I put this on 'was it you?' ... have a look, I reckon it could catch on. www.textjam.com

 

This could be the next big thing. Well, I've sgned up at least.

Steve

 

was sceptical about this due to privacy ect at first. Having read the site I think its a good idea, especially re your car being stolen. I would go with a window sticker advertising the fact you are registered, but no matter what happens, your phone number is never divulged, only your plate. If someone annoys you, you can block their number plate from sending to you!

 

Plenty of interesting possibilities with this - serious and not-so serious.

Good way of getting in touch with other local Scooby drivers too - plus you don't need to remember everyones mobile number if you are trying to get in touch with them in a hurry.

Does rely on this taking off in quite a big way though - I'd imagine the novelty value of sending out texts to people via their number plates would wear off if you don't get any replies!

 

...so the police know ur phone number and can trace ur gsm fone and then get ur average speed and then know ur reg number corresponds to that fone number and then come round yer house and do u for speeding??? mmmmm clever

 

Hey I wonder if the lovely girl behing me in a jam on the way to work has signed up??

I think not


Imagine though....

 

if the policewant your mobile phone number, they can just get it from their own records, they dont need to rely on a website like textjam.

PLus, according to their website the data protection act means your phone number is never divulged to anyone except proper authorities for the purpose of ascertaining improper use such as text message harrassment.

When you send a text it is sent to them, viw your number plate not your phone number. so how anyone else can abuse it I dont see, and I cant imagine even the police being able to get into that information in a hurry.

 

nice idea but clearly a desperate dot com type business looking to generate revenues from the messages sent. the issue here is that it's chicken and egg - you'll get frustrated when you send a text and the reg plate isn't registered and stop using it. they'd need to spend a fortune on advertising to get the uptake and they clearly haven't got the funds to do it (aside from the reluctance of people wishing to register as highlighted in this thread).

nice idea, unlikely to take off.

G

 

and I thought I was paranoid )

[Edited by unikey - 4/10/2002 4:13:42 PM]