Getting a text message...

@howard96h (11640)
New York, New York
December 28, 2008 8:54am CST
When a Holiday or Special Occasion comes around so many people send out a text message rather than make a phone call, are you receiving less calls and more text messages wishing you a Holiday greeting?
4 people like this
20 responses
@Llonorra22 (1150)
• Philippines
28 Dec 08
Yes always... Text messages is a lot cheaper than making calls!
2 people like this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
I did not think about that, your right, in many places texting is a lot cheaper than voice calls. So about how many did you receive, lots of messages?
2 people like this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
Are you serious, wow! I thought like 30 was massive. LOL
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• Philippines
28 Dec 08
Hundreds, I guess
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@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
28 Dec 08
This is how I prefer it to be honest my friend, I don't actually like talking on the phone to people and my friends know that I have this aversion to talking on the phone, so most of my friends know either to text me, email me or visit me in person. That is one of the main reasons I got a mobile/cellphone that people could text me and vice versa. I have free calls on my mobile each month but I never use them, it is very very rare for me to actually make or receive a call!
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
I do enjoy texting, there are times when it is ideal to use it, since I am an old timer I just can't seem to pick up all the text abbreviations/codes the younger people use. When I text my nieces and nephew I spell everything out (it must drive them crazy) and I tell them to spell everything out for me too. Do you spell out all your words or do you use those short codes/abbreviations? Maybe I need to start studying text codes.
3 people like this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
28 Dec 08
I do use the 'prediction' on the texts so it knows what words you are using which is a great help but no I always spell out the words in full, I hate abbreviations, I guess I am old school about it, the English language is messed around with enough without adding to it.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
30 Dec 08
not me because I do not have a cell phone, so I get my online well wishes and I still get some telephone calls as well and some are even long distance.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
31 Dec 08
Yes it certainly does and it is so important as well.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
30 Dec 08
Whether they are text messages or phone calls it's always good when people make contact, shows they are thinking of you.
1 person likes this
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
28 Dec 08
I am receiving less christmas cards for sure. I am receiving more text messages than phone calls and cards. I do think that it is impersonal. I prefer to hear a voice greeting me rather than a text message.
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
I agree, it makes you feel like they really don't want to talk to you. I have been getting a lot of text messages and less calls too.
1 person likes this
@tyc415 (5706)
• United States
28 Dec 08
I have just recently gotten text for my phone. Before that I have received a few texts from my daughter but not on holidays with a greeting. On Christmas morning my grandson called me and then I talked to my daughter also and later on we did some texting.
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
At least your grandson called, I got text messages from my nieces and nephew rather than a call so I fixed them, so I called. LOL Don't get me wrong, there are times when texting is ideal but I still prefer a voice call on a special Holiday.
2 people like this
@katr0713 (92)
4 Jan 09
Personally, I think texting someone to give them that sort of message is rude. it says to me that they dont care enough to actually talk to me, and are just going through the motions. If it is a quick "I'll meet you at....", that's fine, but not to send a greeting.
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jan 09
I agree it's out of place for a greeting. It's nice when you want to send a little "I love you" note to someone special.
@cheongyc (5072)
• Malaysia
29 Dec 08
Ya, it's more and more common for us to send and receive text message greetings, compared to the paper greeting cards now. I think it's because sending text message is way more convenient. You do not need a stamp and an envelope to do so. Instead, pressing some buttons on the cell phone will do. It's quite a fun to receive and keep on forwarding the season greeting messages. When I got it from friend A, I forward to friend B. The returned message from friend B, will be sent to friend A.
@cheongyc (5072)
• Malaysia
4 Jan 09
Definitely it is getting popular now It's time saving, and thus is more cost effective. Because making calls is usually more expensive than sending text messages. Besides, the recipients have the choice to read the greeting messages during his or her the convenient time.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
29 Dec 08
Yes it is a very popular way now to communicate.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Dec 08
Mmmm....well I would need a cell phone to do that which I don't have... The only thing similar to maybe texting for me is simply emailing people or sending e-cards to people. I have to make a mental note to myself and haul my buns and call a few people maybe tomorrow to wish them a Happy New Year..uh, not big on phone calling either...LOL...Okay, so I'm a reclusive hermit...heehee
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
29 Dec 08
I need to make some calls early too, don't want to wait until New Year's Eve when all the lines are busy.
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
30 Dec 08
So I'm one of the few you sent a regular card too..I'm flattered..lol..
@gr8life (6251)
• Malaysia
6 Jan 09
Hello howard96h, Since a few years ago, I received more text messages rather than phone calls. But unfortunately, I am not good at both. I don't like texting and I seldom call too. Only a few people especially my family members and close friends will get a call from me.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
6 Jan 09
Don't feel bad I am not good at texting, I text but I have to type the whole words out, I don't know all those text short cuts/abbreviations.
1 person likes this
@tjades (3591)
• Jamaica
31 Dec 08
I both send and receive more text messages than calls. With so mmany contacts to make sending a text messages keeps it within resonable cost. There are certain calls that I definately look forward to and would feel upset if they did not come.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
31 Dec 08
Thanks for your reply my friend.
@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
28 Dec 08
i dont realy like txt howard.i have phone but i´ll wait whos calling me and if i have miss called i call them back by using landline phone.yes i have many txt messages but i dont reply txt i will call them.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
Did you get any text messages wishing you a Happy Holiday or Merry Christmas or only voice mail?
@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
28 Dec 08
yes i get txt messages but i replied them by calling.
@onlydia (2808)
• United States
28 Dec 08
No I got rid of my cell phone as didn't need it. They always had to call me as I didn't have text on my phone. I always felt if you can't talk to me you don't need to type me. Call I want to hear your voice. Your friend onlydia
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
29 Dec 08
Well with no cellphone now they have to call.
1 person likes this
@onlydia (2808)
• United States
29 Dec 08
This year I got more cards in the mail and the phone calls. I love the cards in the mail. I really should send some my self but I always forget. And you think I wouldn't but I do. But there is always next year right. Your friend onlydia
• United States
1 Jan 09
I dont do text on my phone first it takes up to much time,it is a extra cost i dont need or want,and if you cant talk to me on the phone like a normal person then why waste all that time with your fingers.I like hearing voices on my phone.that is more for the younger generation any way,older people look strange sending texts messages.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
1 Jan 09
Texting is not for everyone. Sometimes though you might be unable to make a voice call and have no other choice. Thanks for your response.
@oyenkai (4394)
• Philippines
1 Jan 09
I rarely get calls because calls are expensive here in the Philippines and there are many promos on SMS so that's why we prefer it. And in general, we're a text-messaging-culture :D I think it's because it allows us to converse with different people all at the same time :D Thanks for the comment on my discussion! Happy New Year!
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
1 Jan 09
Yes I herd your Country is the Text Messaging King of the world. Thanks of your reply. Happy New Year!
@roniroxas (10560)
• Philippines
28 Dec 08
here in the philippines we send text more than making a call. most people here owned a pre-paid sim cards so it is more cheap to text than to call. most of the people who have post paid sim are the business man. i think philippines is one of the country who is in the top for most texting. lol. it is more nice to greet people through calling but it is more cheap to text so you can text a lot of relatives. calling makes it limited and can not call them all.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
Yes, I think your country is the text capital of the world.
@BarBaraPrz (46490)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
28 Dec 08
Well, since text messages are received on cell phones, and I don't have one, I guess my answer would be "No."
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
Good answer!
1 person likes this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
30 Dec 08
No I'm not the text messaging type, they need to call me on the phone, or well send me a nice message on myspace lol.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
30 Dec 08
I think I am the only person who doesn't have a myspace page. I need to try and get into it, never really bothered.
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
30 Dec 08
I'm probably one of the Old Schooled people that love to send out cards and get in return and i got alot of ecards and text messages...personally I feel its less personal and don't feel it was just for me but a combo packet sent to all, so i know it will continue to happen and i will accept them, but real cards i say..ecards i delete and text messages..and hadn't received any phone calls at all since they all texed..
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
30 Dec 08
I still send out real cards through snail mail to people who do not have access to a computer, otherwise I do send e-cards. I get more and more text messages during the Holidays than before, guess it's better than nothing.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
30 Dec 08
Well, I seldom receive phone calls so it's okay. But I do get A LOT of text messages, makes me feel better that people still remember me. I don't get to reply to all of them though... I don't load up that much. Hehe.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
30 Dec 08
Hi buddy, I agree text messages are better than no messages or calls at all - huh?
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
28 Dec 08
Hi howard! I don't text! I think it is alot easier to pick up the phone and dial! I have just not understood why people text! If I want to type I will just send an email! The phone is for talking! If you are going to take the time to text then you might as well pick up the phone and dial or leave a voicemail message! It is just something that makes no sense to me! Is it just me?
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Dec 08
Not everyone is into texting. When I first got a cellphone I felt the same way but then I noticed there are times when sending a message is ideal, when I am on a crowded bus or train and if I need to make a call then I'll text because there is too much noise or there is no privacy to make a voice call. It's nice sometimes when you want to send a little note to someone and not call them maybe because they are at work or unable to receive a voice call, a little "I love you" or "I miss you" note really brightens someone's day. I do not text all day long like the younger people do and I don't use all those text abbreviations either, I have to spell everything out, I guess I am what they would call "old school".
1 person likes this