We received an odd press release today concerning U2, text messaging and Java.
According to the release, at U2 concerts “During the song ‘One’ Bono and Sun Microsystems are asking fans to participate in their mission to build support for the fight against AIDS and poverty in Africa by text messaging the word ‘unite.’ “
The messages zip around the globe and thanks to Java make it onto the video screen at the concert in less than 10 seconds. “Currently more than 650,000 fans have chosen to participate,” states the release.
Now, that’s cool and all, but how does it help Africa? We know how it helps the wireless carriers – they get to charge for 650,000 text messages. We sincerely hope someone involved in this is kicking some money per message over to relief funds, or otherwise this is more a nifty parlor trick and less of a humanitarian effort.
Can anyone who’s been to the show explain?
