They have another feature on cell phones which does the same thing, it is called voice mail. That way you get the satisfaction of actually talking to someone and they don't have to answer you except when they want. Works for land lines too. I do my texting via emails on my computer when I don't have the number of the person I want to call or if they distance is so far I don't want to pay long distance for every message. Otherwise texting seems like a cold, impersonal way to communicate.
I would have to say that text messaging is *more immediate* and also, at the same time, *less intrusive*....
One might not be able to get voice mail messages in a meeting, but one can get text messaging in a meeting without a single person being aware of it. All it takes is a glance and (with the iPhone) a simple “finger-touch” to the screen (and nothing more) to dismiss it off the screen. It’s easy, not intrusive, and gives the person a “heads-up” if necessary, even if in a meeting.
I’ll have the iPhone out and laying down, with the ringer off and a text message will pop-up and I know immediately “what is going on” without even so much as the person next to me knowing what is going on...
I hate voice mail. It wastes my time to call, wait for the connection and navigate through the menu, not to mention listening to the long-winded message. Better to send me a text. I still receive voice mail messages that say nothing more than, "I called you and you didn't answer." Um, I guess that explains the "missed call" display on my phone with your name. Why do people still do this?