Txt: I Luv U, Will U Marry Me?

Mon, 14 Feb 2005

Txt: I Luv U, Will U Marry Me?

Kiwis will have more ways than ever to express their love or find a potential mate this year as the centuries-old Valentine’s Day tradition moves with the times.

This Valentine’s Day, Telecom expects Kiwis across the country to spend more than 65,000 hours chatting on the telephone to their loved ones – 20 percent higher than on an average day.

For long distance lovers, Telecom’s 99c Sunday two-hour capped calling special will mean they can spend more time whispering sweet nothings to each other.

In addition, Telecom expects more than 6 million text messages to be sent on the big day.

And for the first time ever, Kiwis in love can also send picture and video messages to their Valentines over the 027 mobile network on their picture and video-capable phones.

More than 25,000 photo and picture messages are expected to be sent on Monday including a special “marry me” picture message for those considering popping the question.

Information on how to download the “marry me” and other Valentine’s messages can be found at the Valentine’s Day site on www.xtraMSN.co.nz.

People looking for a mate this Valentine’s Day may also try logging on for love as the Internet becomes an increasingly popular place to find a date.

XtraMSN Personals provided in partnership with match.com is popular in New Zealand, and Carolyn McKenzie, Telecom’s Head of New Media says in today’s busy world dating online is very seductive.

“People work long hours and sometimes don’t have the opportunity to meet people outside their usual social circle. Internet dating allows them to meet new people who could turn out to be potential partners.

“All that awful awkwardness and the possibility of public humiliation are eliminated when you’re online and, ideally, you can bypass all the Mr and Miss not-quite-rights.”

While the Internet is a great way to meet new people, those dating online should also take sensible precautions such as not disclosing personal information without careful consideration and choosing popular spots for initial face-to-face meetings.

XtraMSN has also introduced a special Valentine’s Day site which includes dating tips as well as ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts, romantic recipes and e-cards to send.

The most popular pages are Lovescopes where predictions for 2005 include a trip down the aisle, a trip down memory lane back to an old flame or a holiday fling.

In 2004, the Valentine’s Day site was visited by 84,000 unique users and recorded 193,000 page impressions.

ENDS

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