About Islandgram.com
 

What is Islandgram?
Islandgram is the internet version of sending a message in a bottle, you write the message, seal it in a bottle, and send it off into the ocean. Someone from around the world may pick it up from the ocean and read it.

Who uses Islandgram?
Since this site was launched in May of 2006, people have been sending and receiving messages from all over the world. As of November 2006, over 3 million messages have been delivered.

How do I use Islandgram?
It is easy. To send a message, click the bottles on the sand, a paper scroll will appear for you to write your message on. Type your message, click the "Send" bottle and watch your bottle float away. That's all there is to it.

In order to receive a message, just watch the ocean, enjoy the view and a message may just come floating your way. When the bottle arrives close to the shore, click it open and read the message.
(Note: in order to receive a message, you must be in the standby mode, that is, you will not receive messages while writing a message, or while reading one.)

If you need help at any time, read the notes that appear on the wood board at the front of the sand. If you have trouble using the site, check the FAQ section.

Enjoy!

Who will receive my message?
Nobody knows where the current will take your bottle. It will float in the water until someone picks it up right here at the Islandgram website, or at any of the satellite Islandgram windows on other websites. The bottle may appear to anyone visiting Islandgram from around the world, and it only appears to one person at a time.
 

How long will it take before my message is picked up?
The bottle may float for some time before it is picked up, or it may be picked up immediately, there is no control over its destiny.

How can I pick up a sent message?
Visit the Islandgram website often and you may spot a bottle floating in the water. The Islandgram Lighthouse will flash a rotating spot light across the ocean when there is a bottle in the horizon. Click on the bottle when it gets close to the shore to pick it up and read the message.

Can I see where my bottle ended?
You have the option to track your bottles to see the comments that other people have added to your original message. Click here to read about Islandgram Tracking.

I have not received a bottle in a long time, am I doing something wrong?
As long as you see the Islandgram graphics then you are doing fine. It is normal if the currents have not been bringing you bottles. Enjoy the view and express yourself by sending a message out. A bottle will come your way eventually.

Can I send an Islandgram to a particular person?
Yes, it is called a Target Islandgram. If you wish your Islandgram to be picked up by a particular person, click the pile of bottles to write a new message, then click the Compass that appears below the writing scroll. The Compass light will turn on and an area to provide the email address of the recipient will appear. Once you click the send bottle, the ocean currents will magically direct your bottle to that person only. Your recipient will be sent an email with a link to retrieve the message you sent. For more information about Target Islandgrams, click here.
 

How many messages can I send and pick up?
You can send as many messages as you wish, just keep it fun and safe. You can also pick up as many bottles as you find floating across your shore.
 

What happens to the message after I pick it up?
Each message can be received by one person at a time. After your finish reading the message, you have the choice of tossing it back into the ocean, retiring it, or you can add a comment to it and send it again.

How much does it cost to use Islandgram?
Islandgram is free. It is totally maintained by the advertisements on this website and from the sale of message in a bottle Islandgrams at the Islandgram store. You can support Islandgram by considering the products that these merchants offer for your next purchase.
 

Why is there a search bar under the Islandgram Graphics window?

The Google search bar is there for your convenience to search the internet while waiting for Islandgrams.
 

What can I send in an Islandgram?
You can use Islandgram to send text messages. Here are some ideas for writing Islandgrams:

- Ask for a wish
- Share your wisdom
- Say it to get it off your chest
- Write a message to let go
- Use it as a means to vent
- Practice expressing your feelings
- Send a love letter hoping your favorite celebrity will pick it up
- Just for fun

Please note that some messages are not allowed in Islandgrams. Click here to read the Islandgram website Terms of Use and Rules of Conduct. Never provide information online that can lead you into trouble. Please help keep Islandgram fun and safe for everyone.
 

What else can I do on Islandgram?
Islandgram is constantly adding new features and enhancing old ones. Sending a Target Islandgram is a fun and unique way of sending a greeting instead of sending an e-card. The Islandgram Store offers real life message in a bottle Islandgrams that you can send to friends around the world. With the Satellite Islandgram feature, you can publish the Islandgram graphic on your own website, blog, or space and use it to communicate with Islandgram fans around the world. The Islandgram blog has great tools to enhance your Islandgramming experience. Translation links, featured messages, and where to find Islandgrammers are just a few examples.

More Information

If you need more information about using Islandgram, or if you have any technical difficulties please visit the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section. For other questions and comments please use this contact form.