Although a much smaller portion of the population used the technology, text messaging has been around since the 1990s. What is truly remarkable is that the author of the book 'Text-Me-Up' has managed to save every line she's been sent since 1999.
After 12 years of dialogue between Tracey Moberly and her friends and family, the British woman has logged her extensive collection of back-and-forths in a new book. It follows three primary narratives that offer insight into the life of the author, communicated through snippets of information and supported by written contributions from some of the main characters. Albeit an unusual structure for the compilation of an autobiography, the 'Text-Me-Up' book marks a new, exciting and contemporary genre to pop culture literature.
Published Autotextographies
'Text-Me-Up' Chronicles Two Decades of SMS Texting
Trend Themes
1. Long-term Text Messaging - Opportunity for businesses to explore the value of preserving and utilizing long-term text messaging conversations as a unique form of personal documentation.
2. Personal Data Archiving - Disruptive innovation opportunity in the creation of platforms and services that allow individuals to easily store and access their personal data, such as text messages, for future reference and analysis.
3. Digital Narrative Genres - Emerging genre of literature that incorporates personal digital communications, like text messages, as a means of storytelling, paving the way for new creative possibilities.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - Opportunity for publishers and authors to explore new formats and genres in literature by incorporating personal digital communications, such as SMS texts, into books and other published works.
2. Technology and Data Storage - Industry opportunity in designing secure and user-friendly methods of archiving and organizing personal data, including long-term text messaging conversations.
3. Digital Content Creation - Opportunity for content creators, such as filmmakers and game developers, to explore incorporating personal digital communications, like text messages, into their projects to enhance storytelling and create immersive experiences.