash

    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.

    annetteghallowell

    I recently moved back to the US from SE Asia. Texting or SMSing as they say is far more prevelant there. I am glad to see you are promoting the use of text messaging and giving the information people need to understand what it does and possible costs!

    Thanks!

    Posted July 24, 2008

    Spook

    Having been profoundly deaf for 36 years, I think texting was a gift from God. Finally at long last, I can use a phone and what a difference it has made. Lot of tips here which I will find useful, thanks.

    Posted July 24, 2008

    Translations

    Hi Mulberry,

    I work for a translation company in the UK. We have undertaken projects involving multilingual text messaging in the past for the healthcare service here, if you want to read more go to http://www.prestigenetwork.com/translation/news/prestige-urges-hospitals-to-launch-a-gr8-nu-servs-in-polish-urdu-bulgarian.htm
    It is an interesting subject, glad someone has put together a lens about it.

    Posted July 24, 2008

    youhavegottobekidding

    I totally Agree, it could really help you especially if you are in a hurry to send the message and it is way cheaper compare to a call. but like every thing else it has its disadvantages. if you get used to it, it could sometimes confuse you of the spelling of a certain word.

    Great Lens. Very Informative. 5 stars for you.

    Posted July 21, 2008

    Comfortdoc

    I've added your Text Messaging lens to the Lens that I created to answer the question, Can I Send My Condolences by Text, IM or Email?

    Posted July 18, 2008

     
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    Photos can not be used without attributing the work to the following creators. No work is to be altered.

    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.

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    This site is also listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
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    mulberry

    About mulberry

    I am the webmaster of a cellular and home electronics store. I put together this page as a single stop text messaging resource. Hope it helps!

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