I love text messaging. Actually, I love all forms of one-way communication where a receiver has to listen to what I say and there's nothing they can do about it. Have you ever ignored a text message? You can't. It's impossible. A person can ignore your phone calls and they can ignore your voicemails, but they can't ignore your text messages. They just have to read it and put up with it. It's great.
I only wish I could figure out that T9 nonsense. Sometimes I can literally see people text faster than they can talk and it's obviously due to the fact that they've mastered the force that is T9. I suppose I could get a Blackberry (or something like that), but I just don't think I'm cool enough for one. Don't get me wrong, I think I could pull off Bluetooth wireless earpiece cool, but I just don't think I have what it takes to pull off Blackberry cool. Maybe in another lifetime, I guess.
Switching gears, I honestly don't know how people ever met in bars before the advent of text messaging. I think we've all experienced the following conversation at least once in our lives:
(buzz, buzz, buzz)
Drinking Buddy #1: HEY, I'M AT THE DANE, COME HERE! Drinking Buddy #2: I'M AT THE DANE, TOO! Drinking Buddy #1: WHAT? Drinking Buddy #2: I'M AT THE DANE! I-AM-HERE-RIGHT-NOW! Drinking Buddy #1: DUDE, I CAN'T HEAR YOU. I'LL CALL YOU LATER!
(click)
Drinking Buddy #3: So was that Drinking Buddy #2? Is he coming out? Drinking Buddy #1: It doesn't sound like it. I think he's with his girlfriend or something. Drinking Buddy #3: That's lame. Drinking Buddy #1: Yeah, I know. Let's get outta here.
Regular old cell phone technology is basically obsolete on any given weekend night without the ability to text electronic whereabouts to our friends. Thank you, AT&T. I owe you a shot the next time I see you out.
On yet another note, I would like to tackle the finer points of cross gender communications and text messaging with the following question:
Is it acceptable for a guy to use smiley faces, winks, exclamation points, etc. in a text message?
If the answer is no, then please explain to me how a guy is supposed to joke around, flirt or be playful via cell phone. Keep in mind that actually calling and having a normal conversation is completely out of the question.
The floor is now open for suggestions.
I think it's okay, if they are used in moderation. – Amanda, Madison, WI(09-30-08)
No emoticons, no exceptions. – Dan, Madison(10-01-08)
Your mom likes it when I use emoticons. – Ray Jay, Your mom's(10-01-08)
I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. And truthfully, your mom thinks its lame when I use emoticons. – Ray Jay, not your mom's(10-01-08)
I'd be more open to emoticon use if they took the completed facial shape that they do when using Outlook. – Thomas Jane, Delaware(10-01-08)
Starting up the emoticons debate again aye Benji? Being a sarcastic guy, I have to say they're acceptable. Otherwise jokes just don’t come across as intended. However, there is one caveat; they’re only allowed when being flirtatious with a new lady friend. – Cody, NY(10-01-08)
No self respecting guy should ever use emoticons. Trust me it's creepy! Flirt in person-that's the only way to get your point across. – Courtney, Chicago(01-02-09)
