SHAFT: what you can and can't text

SMS in the US is regulated by the carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), not by InnerText. Every text you send passes through their network, and they automatically filter content that violates their rules. "SHAFT" is the shorthand for the categories they block.

What SHAFT stands for

If carriers detect SHAFT content in your texts, they silently drop the message. You won't always know; fans just don't receive it. Repeated violations can get your number blocked entirely.

Safe SMS body language

These are fine in an SMS body:

• "New drop today 🔥"
• "I made something just for you; tap below to see"
• "Custom set for my VIPs; link inside"

These will trigger carrier filtering:

• Any of the SHAFT categories above
• Drug or alcohol slang ("hit me up if you wanna get [drug]")
• Hate slurs of any kind

Other rules carriers enforce

• No URL shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl). InnerText already uses our own clean domain.
• No misleading sender identity. Don't impersonate a brand or another person.
• No unsolicited promotional content to people who haven't opted in. Every fan on InnerText opted in by texting you first, so this is automatic.

What happens if you violate

InnerText scans outbound content for obvious SHAFT triggers before sending. If we block it, you'll see a warning in the composer. If the message slips past us and the carrier filters it, your delivery report will show "blocked by carrier." Repeated patterns can put your number on a carrier deny list; call support@inner-text.com if you think yours has been flagged.