Mobile Search - Local Style - 77946 (PRXIN)

Mobile search is really heating up. I saw an article in the Wall Street Journal last week. Well, the little guys are getting in to. I came across this while searching Google News the other day, on my pc, not my mobile. Right now, they are focussed on Indianapolis. If (maybe how) they will spread to other locations will be interesting. Check out http://www.proxito.com.

Questions about STD and more - 36617

According to Internet Sexuality Information Services, this is was"Created to give info and advice to San Francisco youth about STDs, HIV, birth control, sexual health services, and more." I think this is an innovative use of sms, but it is apparently generating a lot of controversy as well. There is a press release from Hipcricket at http://www.hipcricket.com/PR/25-apr-2006_SEXInfo.asp as they provide the short code and service delivery. For a bit of the controversy, check out http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200605/CUL20060510a.html. You be the judge, actually the kids will judge in San Francisco will judge. It will be interesting to see if it is a success in SF and then how it plays in other parts of the country.

Hah Hah - Jokes at 53030

I'm sorry, but I think the joke is on you if you pay $0.99 a day ($29.70 per month) to get a joke sent to your mobile. I do like the map at http://www.text4.tv/. I suppose that there will be a Canadian flag there at some point. Did you hear the one about the Canadian and the American vacationing in Mexico....no....maybe you will if you spent $29.70 on jokes sent to your mobile. Don't worry, that one was free. LOL.

Profile Matching - 62253

Profile matching sounds very technical. Actually, it's another chat service. At
http://www.textmatch.net/, it says the short code is 36963 but I got no reply to 'help' sent to that number. However, at
http://www.profilematching.com/, it says the short code is 62253. When I sent 'help,' I got a reply that they did not understand that and I should text 'chat' to join. I texted 'chat' and recieved reply that I could subscribe to a $9.99 per month subscription service by texting back 'ok'
I did not, I texted back 'stop' just to be safe.

Google Calendar - 48368

I admit it, I like Google. It's not that I believe that they do no evil or I like them because they do evil. I simply like Google services. Google Calendar beta lets you "set up automatic event reminders, including SMS notifications." I haven't used it but I sounds cool, and impressive that they are using a short code for this and not just sending an email. If I am being blinded by the brand, let me know if it's no good.

Opera, download for $2.99 from 96077

I love Opera Mini on my Nokia 6230. It is way better than the Cingular installed browser. I could have paid $2.99 to download it by following the instructions at http://www.opera.com/products/mobile/operamini/sms/?cntr=United+States. But no, I download it by using Cingular data for which I have a plan. Although I am always quick to criticize downloadable programs, I love this one.

JuiceCaster - 90342

Juice Wireless has come out with JuiceCaster. It is "the First Personal Multi-Media Publishing tool that allows you to create and distribute your own multi-media content from your computer and cell phone." For the cellphone, it requires a download of an app to your phone so of course that means it does not work on all phones. To find out if your phone is supported, you have to register. After a few steps, I find out that my Nokia 6230 is not supported. I am devastated. And yet not surprised. Well, someone else can give it a try.

Promobilize: Mobilize Your Promotions - 74574

I have added my own short code, 74574, to the list. My website is www.promobilize.com. I just had to get in the game myself. I provide businesses and organizations the opportunity to give mobile marketing a try at no cost.

I know that mobile marketing is a hot topic and getting a lot of press, yet we all know that most businesses and organizations have absolutely no experience with mobile marketing. Why isn't everyone jumping in and giving it a try. Most businesses and organizations are simply not sure how their customers will react. Will people use the service? Will people find value in it? Yes, there are many success stories around the world, but where are the success stories in the USA. I know, I know, you read about success stories in newspapers and magazines, in print and online, and of course in the blogosphere, but most business people in the real world (USA part of it anyway) have not seen a call to action with their own eyes. I give businesses and organizations an opportunity to try it out for THREE MONTHS AT NO COST. If they try it for three months, they will find out if it works for them and their customers. If not, what was the harm. If yes, then they might find their name in bright lights of a success story.