Text Machine

Idbatterim · 11-10-2005 1:10pm #1

hey guys, you know those texts you get from like companies or clubs saying like "hi (insert name), all drinks E3 this monday, show text at door and get free entry"... do you need some hardware for that or is it software, is it expensive, do you pay per text? any info would be greatly appreciated!

Stephen · 11-10-2005 1:27pm

I know Siemens do little GSM boxes that you can connect to your PC by serial port. Just insert a sim card into it, connect the antenna and you're away. There's probably USB versions available too.
We use them in work to send out alerts when certain servers go down, etc. It costs the same as sending a text off your phone. Naturally, if you're going to be spamming the ****e out of everyone (*JOPKE*!1!!) with it, you'd be best off getting a bill account with the mobile network (So you won't have to keep topping it up) with a text-friendly tariff.

Karoma · 11-10-2005 1:29pm

diespammybastardsdie!
To answer your question (as vaguely as possible): it can be done software-only.
You can use bulk sms services online that do everything short of supplying you with numbers to send to; or you can pay for the use of a centre/gateway number and write your own code (code on computer, feeds from DB with telephone numbers -> send through company gateway -> goes to customer)
Please make sure you're away of the legal and moral repercussions of sending these annoying things: only send to those that asked for it (While sober!)

irlrobins · 11-10-2005 2:21pm

Yea you can be fined about €3000 for each unsolicated text sent. You also have to provide clear instructions on how to unsubscribe etc.

Idbatterim · 11-10-2005 4:07pm

ok, so i cant use an old database of people and their mobile numbers? ill have to have a little box they can check saying they agree to being sent info on courses and offers etc? iv never been sent a txt where they tell me how to unsubscribe, but im sure your right!

irlrobins · 11-10-2005 4:17pm

no don't think you can. You need permission first. Or at least indicate that you might use their details in order to contact them etc.

www.dataprotection.ie is the place to download guidelines etc.

Karoma · 11-10-2005 5:26pm

Well, I know of at least one night club (Limerick) that approach you when you're at your most vulnerable (;)) and ask you .. (this way may be legal,but it sure as hell isn't moral)

irlrobins · 11-10-2005 5:48pm

Wouldn't be Smyths/Icon by any chance? I got a ton of txts off them a while back. Never even been to Limerick or def didn't sign up for them. Tried to unsubscribe etc but they kept coming.

Reported them to them to the Data Protection people and they soon stopped. Talk about red tape in that process though....make you weep.

Karoma · 11-10-2005 5:51pm

Yup.

Random · 11-10-2005 5:58pm

Was looking around the O2 website today and saw this:
http://web.o2.ie/business/services/mobile_tools/desktop.jsp.

No experience with it myself but it looks to be what you're looking for.

Text Machine

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