Mobile Marketing Association MMA membership increases

The MMA (Mobile Marketing Association) today announced an addition of 33 new members bringing its membership close to 600 members.

From the press release

 “Our MMA membership continues to proactively and collaboratively drive the adoption of the mobile channel world-wide,” said Laura Marriott, president of the MMA.  “The MMA and its members have spent the last few years laying a solid foundation for growth and we look forward to making 2008 the year for mobile marketing globally.  We are particularly excited about our launch in Latin America and look forward to bringing our experiences in the creation of a sustainable channel for mobile marketing to our newest region.”
The latest companies to join the MMA member roster include:
• 1024 Wireless Services, LLC • CODEC İletişim ve Danışmanlık Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti. • Integmo Iletişim A.S. • Qwikker
• AdHere Mobile, Ltd. • DIMOCO – Direct Mobile Communications GmbH • Jinny Software Limited     • Real Content Group
• ADObjects Inc.   • Discovery Communications, LLC  • MGM Grand       • Reward Phone Inc         
• Aradiom Inc. • G-nius Mobile Intelligence Pty Ltd • MO7 Mobile Interactive Marketing • SnapNow         
• Catalist Group    • Hiwave GmbH     • Mobisix  • Tagit Pte Ltd
• Charged Media   • Iamota Corporation • Myxer Inc, • Turatel Mobil Medya İletişim ve Bilişim Hiz. Ltd. Şti.

• Cobalt LLP • Immersion Corp. • O2 • Unkasoft Advergaming
• Bercut Ltd • Mobiltim Iletisim Kurumsal Hizmetler A.S. • SHARPCARDS • Telecom Italia SpA
• Washington State Employees Credit Union   
What we think?
I can understand why Bercut or O2 or even Qwikker join the MMA but the Washington State Employees Credit Union?

What on earth? Without trying to discredit the work of the MMA, which is seriously trying to create a code of conduct for mobile advertising – when does membership of a group dilute the end effect.

Is it too easy or too cheap to join the MMA that everyone including non specific mobile players are jumping on the bandwagon?

Or is the wealth of the group just too broad to be effective. The trouble with standards and codes is that everyone wants what is best for them. Advergaming companies will have different goals to operators and (um) banks.

I haven’t actually spoken to the MMA for nearly a year now, I think that they have been avoiding me because of my comments but I am not trying to be rude or unfriendly – I just have never been given the chance to sit down with them and find out what the end goal is.
I will try and get an interview and report back. Any fans of the MMA? Please make yourself heard and leave a comment.

Related News:

1. Mobile Marketing Association Membership Crosses 700
2. Mobile Marketing Association White Paper on Mobile Applications
3. Laura Marriott MMA comments on Mobile Marketing and the Olympics
4. MMA Mobile Marketing Association Survey finds one in ten users love mobile marketing
5. Mobile Marketing Association launches South African Council