On Tue, 10 May 2022 09:11:34 +0100, Champ <neal@champ.org.uk> wrote:

>On Tue, 10 May 2022 09:41:14 +0200, Ace <Ace@ch.com> wrote:
>
>>On Sun, 8 May 2022 18:14:28 +0100, YTC#1 <bdp@ytc1-spambin.co.uk>
>>wrote:
>>
>>>Pretty sure Vodafone don't charge me for sending pics via SMS.
>
>>I'm sure they don't, as you can't send pics via SMS.
>
>heh
>
>Of course, we both know he means MMS, don't we :-)

Spoilsport, I wanted to see how far he;d take it.

--
Ace
http://www.chaletbeauroc.com/

On 10/05/2022 09:11, Champ wrote:
> On Tue, 10 May 2022 09:41:14 +0200, Ace <Ace@ch.com> wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 8 May 2022 18:14:28 +0100, YTC#1 <bdp@ytc1-spambin.co.uk>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Pretty sure Vodafone don't charge me for sending pics via SMS.
>
>> I'm sure they don't, as you can't send pics via SMS.
>
> heh
>
> Of course, we both know he means MMS, don't we :-)

Yes, of course I did.
:-)

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On 10/05/2022 08:44, Ace wrote:
> On Sun, 8 May 2022 18:58:31 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>
>> On 08/05/2022 20:17, YTC#1 wrote:
>
>>> Easier than that.
>>> You can use a landline to confirm your number :-)
>>
>> You're going to need a really long cable when you're out and about then :-).
>
> You're missing the point - Whatsapp doesn't actually use the number
> except as a reference. It's quite possible to have the app installed
> on a device without a SIM card installed, like a tablet, so using a
> different phone number than the one actually active on your phone os
> perfectly viable.
>

Yep, it was an interesting approach that one. I was tempted but then
decided I was starting to go over the top :-)

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On 08/05/2022 12:00, ChrisND @UKRM wrote:
> I don't want any of the x00 people in my contacts list, who happen to be
> on WA already, suddenly being notified that I'm there too and sending
> all sorts of crap before I can shut it down!

I could be wrong (wouldn't be the first or last time) but I don't think
they are notified unless you give WhatsApp access to your contacts.
--
Kevin

1250 GSA, S10, FJ12
http://thewellers.net/

On 09/05/2022 11:55, YTC#1 wrote:
> On 09/05/2022 11:06, Hog wrote:
>> On Saturday, 7 May 2022 at 14:18:04 UTC+1, YTC#1 wrote:
>>
>>> I'm in the process of becoming a blood biker,

Top points for doing this BTW!

Chris

--
The Deuchars BBB#40 COFF#14
Yamaha XV750SE & Suzuki GS550t
http://www.Deuchars.org.uk

Ace wrote:

> On Sun, 8 May 2022 18:58:31 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>
> > On 08/05/2022 20:17, YTC#1 wrote:
>
> > > Easier than that.
> > > You can use a landline to confirm your number :-)
> >
> > You're going to need a really long cable when you're out and about
> > then :-).
>
> You're missing the point - Whatsapp doesn't actually use the number
> except as a reference. It's quite possible to have the app installed
> on a device without a SIM card installed, like a tablet, so using a
> different phone number than the one actually active on your phone os
> perfectly viable.

Hmm, that's why I wrote " Your number is only a unique id" earlier in
the thread. In WhatsApp settings, under 'Change number' it says "Make
sure you are able to receive SMS or calls at your new number" so I take
it WA needs to be installed somewhere reachable before you can log in
elsewhere such as a PC or tablet.

--
Geoff
Honda NTV650

On 10/05/2022 12:42, geoffC wrote:
> Ace wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 8 May 2022 18:58:31 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>>
>>> On 08/05/2022 20:17, YTC#1 wrote:
>>
>>>> Easier than that.
>>>> You can use a landline to confirm your number :-)
>>>
>>> You're going to need a really long cable when you're out and about
>>> then :-).
>>
>> You're missing the point - Whatsapp doesn't actually use the number
>> except as a reference. It's quite possible to have the app installed
>> on a device without a SIM card installed, like a tablet, so using a
>> different phone number than the one actually active on your phone os
>> perfectly viable.
>
>
> Hmm, that's why I wrote " Your number is only a unique id" earlier in
> the thread. In WhatsApp settings, under 'Change number' it says "Make
> sure you are able to receive SMS or calls at your new number" so I take
> it WA needs to be installed somewhere reachable before you can log in
> elsewhere such as a PC or tablet.
>

And you've missed the point that a non conencted (to your tablet/phone)
landline to validate your account.

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On 10/05/2022 12:22, ChrisND @UKRM wrote:
> On 09/05/2022 11:55, YTC#1 wrote:
>> On 09/05/2022 11:06, Hog wrote:
>>> On Saturday, 7 May 2022 at 14:18:04 UTC+1, YTC#1 wrote:
>>>
>>>> I'm in the process of becoming a blood biker,
>
> Top points for doing this BTW!
>

Ta.
It just seemed the stage in the process after giving plasma monthly.
Also call it pre-retirment planning :-)

>

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

YTC#1 wrote:

>
>
> On 10/05/2022 12:42, geoffC wrote:
> > Ace wrote:
> >
> >>On Sun, 8 May 2022 18:58:31 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
> > >
> > > > On 08/05/2022 20:17, YTC#1 wrote:
> > >
> > > > > Easier than that.
> > > > > You can use a landline to confirm your number :-)
> > > >
> > > > You're going to need a really long cable when you're out and
> > > > about then :-).
> > >
> > > You're missing the point - Whatsapp doesn't actually use the
> > > number except as a reference. It's quite possible to have the app
> > > installed on a device without a SIM card installed, like a
> > > tablet, so using a different phone number than the one actually
> > > active on your phone os perfectly viable.
> >
> >
> > Hmm, that's why I wrote " Your number is only a unique id" earlier
> > in the thread. In WhatsApp settings, under 'Change number' it says
> > "Make sure you are able to receive SMS or calls at your new number"
> > so I take it WA needs to be installed somewhere reachable before
> > you can log in elsewhere such as a PC or tablet.
> >
>
> And you've missed the point that a non conencted (to your
> tablet/phone) landline to validate your account.

Yes, I get that, your landline can obviously receive calls, but if I
want to use WA on my PC I have to scan a QR code with my smartphone,
how do you do that with a landline?

--
Geoff
Honda NTV650

On Tue, 10 May 2022 16:48:33 -0000 (UTC), "geoffC" <me@home.nl> wrote:

>YTC#1 wrote:

>> And you've missed the point that a non conencted (to your
>> tablet/phone) landline to validate your account.
>
>Yes, I get that, your landline can obviously receive calls, but if I
>want to use WA on my PC I have to scan a QR code with my smartphone,
>how do you do that with a landline?

You don't. You use the landline (I'm not sure about this personally,
but you could certainly use a different mobile number, as mentioned
earlier - can you receive SMS on a landline?) to validate the install
of the app on your Android phone, which is then associated with that
first number in name only, then use that primary install on your phone
to allow other devices like the PC to co-exist.
--
Ace
http://www.chaletbeauroc.com/

Ace <Ace@ch.com> wrote in news:o98l7h1udi6kdnuiu70288ggmq9hrt42e9@4ax.com:

> On Tue, 10 May 2022 16:48:33 -0000 (UTC), "geoffC" <me@home.nl> wrote:
>
>>YTC#1 wrote:
>
>>> And you've missed the point that a non conencted (to your
>>> tablet/phone) landline to validate your account.
>>
>>Yes, I get that, your landline can obviously receive calls, but if I
>>want to use WA on my PC I have to scan a QR code with my smartphone,
>>how do you do that with a landline?
>
> You don't. You use the landline (I'm not sure about this personally,
> but you could certainly use a different mobile number, as mentioned
> earlier - can you receive SMS on a landline?) to validate the install
> of the app on your Android phone, which is then associated with that
> first number in name only, then use that primary install on your phone
> to allow other devices like the PC to co-exist.
>

I have had texts delivered to a landline voicemail and vice versa,
depending on what system is being used.

On 10/05/2022 18:37, Ace wrote:
> On Tue, 10 May 2022 16:48:33 -0000 (UTC), "geoffC" <me@home.nl> wrote:
>
>> YTC#1 wrote:
>
>>> And you've missed the point that a non conencted (to your
>>> tablet/phone) landline to validate your account.
>>
>> Yes, I get that, your landline can obviously receive calls, but if I
>> want to use WA on my PC I have to scan a QR code with my smartphone,
>> how do you do that with a landline?
>
> You don't. You use the landline (I'm not sure about this personally,
> but you could certainly use a different mobile number, as mentioned
> earlier - can you receive SMS on a landline?) to validate the install

Correct.

> of the app on your Android phone, which is then associated with that
> first number in name only, then use that primary install on your phone
> to allow other devices like the PC to co-exist.
Again, correct.

Then, the accoint is linked on that phone.
Switch the SIM and it will still be the same account.

>

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

Ace wrote:

> On Tue, 10 May 2022 16:48:33 -0000 (UTC), "geoffC" <me@home.nl> wrote:
>
> > YTC#1 wrote:
>
> >> And you've missed the point that a non conencted (to your
> >> tablet/phone) landline to validate your account.
> >
> > Yes, I get that, your landline can obviously receive calls, but if I
> > want to use WA on my PC I have to scan a QR code with my smartphone,
> > how do you do that with a landline?
>
> You don't. You use the landline (I'm not sure about this personally,
> but you could certainly use a different mobile number, as mentioned
> earlier - can you receive SMS on a landline?) to validate the install
> of the app on your Android phone, which is then associated with that
> first number in name only, then use that primary install on your phone
> to allow other devices like the PC to co-exist.
>

Yes, I think that would work, validation is with SMS or call. Thanks
for clearing that one up. I still think a separate PAYG number would be
more secret. If you've had the land line number long enough it's bound
to be in a few databases.

--
Geoff
Honda NTV650

On 10/05/2022 22:32, geoffC wrote:
> Ace wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 10 May 2022 16:48:33 -0000 (UTC), "geoffC" <me@home.nl> wrote:
>>
>>> YTC#1 wrote:
>>
>>>> And you've missed the point that a non conencted (to your
>>>> tablet/phone) landline to validate your account.
>>>
>>> Yes, I get that, your landline can obviously receive calls, but if I
>>> want to use WA on my PC I have to scan a QR code with my smartphone,
>>> how do you do that with a landline?
>>
>> You don't. You use the landline (I'm not sure about this personally,
>> but you could certainly use a different mobile number, as mentioned
>> earlier - can you receive SMS on a landline?) to validate the install
>> of the app on your Android phone, which is then associated with that
>> first number in name only, then use that primary install on your phone
>> to allow other devices like the PC to co-exist.
>>
>
> Yes, I think that would work, validation is with SMS or call. Thanks
> for clearing that one up. I still think a separate PAYG number would be
> more secret. If you've had the land line number long enough it's bound
> to be in a few databases.
>

Do people still answer land lines? I unplugged mine in 2015[1]. Have to
have one as part of VM "bundle".

There are options available to get a number, at no cost, to use for the
WA validation. https://www.textnow.com

[1] And couldn't be arsed hunting out a phone to plug , anther reason
not to use that option for WA.

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On Tue, 10 May 2022 19:18:11 -0000 (UTC), wessie
<willnotwork@tesco.net> wrote:

>I have had texts delivered to a landline voicemail

Reminds me of when I was on stationery in traffic on the M25 on the
way to Cane's (formerly of this parish), and texted him from the car
and accidentally used his work number instead of his mobile, and sent
an expletive laden msg [1]. He called me the next day to say how
amusing the text-to-voice rendition of this was

[1] "the fucking M25 is fucking fucked" sort of thing
--
Champ
neal at champ dot org dot uk

I don't know, but I been told
You never slow down, you never grow old

On Wed, 11 May 2022 09:49:50 +0100, YTC#1 <bdp@ytc1-spambin.co.uk>
wrote:

>Do people still answer land lines? I unplugged mine in 2015

Yes. Much prefer to use (to call or recieve) as the quality is much
better. Also have a cost-effective bundle meaning almost all calls
are 'free' (i.e. have zero marginal cost)
--
Champ
neal at champ dot org dot uk

I don't know, but I been told
You never slow down, you never grow old

On Wed, 11 May 2022 13:31:48 +0100, Champ <neal@champ.org.uk> wrote:

>On Wed, 11 May 2022 09:49:50 +0100, YTC#1 <bdp@ytc1-spambin.co.uk>
>wrote:
>
>>Do people still answer land lines? I unplugged mine in 2015
>
>Yes. Much prefer to use (to call or recieve) as the quality is much
>better. Also have a cost-effective bundle meaning almost all calls
>are 'free' (i.e. have zero marginal cost)

We still have a landline at our French house, simply because the fibre
internet package includes it anyway. I use it to make calls very
occasionally when we're there, given that my Swiss mobile package
gives unlimited "free" calls anyway. When J's there and I'm not I call
her on it out of preference, as her roaming package does have a limit,
and we don't like to take the piss and use her work phone too much.

We've been up there for the last couple of weeks and received just one
actual call (which went to Voicemail, as it happens) compared with
about five or six spam calls per day, most of which thankfully
disconnect immediately when I pick up without saying anything).

--
Ace
http://www.chaletbeauroc.com/

On 11/05/2022 13:31, Champ wrote:
> On Wed, 11 May 2022 09:49:50 +0100, YTC#1 <bdp@ytc1-spambin.co.uk>
> wrote:
>
>> Do people still answer land lines? I unplugged mine in 2015
>
> Yes. Much prefer to use (to call or recieve) as the quality is much
> better.

Not any more it ain't Grandad. Whatsapp etc. use much better quality
codecs[1] than landlines. Some mobiles/operators implement HD calling as
well.

Also have a cost-effective bundle meaning almost all calls
> are 'free' (i.e. have zero marginal cost)

[1] mostly developed by the Skype geniuissseses.

--
/Simon

On 08/05/2022 11:57, ChrisND @UKRM wrote:
> On 08/05/2022 09:58, YTC#1 wrote:
>>
>>
>> On 07/05/2022 14:55, Alan wrote:
>>> On Sat, 07 May 2022 14:18:02 +0100, YTC#1 wrote:
>>>
>>>> I'm in the process of becoming a blood biker, passed assesment ride
>>>> today, however they do *everything* via WhatsApp.
>>>>
>>>> To carry on I will need to reinstall/rejoin it.
>>>>
>>>> Soooo, before I get on it and play, what options are open to me for :
>>>> Not being seen by others?
>>>> Only joining groups I want to join?
>>>> Only letting limited people see me?
>>>>
>>>> Any thoughts?
>>>
>>> I was under the impression that Whatsapp was a messaging service, rather
>>> than a social media thing. That's they only way I've used it.
>>> You just put your phone number in, and no more details required. Someone
>>> can then send their message to your number and vice versa.
>>
>> Just like SMS :-)
>>
>>> Groups can be messaged, and people can be added/removed from groups.
>>> Otherwise that's it.
>>
>> At it's core, yes it is a messaging service.
>> But once you have allowed it access to your contacts, then they can
>> all see that your are using the service[1]. That is the bit I am
>> trying to work around right now.
>>
>> Anyone can add you to a group.
>>
>> Basically, I'd like to "block all" and then add the contacts I want to
>> use with it.
>
> "Me Too"

Tried Signal? It's more secure than WhatsApp.

On 11/05/2022 19:06, Tim wrote:
> On 08/05/2022 11:57, ChrisND @UKRM wrote:
>> On 08/05/2022 09:58, YTC#1 wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> On 07/05/2022 14:55, Alan wrote:
>>>> On Sat, 07 May 2022 14:18:02 +0100, YTC#1 wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I'm in the process of becoming a blood biker, passed assesment ride
>>>>> today, however they do *everything* via WhatsApp.
>>>>>
>>>>> To carry on I will need to reinstall/rejoin it.
>>>>>
>>>>> Soooo, before I get on it and play, what options are open to me for :
>>>>> Not being seen by others?
>>>>> Only joining groups I want to join?
>>>>> Only letting limited people see me?
>>>>>
>>>>> Any thoughts?
>>>>
>>>> I was under the impression that Whatsapp was a messaging service,
>>>> rather
>>>> than a social media thing. That's they only way I've used it.
>>>> You just put your phone number in, and no more details required.
>>>> Someone
>>>> can then send their message to your number and vice versa.
>>>
>>> Just like SMS :-)
>>>
>>>> Groups can be messaged, and people can be added/removed from groups.
>>>> Otherwise that's it.
>>>
>>> At it's core, yes it is a messaging service.
>>> But once you have allowed it access to your contacts, then they can
>>> all see that your are using the service[1]. That is the bit I am
>>> trying to work around right now.
>>>
>>> Anyone can add you to a group.
>>>
>>> Basically, I'd like to "block all" and then add the contacts I want
>>> to use with it.
>>
>> "Me Too"
>
> Tried Signal? It's more secure than WhatsApp.
>
Yes, and use it for most comms now.
But a lot of businesses[1] and organisations are too deep in with the
likes of WA.

[1] Like the UK Gov.

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On 11/05/2022 13:31, Champ wrote:
> On Wed, 11 May 2022 09:49:50 +0100, YTC#1 <bdp@ytc1-spambin.co.uk>
> wrote:
>
>> Do people still answer land lines? I unplugged mine in 2015
>
> Yes. Much prefer to use (to call or recieve) as the quality is much
> better. Also have a cost-effective bundle meaning almost all calls
> are 'free' (i.e. have zero marginal cost)

Mobile qualtiy is fine, and when it isn't I have WiFi calling (now, was
a pita before that).

But the landline used to be mainly sales calls etc. My mum was the only
one who ever rang it in the end.

Absoulutly no use for one anymore.

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 6:53:01 PM UTC+1, siwilson wrote:
> On 11/05/2022 13:31, Champ wrote:
> > On Wed, 11 May 2022 09:49:50 +0100, YTC#1 <b...@ytc1-spambin.co.uk>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> Do people still answer land lines? I unplugged mine in 2015
> >
> > Yes. Much prefer to use (to call or recieve) as the quality is much
> > better.
> Not any more it ain't Grandad. Whatsapp etc. use much better quality
> codecs[1] than landlines. Some mobiles/operators implement HD calling as
> well.
> Also have a cost-effective bundle meaning almost all calls
> > are 'free' (i.e. have zero marginal cost)
> [1] mostly developed by the Skype geniuissseses.

Never had a landline at home. Our phones at work are VOIP and HD and better quality than my first HiFi, really clear and miles ahead of a crackly rustly old POT.

On 11/05/2022 19:11, YTC#1 wrote:
> On 11/05/2022 19:06, Tim wrote:
>> On 08/05/2022 11:57, ChrisND @UKRM wrote:
>>> On 08/05/2022 09:58, YTC#1 wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 07/05/2022 14:55, Alan wrote:
>>>>> On Sat, 07 May 2022 14:18:02 +0100, YTC#1 wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm in the process of becoming a blood biker, passed assesment ride
>>>>>> today, however they do *everything* via WhatsApp.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> To carry on I will need to reinstall/rejoin it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Soooo, before I get on it and play, what options are open to me for :
>>>>>> Not being seen by others?
>>>>>> Only joining groups I want to join?
>>>>>> Only letting limited people see me?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Any thoughts?
>>>>>
>>>>> I was under the impression that Whatsapp was a messaging service,
>>>>> rather
>>>>> than a social media thing. That's they only way I've used it.
>>>>> You just put your phone number in, and no more details required.
>>>>> Someone
>>>>> can then send their message to your number and vice versa.
>>>>
>>>> Just like SMS :-)
>>>>
>>>>> Groups can be messaged, and people can be added/removed from groups.
>>>>> Otherwise that's it.
>>>>
>>>> At it's core, yes it is a messaging service.
>>>> But once you have allowed it access to your contacts, then they can
>>>> all see that your are using the service[1]. That is the bit I am
>>>> trying to work around right now.
>>>>
>>>> Anyone can add you to a group.
>>>>
>>>> Basically, I'd like to "block all" and then add the contacts I want
>>>> to use with it.
>>>
>>> "Me Too"
>>
>> Tried Signal? It's more secure than WhatsApp.
>>
> Yes, and use it for most comms now.
> But a lot of businesses[1] and organisations are too deep in with the
> likes of WA.
>
> [1] Like the UK Gov.
>
This is the problem. If people use it at work then they will obviously
tend to favour that 'at home'. Plus the fact that anything 'free' or
even 'open source' is perceived as being run by a bunch of long-haired,
deviant weirdos - completely missing the point that what they use for
business probably started, and may even be maintained still, that way too.

Chris

--
The Deuchars BBB#40 COFF#14
Yamaha XV750SE & Suzuki GS550t
http://www.Deuchars.org.uk

On Wed, 11 May 2022 18:52:59 +0100, siwilson
<siwilson@nodamnspam.hotmail.com> wrote:

>On 11/05/2022 13:31, Champ wrote:
>> On Wed, 11 May 2022 09:49:50 +0100, YTC#1 <bdp@ytc1-spambin.co.uk>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Do people still answer land lines? I unplugged mine in 2015
>>
>> Yes. Much prefer to use (to call or recieve) as the quality is much
>> better.

>Not any more it ain't Grandad. Whatsapp etc. use much better quality
>codecs[1] than landlines. Some mobiles/operators implement HD calling as
>well.

That's not my experience, comparing landline with actual GSM mobile
telephony. I can rarely be arsed with using WhatsApp for a voice
calls (guess I am a grandad, after all). Loads of people here (on the
IoM) use Facebook Messenger for voice calls, which (again, in my
experience) is of vary variable quality

--
Champ
neal at champ dot org dot uk

I don't know, but I been told
You never slow down, you never grow old

On 12/05/2022 11:16, ChrisND @UKRM wrote:
> On 11/05/2022 19:11, YTC#1 wrote:
>> On 11/05/2022 19:06, Tim wrote:
>>> On 08/05/2022 11:57, ChrisND @UKRM wrote:
>>>> On 08/05/2022 09:58, YTC#1 wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 07/05/2022 14:55, Alan wrote:
>>>>>> On Sat, 07 May 2022 14:18:02 +0100, YTC#1 wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm in the process of becoming a blood biker, passed assesment ride
>>>>>>> today, however they do *everything* via WhatsApp.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> To carry on I will need to reinstall/rejoin it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Soooo, before I get on it and play, what options are open to me
>>>>>>> for :
>>>>>>> Not being seen by others?
>>>>>>> Only joining groups I want to join?
>>>>>>> Only letting limited people see me?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Any thoughts?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I was under the impression that Whatsapp was a messaging service,
>>>>>> rather
>>>>>> than a social media thing. That's they only way I've used it.
>>>>>> You just put your phone number in, and no more details required.
>>>>>> Someone
>>>>>> can then send their message to your number and vice versa.
>>>>>
>>>>> Just like SMS :-)
>>>>>
>>>>>> Groups can be messaged, and people can be added/removed from groups.
>>>>>> Otherwise that's it.
>>>>>
>>>>> At it's core, yes it is a messaging service.
>>>>> But once you have allowed it access to your contacts, then they can
>>>>> all see that your are using the service[1]. That is the bit I am
>>>>> trying to work around right now.
>>>>>
>>>>> Anyone can add you to a group.
>>>>>
>>>>> Basically, I'd like to "block all" and then add the contacts I want
>>>>> to use with it.
>>>>
>>>> "Me Too"
>>>
>>> Tried Signal? It's more secure than WhatsApp.
>>>
>> Yes, and use it for most comms now.
>> But a lot of businesses[1] and organisations are too deep in with the
>> likes of WA.
>>
>> [1] Like the UK Gov.
>>
> This is the problem.  If people use it at work then they will obviously
> tend to favour that 'at home'.  Plus the fact that anything 'free' or
> even 'open source' is perceived as being run by a bunch of long-haired,
> deviant weirdos - completely missing the point that what they use for
> business probably started, and may even be maintained still, that way too.
>

Actually, I think you will find it is/was the other way around.
People used WA at home, and started using it for work etc.

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/