Text Messaging Help
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: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
Enterprise Integration Patterns: Designing, Building, and Deploying Messaging Solutions (The Addison-Wesley Signature Series)
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Text Messaging: Reading and Writing About Popular Culture
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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
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: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
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
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
- 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
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Text Messaging: Was This Page Helpful? Let Us Know!
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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! Posted July 24, 2008 |
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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 |
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Translations
Hi Mulberry, Posted July 24, 2008 |
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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. Posted July 21, 2008 |
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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 |
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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