We’ve previously warned about it, and this week the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Authority (AMTA) is also again warning about the risk of mobile phone scams and spams.

“What do you need to know?”

They have released a handy guide to help identify possible SMS scams from subscriber and other more sinister sources.

The main points to remember when you receive a text from an unknown source:

• Be sure to check the number before replying, particularly if all you can see is a name. If the number begins with ‘19’ it is a premium rate service and you are likely to be charged at a higher rate for a text or call
• You may be charged for future text messages that you receive as well as messages you send
• If you don’t think you subscribed to the service, it could be a scam.

The best way to deal with dodgy texts?

Read their guide and most of all, use your common sense.

Same as you would with emails, at the very least, simply ignore and delete them!

Related story: Check out the AMTA Online Guide for more info on how to identify and deal with such sms’.

Stay vigilant peeps

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“How well do you support your favourite bands and artists online?”

…Especially those independent?

Bloggers may be the most important music critics of all, as a new study shows that online buzz from everyday people (ie not marketers) correlates to strong sales in the music business.

Jacqui of arstechnica writes a good article (relating to a survey done by New York University’s Stern Business School), about the strong influence online blogging and social networking can have on artists and bands album sales, especially pre-release.

How can online “chatter” help?

• We’ve heard some success stories from bands who released their music online first, to then have their albums debut in the charts @ No 1.
• And we know the power of MySpace for introducing you to new music.

Personally (so far), I only use MySpace for checking out artists and their music, guaging whether I want to go see them live or buy their CD. I also tend to check how often their songs are played and how many friends they have listed.

So, it comes as little surprise that the survey found that things like the number of online posts; and the number of MySpace friends a band had, influences album sales, “like a public badge of popularity”.

The survey goes on to note:

That trend doesn’t just apply to music from the Big Four, either. Albums from independent labels enjoyed the same level of success. But if an album was from a Big Four record label, sales increased five-fold after 40 legit blog posts. If blog posts crossed 250, album sales turned out to be six times the average, regardless of label.

I think it’s fantastic proof that we can all do our bit to help give independent musicians a leg up…

So, now armed with this powerful knowledge and stats -> go forward, post to facebook and blog to your hearts content about your favourite independent musicians.

Rock on groovers!

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“Do you find the Sumajin Smartwrap cord manager handy?”

Or, do you just like winning freebies?

If you answered ‘yes’ to either of these – read on.

Over at FunkyCoverz, we’re launching what we call the “all-you-need” Sumajin pack, which contains 3 Sumajin Smartwraps and (for a limited time) matching Sumajin Funky Earpads.

To celebrate the product launch, we’re offering all Funk-eList subscribers the chance to win a bonus pack of three (3) Sumajin Smartwraps. How cool is that?!

“Hmmm – Just what is a Smartwrap?”

For the uninitiated, it’s a small soft silicone gadget to wrap up your music player’s earphone cords – to keep them more manageable. (See example in image above). Very handy indeed!

“What do I have to do to win?”

Just tell us in 25 words or less, any other “handy” uses you can think of for the Smartwrap. Just your clean, clever, funny responses please..

Entry is open to all Funk-eList subscribers. If you’re not yet subscriber, you can join here. We have a monthly newsletter with product news and offers, reviews and more. We also offer member only specials (including 10% discount on sales).

“Cool! Where do I enter?”

READ MORE and ENTER COMPETITION HERE

Competition closes 14 April, so get your entries in NOW!

Good luck groovers

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Sumajin Smartwrap competition

Read FunkyCoverz email newsletter (Funk-eList) for product news and updates.

During February, we introduce the Sumajin Smartwrap 3 packs by launching a competition to win your very own 3-pack. Also this month new KROO Multi’s are in stock and we show you how to reduce your carbon footprint.

Newsletter: 28 February 2008

Happy reading!

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Why?
- Be first to hear about new products, upcoming promotional offers & discounts
- Keep up-to-date on industry news, information and product reviews
- Gain access to any “Funk-Elist members only” specials
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