[Jdjeff]

I suppose you are literally correct. My apologies. I assumed incorrectly that the sarcasm reflected derision, and not a serious response.

[ifonline]

Don't misunderstand. I do want to hear the earth-shattering plan for RIM by the OP. Really. But I also think that a true visionary wouldn't come to a fan site to ask if he should do something about his vision. In other words, while I want to hear what the OP has planned, I think this is thread is just a huge joke. That, or the OP really does think he is a visionary, which would be even more entertaining.

[daphne]

And I like popcorn, but where are the Magic Bananas???

[rambo47]

In the end, the magic banana solution to all of RIM's woes will be something like "Sell the company to Google." *sigh*

[stevetaz]

Or Micro$oft....

[leKing]

Sorry I didn't respond right away. I was initially a bit put off by the criticism and felt embarrased to even respond. Regardless, I sense that there may be someone here willing to give me an honest opinion about my idea. I know posts here are generally short so I apologize for my long-windedness.

So, here it is:

As a parent of a 5 and 8 y/o I wonder if mobile phone technology would offer products specifically designed for families. Since RIM is known for their secure network, couldn't there "research in motion" element come up with a type of phone or phone network package designed for parents wanting to keep their kids safe? There is a company in Canada that offers a push button phone that works like a walkie-talkie. But couldn't RIM develop an even more secure system where a young child would carry a handset that basically is a GPS-type system where the parent can know at any given time where the child is? The device could have child friendly controls that allow for a call to a parent/guardian or 911 (and a gaming/ipod type feature which can be disabled if a parent needs to discipline - lol). This device would also be relatively inexpensive and known to be rendered useless if in the hands of a bully or any person other than the child . . .?

Second part of this idea is in relation to the controversy around RIM compromising security under pressure from the Indian government. Since RIM is the leader in secure networks, why couldn't they become political (admit the Indian situation was a "learning experience") and develop a marketing strategy around being (one of) the first mobile phone companies to promote democracy in the world by joining forces with other "engaged multinational corporations" and various other international organizations (ex. Human Right's Watch, UNESCO, etc). RIM could develop a policy whereby they consult a special board to determine what groups/countries they should co-operate with to ensure a strong distribution of mobile handsets and secure networks (ex. in countries where democratic uprisings occur such as Libya or Egypt.)

Essentially with my 2 suggestions (1."family safety oriented device/network"; 2. political mission), I am suggesting that rather than (or in addition to) just getting bought out by Google or Microsoft, RIM could "re-brand" their name as a leader in "Ethical mobile comunications". I thought of E-phone but apparently that's already been used elsewhere . . .

Perhaps I am just a "dreamer" as opposed to a "visionary". But being a Canadian, I do wish this Canadian company could survive so that's why I even bothered posting this in the first place. Thanks for reading my long post.

[stevetaz]

Dreamer is probably a better term.

[jsconyers]

In America, the carriers offer products similar to what you're saying. Verizon and Sprint have Family Locator, AT&T has Family Map, and I believe T-Mobile has a Family Locator service as well. With these you can track where you kids or other family members are at all times, you can set check in times and such as well. This shows there is a market out there for it. But it also shows that why would anyone buy a specific phone for this as they're current phone has the same functionality.

As for your option 2, RIM has a pretty good reputation with government agencies, at least in North America, so your solution may be a possibility. However, the issue with it is all the money is in the consumer market, so even if they were to go that route, I don't think they would make as much revenue as they would if they would gain some of the consumer market share back.

Media from Verizon Wireless - Media from Verizon Wireless - Family Locator
https://sfl.sprintpcs.com/finder-spr...ily/signIn.htm
https://familymap.wireless.att.com/f...ly/welcome.htm

[JSanders]

Originally Posted by leKing

But couldn't RIM develop an even more secure system where a young child would carry a handset that basically is a GPS-type system where the parent can know at any given time where the child is? The device could have child friendly controls that allow for a call to a parent/guardian or 911 (and a gaming/ipod type feature which can be disabled if a parent needs to discipline - lol). This device would also be relatively inexpensive and known to be rendered useless if in the hands of a bully or any person other than the child . . .?

Contact RIM

Originally Posted by leKing

RIM could develop a policy whereby they consult a special board to determine what groups/countries they should co-operate with to ensure a strong distribution of mobile handsets and secure networks (ex. in countries where democratic uprisings occur such as Libya or Egypt.)
.

Ah, and RIM could maintain it's own militia so that when they end up 'co-operating' with the 'wrong' group and that group falls out of power, the RIM militia will be ready to protect the investment.

Better yet, if Apple cooperates with one group, RIM with another and Droid with yet a third, we can just watch all the fun on CNN while they fight it out somewhere in Tripoli. I think this idea is, well, let's call it less than brilliant.

Anyway, you're free to suggest whatever you want to RIM.

[NJBlackBerry]

Wow +1

[ifonline]

Originally Posted by leKing

Sorry I didn't respond right away... Thanks for reading my long post.

I'll say this much, your ideas aren't as insanely off-the-wall as I had expected. They are not, however, what I would consider visionary.

But because I am a good sport, I will offer you a "magic bananas" free of charge.

* ifonline flips his shirt collar up, points to daphne with a gold ring encrusted finger, and whispers like a greasy Vegas singer "That one's for you." *

[LunkHead]

I had a vision then my glasses fell off and now I can't see! Any help?
Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

[Freshapple]

5 minutes of my life I will never get back

[Thiego-uk]

Originally Posted by Freshapple

5 minutes of my life I will never get back

Oh! Hold on....
Here they are!

*Freshapple has been granted a extra 5 mins of life*

I hope you appreciate it ;)

[Thiego-uk]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Ah, and RIM could maintain it's own militia so that when they end up 'co-operating' with the 'wrong' group and that group falls out of power, the RIM militia will be ready to protect the investment.

Better yet, if Apple cooperates with one group, RIM with another and Droid with yet a third, we can just watch all the fun on CNN while they fight it out somewhere in Tripoli. I think this idea is, well, let's call it less than brilliant.

xD
PMSL really hard!!!!

[Thiego-uk]

@ Leking:

Hey mate,
I think it's kind of you sharing your idea with us but I dont think it would make any sort of impact which would prove the company any better but some tweaks on it can well bring a new device for the line. Not sure they would be interested but who knows...

All the best!

[David Haddad]

Most entertaining thread I have ever read here. I have to say his ideas were not half bad though. On the other hand it would have been funnier if his visionary idea had been "Blackberry could be the first phone that is dedicated to porn" or something like that.

[Cooper]

I remember hearing of someone sending PI (perimeter institute) an e-mail demanding to have a meeting with Jim and Mike personally.

They had an idea that would change business for RIM and it would be a product to make them hundreds of millions.

The person wouldn't divulge anything until he had a personal meeting with both Jim and Mike.

First off, PI was funded by Mike and Jim but aside from that it has no association with RIM. Second, this guy was some loser mortgage broker from Wasaga Beach.

lots of people have ideas, most are truly useless.

[NJBlackBerry]

You didn't meet him in a bar, did you?

[Cooper]

Originally Posted by NJBlackBerry

You didn't meet him in a bar, did you?

Nope.