Texting??

nanner · Jul 11, 2010

Don't get me started. When I first got my plan, each text (coming in and going out) was $.05. Then they raised it to $.10, then they raised it to $.20. I basically hated doing it anyway, because I was so slow at it, and I preferred to actually speak to people.

When they raised it the second time, I started telling people not to text me, because I didn't want to text, and every message cost me. Some people would listen, and it wouldn't register, because I would still get texts from them. DUH....."I said NO!" So when they raised it to $.20 I just went into my plan online and discovered that I could block texts. YAY! So, people have to call me and speak.

And if I have to dodge one more person on the sidewalks of NYC who is randomly weaving around the sidewalk because they're texting and not watching where they're going, I'll scream. Really. Next time this happens, I'm going to run smack into them, and then yell, "Pay attention to where you're going!"

Yeah....it makes me cranky.

jcat · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by fifi1puss

Is it okay to text someone whom you don't know if they text seeing that we all know that it is a service that must be paid for?

With all the different plans available, how are people supposed to know who has to pay extra to receive (or send) texts, unless it's somebody they communicate with on a regular basis and that person has specifically and repeatedly asked them not to text?

Receiving texts is free for me, but sending them isn't. I have to pay a small fortune per minute if somebody calls me while I'm abroad (a couple of times a year), so texts are preferable. Checking voice mail from abroad also costs an arm and a leg, so I simply don't.

I hardly expect everybody I know to be able to remember that.

otto · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by c1atsite

My friend told me in a nice way "Don't text because I haveto pay extra for those." Then when he got a plan he said "You can text me now because blahblah..."

My faux pas was in assuming he had a plan. Y'know, not to go O/T but I was one of those people who said Oh I'll never text. But now I think I send about 4-5 texts per week to different people.

Believe me, it will never happen, for me. I loathe talking on the phone, have never used chat or IM and texting is just more of the same. If you want me, you talk to my land line answering machine, or send me an email, it's the only way I accept any communication.

.

Originally Posted by ut0pia

I don't have a texting plan at the moment either, but I've had one in the past..I still get some texts but I pay for them individually because the amount I get is not enough to warrant a texting plan and I would be paying less if I pay the $0.20 or so per text...
As far as it being rude, IMO it's not up to me to know what kind of plan the person I'm trying to reach has. If they ask me not to text them, I won't; but I may text if they haven't told me not to and I don't know anything about if they have a texting plan. I would only text if it's something important in the latter situation though.
I prefer texts, sadly I feel like it's easier than calling people and trying not to forget to be polite, ask how they're doing, and then end up with a 20 minute conversation when you only called to say one thing or ask something that requires a one word answer...

that's what email is for.

strange_wings · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by Winchester

I don't "get" the whole texting thing anyway. Why not just call somebody? What's so difficult about that?

It has it's uses. For example. I texted my DH this morning to remind him he had to take his medicine (he hates the questran powder) at a certain time. He cannot take his phone out on the floor, nor does he have a computer strapped to him. I often leave him text messages because he can get back to me on his breaks and because his breaks are not always at the same time each day which makes me calling impossible.

Another example is my MIL. She often leaves her phone somewhere and will see it an hour or two later. A quick text works better for her because she doesn't always notice her voice mail or have time to call back.

A few months ago my mother got a new phone and phone plan that had texting included. Now, my mother has never used a computer before and would be considered tech challenged. She's figured out texting just fine and has even sent me some pics that way.

She'll often text to let me know she'll call later.

So it's really not some new technology to be feared or anything.

But yes, texting someone without knowing first that it is ok for you to text them is rude.

tara g · Jul 11, 2010

I'd rather text than talk on the phone most of the time. I'm not a phone person. I have a BlackBerry, so all of my texts to other BlackBerry people are free through BBM. I also raise my texts to 500/mo + unlimited Verizon to Verizon texts because I ended up going over my text limit once my brother and best friend got text plans. I'd be paying $15-20/mo more in fees instead of the $5 extra it cost for the raised text plan. Hubby isn't big on texting, but has been doing it more now with friends. He's more of a phone talker than I am (though I love talking to HIM on the phone

)

I would politely tell them you do not receive texts without being charged extra and you would prefer if they called you when you call them. If they disregard what you asked, then that would be very rude.

larussa · Jul 11, 2010

I have never text and don't even know how

I prefer talking on the phone or emailing. I do have a text program on my phone service but as I said, I never use it.

larussa · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by Winchester

I don't text; I just don't see the need for it (yet). We don't have texting included in our plan, so whenever I get one, I simply don't open it. My friends and family know that we don't open them, so they don't send any.

I don't "get" the whole texting thing anyway. Why not just call somebody? What's so difficult about that?

Totally agree with you.

fifi1puss · Jul 11, 2010

The thing that is interesting to me is don't they think I would have texted them if I am a texter rather than leave a voicemail? Also wouldn't I have said drop me a text rather than saying "call me back" if I wanted them to text?

I specifically said "call me back", especially my cat sitter...this is a business relationship. I don't want to text you I'd like to talk to you in person. Since this will be discussing things re: care of my cats before I leave for vacation. I think that is important enough to warrant a live phone conversation.

I completely undertand the benefits of texting and how alot of people really enjoy it and it helps them in their lives. I don't have a need for it. None of the people in my family use it. Fortunately we are not the sort of people who go on and on when we are on the phone with each other. For people with friends or family that are like that I can understand why they'd prefer to text.

I just think people should let the person who contacts them establish what sort of means they will communicate by. Especially when it is a business realtionship. If the person who called/emailed/texted you wants a response I think it is good manners to return the call/text/email in that format or follow what the person says. If they said email me back or text me back than great go for it! But if they say call me and you don't call them I think its weird.

ebrillblaiddes · Jul 11, 2010

I text a little--mostly quick question type stuff, and BF will sometimes fire off a cute little message--but over the course of a month it adds up to somewhere in the $1-$2 range so it's not worth it to have a texting plan. I can't imagine trying to have a conversation that way; I know people that do, though. Seems like thumb abuse to me.

subconsciousme · Jul 11, 2010

I rarely text, but since I have a blackberry, it is included on my plan. 95% of the day though, my phone is on silent. The people trying to contact me don't like that much but I hate hearing it go off.

misty8723 · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by Willowy

It's only 10Â¢ a text, isn't it? Not really worth getting upset about, IMO. Most people text without thinking about it, because they have it included. Just tell them you'd rather not be texted. Once you've asked them not to text you, then it would be rude for them to disregard your wishes. You can have it blocked if you don't want to get any texts.

It depends on what service you have how much texts cost. I got a free prepaid Verizon phone where the texts were 25 cents each to send and receive. I was going to use the phone, but I got so mad because some people I don't know were texting me continually about church related stuff. I didn't open the messages but it still got deducted from the minutes. I even texted one of them asking them to stop sending and I still kept getting them. Couldn't see anyway to block them. Finally got mad enough that I just used the phone to call someone and run out the minutes and I won't use that one again.

My regular phone is also prepaid, Virgin Mobile, and its 15 cents to text and to receive texts. I text infrequently, but there have been times when I bought the plan because I was using it a lot. That one is month to month so you can buy it for a month then cancel it again.

Willowy · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by Winchester

I don't "get" the whole texting thing anyway. Why not just call somebody? What's so difficult about that?

See, that's what I always thought, too. Which is why I had texting blocked on my phone. But now I get it. Sometimes if you're at work and can't answer the phone, someone can text you to ask a question or tell you when/where to meet them after work, and you can look at it the next time you get a free minute. It's not like when your phone rings and you HAVE to answer it or miss the call entirely. Or check your voicemail, which takes several minutes. The text is just THERE, waiting for you to look at it, no big hurry. And you can text people without worrying about whether they're at work or not, and no big hurry for them to look at it. Things like that. It's like leaving a note for someone.

strange_wings · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by Willowy

It's like leaving a note for someone.

Exactly.

which is why it's so popular. If it's going to turn into a more complex conversation then you call because it's ridiculous to type a lot out - even if you're quick at it.

There's also the problem with a lot of people not checking or deleting their voice mail or having stupid songs that you end up having to listen to when you call them so a lot of people will leave a text as a quick note to avoid that.

dusty's mom · Jul 11, 2010

I guess I just don't get texting. I don't do it. Seems to me it is just as easy to say your message as to type it, especially if your phone doesn't have a keyboard. Texting should never be done when you are driving, but I see it all the time. It is dangerous. Period.

If you are texting because you are somewhere that you can't talk, like in school or church or a business meeting, you shouldn't be texting anyway! Again, I just don't get it.

cheshirecat · Jul 11, 2010

I'm another of those who just don't get texting. I have enough trouble with regular spelling never mind text shorthand.

If someone sends me a text I have to pay for it. But I don't get that many and it's not a problem

This reminds me of a time years ago when texting was a new thing. I had just gotten a phone that would receive them.

One day I am standing at a coworkers desk talking business and and hear this really odd beeping sound. I looked around to see who it was but nobody seemed to be answering it.

Then I realized that it was me.

It was coming from my back pocket.

(I had gotten into the habit of stuffing the phone into my back pocket and forgetting I had it.) Another coworker had just gotten a new phone, was trying the text feature and had sent me a message.

Being totally clueless I had no idea that my phone had a separate ring tone for text messages. I was just a bit embarrassed.

Willowy · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by CheshireCat

I have enough trouble with regular spelling never mind text shorthand.

Hehe, I never use texting shorthand. I understand writing "r" instead of are and stuff like that, but the other stuff I just sit there trying to decipher. I'm probably the only person in the world who sends perfectly written texts.

c1atsite · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by Willowy

I'm probably the only person in the world who sends perfectly written texts.

Then I'll form a club and name you President. My texts are 98% perfect.

"you" is never "u" (okay, sometimes - but very very rare - like a 2 dollar bill)

etc.

But yes, texting is like leaving a note for someone and good for people who are anti-phone. It's also good if you're outdoors.

By my own choice, my phone does not have email or www. Well, actually it does have both, but I find the set-up confusing and intimidating, therefore I haven't done the set-up. By set-up I mean the steps required before you can send your first email or conduct your first browse.

otto · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by fifi1puss

The thing that is interesting to me is don't they think I would have texted them if I am a texter rather than leave a voicemail? Also wouldn't I have said drop me a text rather than saying "call me back" if I wanted them to text?

I specifically said "call me back", especially my cat sitter...this is a business relationship. I don't want to text you I'd like to talk to you in person. Since this will be discussing things re: care of my cats before I leave for vacation. I think that is important enough to warrant a live phone conversation.

I completely undertand the benefits of texting and how alot of people really enjoy it and it helps them in their lives. I don't have a need for it. None of the people in my family use it. Fortunately we are not the sort of people who go on and on when we are on the phone with each other. For people with friends or family that are like that I can understand why they'd prefer to text.

I just think people should let the person who contacts them establish what sort of means they will communicate by. Especially when it is a business realtionship. If the person who called/emailed/texted you wants a response I think it is good manners to return the call/text/email in that format or follow what the person says. If they said email me back or text me back than great go for it! But if they say call me and you don't call them I think its weird.

For what it's worth I agree with you. We're in a minority though. People who are rude and inconsiderate have just found another way to be rude and inconsiderate is all.

(I am not talking about people who posted here, I am talking about the people in the OPs complaint)

c1atsite · Jul 11, 2010

Here's an instance where I always choose email over texting:

My brother works at Target. I never know what shift he works. Sometimes it's the graveyard shift, sometimes afternoons, etc. I can never keep up. It always changes.

Most texts trigger a sound/ringtone. I do not want to wake up my brother if he's resting before work. Therefore, I always email him. Hardly ever text.

I think it's good to have choices.

My mom hates email because she has a junky old computer. She wants texts. She also likes phone but seems to get quite upset when a voice call comes in while she's driving. (Uh, Mom, we have no way of knowing that. This is her:

LOL) But an incoming text while driving does not seem to bother her - She will wait til the car's parked before reading it.

But yes, if an ad says "do not text", then whoever responds should not text.

trouts mom · Jul 11, 2010

Originally Posted by mrblanche

It IS rude.

You can go to your carrier and have all texts blocked.

This, get them blocked.

Texting??

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