Prediction: A record 2.2 billion text messages will be sent on Valentine's Day

Honestly, now, 2.2 billion with a "b": That's according an estimate that VeriSign pulled out of its corporate ass.

Of course, the VeriSign public relations professional who sent word of the prediction to me didn't exactly cop to the company pulling the number from its backside, writing:

"Wanted to clue you in on a pretty intriguing mobile consumer behavior stat: As you may know, Valentine's Day is the No. 1 day for mobile messaging in North America. Last year, more than 750 million mobile messages - at the time, a one-day record - were sent and received. With the release of its latest Mobile Messaging Index, VeriSign predicts another record Valentine's Day this year - more than 2.2 BILLION messages sent and received, illustrating the remarkable uptake in this convenient and popular form of communication."

Because, after all, nothing says I love you like a text message.

However, the accompanying VeriSign press release inexplicably failed to provide any guidance - or advice - relative to the content of those 2.2 billion text messages, so I feel duty bound here to fill that void with a suggestion of my own. Keep in mind that poetry has never been my strong point:

Roses are pricey

Violets hard to find

But sending a text message

Makes you out of your mind

Use the voice feature on the phone, people. No e-cards, either. We're talking Valentine's Day.

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