Today I was over at Mobimedia and read a little about the site’s author and founder. Nice guy, lost his job as part of the 9/11 mess ensuing in downtown NYC. He started writing for fun, turned into a full-time career. Very cool, always looking for someone who has come through like that.
So, I visited his blog, and found the first story, with the bear shown here as the lead story. The purpose of this lovely little promotional bear, in a subway, was to remind people to wear headphones in the subway. Why? Noise pollution – and it’s very quiet in the subway.
Then the second most recent post caught my eye. “Someone is taking advantage of children!? No way!” So off I go to read more. In the end, he seemed mad not only that FireFly released a phone for children, but that Disney was about to start a new MVNO under Sprint, offering Disney characters emblazoned all over the phones. What a great idea!
Well, the author sure doesn’t think so. He thinks it’s exploitation.
First of all, the FireFly was designed for parents. Parents who want to provide their child with a wireless device to call them with the press of a button, well, mom or dad. Plus, the parents are able to program in “allowed numbers” which control the outgoing and incoming calls. So, it’s pretty secure. Actually, I think FireFly is a WONDERFUL idea. In fact, if they only leveraged the GPS inside of the thing, then they could have a lo-jack for their children!
Oh well, until next time, read all about a product before you bash it, okay?
Hi Lonny,
Thanks for visiting. I know firefly has preset buttons, and made a reference to it merely to state manufacturers were building devices with children in mind, FireFly is a great device.
The main point was manufacturers marketing towards children. I understand it’s part of the business, but at should they take uncertain health concerns into consideration rather than making a buck?
Allen