Don't be afraid, be clever.

It's exciting times in the mobile marketing arena. Much chatter, many reports, lots of enthusiasm. With so many new and exciting devices just released or about to be, who can blame us mobile evangelists.
I was designing when the web was born, I remember all the hype, I remember the early 14.4kb and 56kb modems.Remember how slow things were? It was quite painful, but many of us accepted it. I remember the challenges of creating a web page that was interesting and quick to download. I remember the introduction of Flash, and learning how to create a sexy animation that was under 20Kb. It took a lot of thought, but it was possible, especially with the help of guru's such as Hillman Curtis, they were great days. And yet, here we are back there again, just on a smaller stage. All the principles of the early web are here again. Concerns about speed, relevant content, making the content 'sticky'. The experiences of the early internet are now becoming priceless, in developing mobile content. We went through the pain before, and will go through it again. We mustn't be afraid, we just need to be clever.

SMS Pet Hate

Every now and then I respond to a call for action SMS shortcode. The other night I was watching the telly and an advert came on for the new Volvo XC60. I quite liked the advert and it was tied in with the call for action; text 'LOVE' to 84880. Something inside me said go on.... do it!.... see if you get something good this time, the other half of me was saying, dont bother, but my curiosity got the better of me, so I texted away. And yet again I was left frustrated and disappointed. All I got back for my effort was to do something else, ie fill out my details for a brochure. But I dont want a brochure, I want something exciting or rewarding to view on my mobile device ....aaargh. Even the web address they put at the end of the message wasnt a link that I could simply click. This is just such a wasted opportunity, no funky little animation, no offer to see a sexy new gadget in more detail, not even a poxy screensaver....but still I wont give up, where's that super hero mobile content outfit of mine....I have a job to do, oh dear, sorry I've just been watching the film Armagedon