On Monday we posted about U2’s latest concert tour, in which they’re asking those at the show to text message the word “unite” during the song “One.”
We got a press release about the use of Java in the endeavor, but bemoaned the fact it didn’t explain what U2 was trying to accomplish through the whole exercise. A Sun rep left a message Monday and told us to call and they’d explain. We did – and we’re still waiting for the return call.
Anyway, lucky for us reader Peter has been to the show and was nice enough to explain what happens. Click below for his explanation.
“1. During one of the songs (or between, don’t fully recall) Bono goes on one of his political rants and ends up on AIDS & poverty in Africa.
2. He says he’s started (working with?) a foundation to address the issue.
3. He asks the audience to text message their names to the address on the screen.
4. The names then start scrolling across the screen during the song. I was surprised not to see anything other than names go by, as I fully expected someone to put in something rude, so they must be scanning the text before throwing it to the screen.
5. I text messaged a blank message to the number to see what would happen. Perhaps I was one of the blank spaces that scrolled by on the screen? Hard to say, it was a random scroll of names in random groupings and speed.
6. Lastly, answering your “how does it help” question: The next day I received a test message which read as follows: “Hey this is Bono. Thanks for taking action with the ONE campaign to make AIDS and poverty history. Go www.one.org/UNITE for more. Peace.”
Somehow I doubt Bono was pecking away at his phone to message me directly, but still it peaked my curiosity enough to go look at the site.”
Thanks Peter!
On her message the Sun rep said Bono founded one.org to aid poverty and illness in Africa. You can click here to learn about one.org’s latest campaign.
