I could not have composed this piece without the assistance and messaging contact list of my cell-phone. Special thanks, i mean "nuff big-ups" to everyone that has ever sent me one of those chain-messages. Though i am solely accountable for this blog, this effort was made possible by an encounter yesternight,where i received a text from my friend and cousin voicing that she does not like chain messages. I was immediately covered in shame,as i thought "when did i become a chain-message person"
Ever received a chain message? Yes ? All the time? Do you pass them on?
At one point or always our phones receive that "pass it on message" from our thoughtful or share-fu friends.
"your true love will kiss you at 12 p.m. tomorrow" or "you will die if you do not pass this on right now"
- Your initial reaction if you are Personality A-sees and ignores with a straight face,a SMH moment or a *tsk* "idga*"
- Your initial reaction if you are Personality B-"wow,i mean this is crap right? I know. BUT i mean maybe right?... what do I got to lose?" ..
- Your initial reaction if you are Personality C-almost immediately the delete button presents itself. Your brain processes it as "horse poo"
- Your initial reaction if you are Personality D-replies to sender explaining that you do not like or want these messages.
If you absolutely hate chain messages though i respect that. I don't send them with the intention to annoy or disrespect your "unheard-before-previous-knowledge-views". To be quite honest. I hit that send button and add a few contacts for two reasons.Reason one- half the time chain messages present themselves as almost good messages. Texts with a good message,a prayer or encouraging thought. Then the message is demolished by that last string of "or else"
*SIGH* my new-found idea though i pledge to edit chain messages before i send them. Omit the daring "you will die if" or "you won't find true love if" parts.
Reason two-200 free text messages. I no longer have to feel bad that i can't reply to someone because of my limited text messages for the day. With a less limited plan, i can text more freely. HOWEVER this texting-spree lacks amazingness when text-buds are cred-less *tear* At that moment of realization that you are "empty" or "lost"-feeling of a true text-o-holic when text-mates are absent, you are presented with the bogus gold tray of temptation "chain text messages" and hence the reason I send them.
All in all though, this is my take on this topic. Chain messages can be funny,cute,encouraging or well dreadfully annoying,scary or point-blank disgusting.
If you hate them explain that to senders. When you don't communicate this, chances are you seem okay with it-consent detected through silence. Voice it,fun people will stop immediately,awesome people will annoy you with them anyhow and amazing ones will respect this.
There is not an answer available to me as to avoiding them. You could delete the messages instantly or save it as "SPAM-person" just some "off-the-brain-top" ideas here. Just ignore really, i guarantee they will not go away.
I am yet to meet a human who loves these messages. Send me a message. I am quite interested in meeting you.
As for me, i learnt that these messages originated as chain letters, pretty cool. I use to roll my eyes at the annoying chain emails. Oft a time i would feel compelled to read the religious ones. Not for the reason i felt guilty or scared,okay,okay, i must admit initially i did. As time went on and i grew stronger. Ha, i read them for encouragement or inspiration. Some chain emails and texts are worth the read.
So before you transform into a grump or pooper, give them a chance. A real chance. Remove the mentality that they are really just created by a someone and sent all over. They don't have to be "stupid" if you add meaning to them. Edit them if you please. Spice them up if you can. Share a joke or thought or prayer with a friend. 200 text messages don't have to die.
