Buzz Out Loud Lounge: I dont want SMS from the 5/11 BOL podcast.

I dont want SMS from the 5/11 BOL podcast.

I would approve of the use of SMS to alert citizens for public safety issues, as long as anyone anytime anywhere can totally opt-out.

For example, I will refer to the Amber Alert as it is implemented here in rural north-eastern Indiana. I work night shift, sleep during the day. I live on a small lake surrounded by corn fields. 40 miles away, a child is 'abducted' by the biological father. My NOAA weather radio alarm goes off, waking me up. What am I supposed to do? Stand at parade rest in front of my house 40 miles away and watch for a 6 year old girl last seen wearing jeans and a sweater?

Amber alerts or other safety messages belong on TV and radio, not my cellphone where I want complete control over the content.

I'll support the use of SMS as a mandatory pushed system as long as I can totally opt out ahead of time. Or why not make it an opt-in feature on the phone's menus.