How dependant are text messaging campaigns on the cultures that support them? Will the same Asian and European campaigns work in the United States? Over 1 million Koreans bank by phone . UK Coke declared the mobile channel potentially more viable than TV. Yet with over 66 million people text messaging in the United States, why hasn’t it had a greater impact on our culture?

The Ipod revolution had to occur first. With song and video ipods portable and pervasive, we’re expecting more from our mobile devices. Ringtones and mobile jewelry providing the 12-24 demographic with new ways to personalize their cell. Stock quotes and weather alerts are introducing SMS to a new demographic.
We’re due for the cultural shift.

We’ve seen it in some respects with text message advocacy. U2’s mobile fundraising, Hurricane Katrina’s sms relief, and a text campaign to save former gang member Tookie Williams are recent examples. However, text messaging is not yet nearly as essential to the average American as it is to the rest of the world.

A Boston based company is challenging that assumption by incorporating text messaging with virtual community building in real spaces. LocaModa Inc’s is launching Wiffiti, virtual bulletin boards in public spaces like coffee shops and bars. The Someday Café one of my local spots, is their first worldwide launch next week. I went there today and observed several things that might just make this idea work. College students. Nonverbal communication. Bulletin boards and collaborative art books. I look forward to seeing how this flesh and blood community translates into a virtual one and wonder if the technology will have an impact on the demographics in Someday Cafe.

Culture shifts start local; I’ll keep you informed when they launch.

*Picture taken with my citizen journalist weapon of choice
Of: Someday Cafe Bulletin Board before change

See also:
Mobile Activism
Mobile Community