My buddy developed a web application that does mass texting. We use it for a charity group to send out texts blasts about events...

Danny

This might work as well. Not my area of expertise and I don't have much time today, but looks like it holds promise. You might have to read an ad, but...

http://www.textmarks.com/

This might actually work. I am almost done.
If it works on my phone, I might need you Danny (or someone) to see if it works on yours. I don't think we will have to manually enter a long list, so might be pretty easy. I will know soon.

http://www.textmarks.com/WINDY

I think you just put your phone number in the space provided, check off the "Agree to Terms", and then hit the "Subscribe" button on the above link. You will then get a PassWord sent via text message that you enter to confirm.
No need to enter a bunch of phone numbers manually. Anyone that wants to join just does so.

Then for anyone to call and enter current wind observations, we .... (still figuring this one out, but it's not hard I don't think). :p

Ok. It works.

To register, go to this link.
http://www.textmarks.com/WINDY

and follow the instructions in the prior post.

When wishing to enter an update to send out to others, the phone number to call is 41411.

In your text message, the FIRST word texted is 'windy'.... followed by a space and then the actual message. That first word (windy) clues the program as to which textmark group to send the text to. Don't forget it. :)

That message is instantly sent out to all that subscribe to the group "windy".
If someone wants to setup a different mark with a different name, that's fine. Or if you guys don't like this, again, that's fine. I don't even have text messaging as an option on my phone (had to borrow buddy's phone for this), so I obviously don't care. But this approach works.
Not sure of the charges. It says standard charges apply. Also, you can very easily unsubscribe if it becomes a pain.

There is an API for web-designers to put text messages onto their site and provide a text box to upload text messages (semi-Twitter like).

One last post, then have to leave.
On this mark's "homepage" it has a twitter like text feed toward the bottom on the right.
http://www.textmarks.com/WINDY
So, you could check that page from work and not need your phone on to "be in touch". Kind of a neat added feature.
IMHO, this app seems to really nail it.

perfect!!! can you (as admin) manage users if someone abuses the system? Just asking....

also could be good for something like :

"crazy asshat is flying his kite too close to shore in Clearwater.. need everyone to meet in 10 minutes to help puncture his kite!"

LMAO. I am still reading about it.
I was supposed to be at Derby Lane in a tourney... but..... I actually find this app quite good and want to learn about it.

I think this app holds a ton of promise for quickly getting out real wind info, not just iMight stuff.

Like you said Bryan, it's going to require that people use it accordingly. I don't think that will be a problem, actually.

One reason. When people text a report, their username is associated with the report, as shown on the bottom right of the "twitter like feed".
Yes, I do believe that membership can be limited, if need be.

Bryan, can you register and attempt to make an observation?
Maybe say "no wind in office". Thanks. Bob made an observation and the report was sent literally instantly.

This app has widgets for FaceBook, websites.. you name it.
It's very well thought out, imo.
Oh. All the times of the reports will be 3 hours off initially on the twitter like feed.
To change that, update "Your Profile" to reflect the correct time zone. Otherwise this app isn't very accurate with times. :eek:

HobieK,

Got it on phone and on homepage. :)

this is pretty awesome, could you maybe also link it up to a page in FKSA so it updates here too? im in!

There are widgets for it that can be placed just about anywhere.
It's just HTML. ;)
Here is an example of a widget on a demo site (top right)

http://www.scottfears.com/