SMS can be a dangerous tool. It can cause misunderstandings. Meant for short messages, it is best to note that anything that requires greater explanation and the need for a show of "feelings" - one should use the email or make a call. Plus, the sms short-formed language does little to help with correct and full understanding of the messages sent.
A teacher once sent an sms to the school clerk to inform the school that she was on medical leave. The sms read: "mc 4 2day". So, the clerk noted it on the board and immediately called for a relief teacher (RT) to cover the teacher on sick leave for 2 days. Both the teacher and the RT reported to school the next day and the school had a problem in hand. The teacher's MC was for only 1 day, so the "2day" on the sms was meant to be "today" and not 2 days (!) as interpreted by the clerk. As the RT had turned down other appointments, it was not right to ask her to leave without paying her.
The responsible clerk stepped forward to say it was his fault and volunteered to pay the RT for the day. The teacher felt it was as much her fault and wanted to share in the payment. The school's Admin Manager took full responsibility as he said he should have checked on the matter and finally, the RT was paid by the three responsible persons. The burden was shared and the team spirit was apparent.
I sent an sms to a friend last night and I felt it was misread. What I had intended to be a happy discovery ended up sounding like a complaint. So, while walking the dogs and pondering on the dangers of the sms, my attention was caught by a flying object. I looked up to study the large bird that had caught my eye. It was only when it settled on a roof antenna that I realized it was a hornbill. What a wonderful sight. It then flew to another roof antenna to join another hornbill. Wow! A double treat.
The larger, more colourful bird sat contentedly with its smaller friend. I could see their bright yellow-orange beaks and their stately "horns". I whipped out my phone and attempted to take a photo of the amazing pair, only to realise that my phone was a low end Nokia meant for calls and sms es!!! The photo showed the roof, the antenna and two black spots on it! I kept my lousy phone and decided to snap the photo ... in my mind. There it would be stored forever, for me to savour. But with my current "hard disk" status, I won't be surprised if the memory gets corrupted and the file is lost.
Oh well, I had it for a moment and sometimes, that is enough.
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