I have used over 2,000 TXT messages each month for the past 3 months (maybe longer). Luckily, I have a $10/mo Unlimited SMS plan with Sprint (if you want that plan just ask for the Retention Department). I am thinking it might be interesting to share how I am using SMS and see if anyone else has any other suggestions.
- twitter: A large percentage of the TXT messages I send and receive are interacting with my twitter account. I use twitter to participate in some sort of continuous asynchronous, semi-public, decentralized discussion.
- AIM: My AIM account (JungleJaxn) is setup to forward messages to my phone when I am away from my computer. IM is definitely better on a computer than on a phone, but I like being easily accessible over IM. While I can reply to incoming messages, there is no way for my to initiate an IM conversation over SMS (that I know of). I with that I could have the same thing for GoogleTalk too.
- Travel updates: Kudos to American Airlines for giving me the option of receiving flight status updates via SMS. Whenever I have a layover I turn my phone on as soon as I land. If my connecting flight is delayed I will get a text message. I can call the rebooking line and be on a new flight before our plane even gets to the gate. When there are weather delays at major airports, seconds matter. SMS gives me an almost unfair advantage.
- Facebook: I am still figuring out how to use SMS with Facebook, but I love how friend requests are sent to me via SMS. That is very cool.
- Flickr: While MMS and SMS may be technically different, they are close enough to be included here. Almost every picture on my Flickr account is taken with my phone and sent to Flickr seconds later.
- Good old-fashioned one-on-one communication: I shoot messages back and forth with friends and family daily. It is actually becoming my preferred means of communication for people who I know don’t mind using TXT messages. It is a real shame that most people have to pay exorbitant rates for TXT messages. If you want to TXT me, my phone number is on my Facebook profile. (BTW, Facebook makes a great contact directory. I wish it was integrated with AddressBook).
What am I missing out on?
