While it is almost obvious to look at the behavior of sharing content from your mobile device through the perspective of what's been happening in mobile the past decade and a half; it is not as obvious to look at the history of sharing (trade, bartering, etc.) in order to determine what it is that we are actually doing to transfer what we deem as valuable to someone else.
Bringing the conversation back to computing, we ask first, "what types of content allow themselves to be shared?" From such a question, we don't look at intent, but we simply look at where our opportunities lie.
Links
Documents
Photos
Videos
Audio
Apps
Libraries/Databases
Internet Connectivity
Familiar Methods
Having established the types of content that we can share. Talk about sharing from our mobile device content in familiar methods. Depending on cultural context and access, some of these are more common than others.
Not every method of sharing content from one mobile to another is familiar. There are other methods used and experimented often in order to share content. These methods offer a bit more control in terms of what's being shared, and contain their own sets of risks and rewards.
Whatever the methods that one engages in sharing content from their mobile device(s), there are limitations, advantages, and other aspects which should be taken into consideration. This section is not an exhaustive listing, but should serve as part of the basis for any organizations social, legal, and technical policies regarding sharing content from mobile devices
Assumptions/Expectations
Limitations
Apple/iOS
Windows Phone
Java-Based Mobiles/Feature Phones
Advantages/Security
Optional to the Internet
User-to-User Resource Sharing
User determines can where content stored on device
Analytics/Reporting
Legal
Experiments
Demos
Ways to demonstrate the ability to share content from one mobile to another
Share your contact card using SMS
Share a note using Bluetooth
Use NFC to share a link
Download an application (Idea Flight) and share some kind of content
Summary
Regardless of your opinion or activity, the fact is that the mobile device is the primary computing device for very many persons in emerging and emerged markets. Because this is the case, their knowledge and practice of sharing content via mobile devices without a PC has to be taken into consideration for any interactive evangelical engagement. The concepts and practices mentioned in this presentation are only a guide for what can be utilized. Any ministry looking at sharing content needs to be mindful of these and other issues. All of those on the field should be aware of the practice of and limitations to sharing content from their mobile devices.
Mobile devices are not just consumption points, they are also transaction points
Shareable content should be shared
Recognize the opportunities and implications of mobile-to-mobile sharing, then create the best route forward
