On ur mrks, gt txt, go!

gallery

If you ever needed proof that text messaging was more than just a communications medium, now you have it. A contest taking place in Los Angeles this weekend will see it firmly establishing itself as a world-record setting combat sport.

The snag is that popular text shorthand will not be allowed.

"Texting has become such a trend and kids are using texting as a form of communication. It's become like, 'Who can text the fastest?' Everyone thinks they are a good texter," said Amy Jones, spokeswoman for organisers LG Electronics.

Players will compete in groups to see who can text set phrases quickest and without errors, with the winner getting a $10,000 prize and advancement to the finals in New York on April 21st.

The first world record was set in London in 2005 at an event organised by PDA maker Palm to mark the launch of its Treo 650 handset.

Jones said 150 people have already signed up and more were expected on the day. She said the contest was the first organised text messaging competition for cash and other prizes.

Email to a friend

Print this page